Issue - meetings

The presentation from the NHS representatives provides an update on the North Central London Integrated Care Systems and Borough Partnership Programme and impact on the London Borough of Enfield.

Deborah McBeal, Director of Integration, Enfield Borough Directorate, NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board and Stephen Wells, Head of Enfield Borough Partnership Programme spoke to the presentation which provided an update on the North Central London Integrated Care Systems and Borough Partnership Programme and impact on the London Borough of Enfield.

During the discussion which ensued and, in response to questions from the Members of the Panel, the following points were made and addressed.

The Chair expressed the view that, as he was not aware that this was part of the current governance structure, he would like to see greater involvement of elected representatives on the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

An active partnership working group were working to create a detailed plan to increase the take up of immunisations. This follows the reduction in the take up of all immunisations, but particularly polio and tuberculosis (TB).  The polio virus had been recently found in a sewage works plant and was an area of concern.  The plan would include an approach to work with various community groups, including schools and voluntary sector organisations, and to deliver a positive message about the benefits of immunisations.

There had been an increase in the number of reported cases of Strep A, a seasonal occurrence, which were higher this season and there were no vaccines available.  The focus of the proactive work had been to inform and advise schools and partnership organisations of the preventative measures to take.  Individuals with symptoms were excluded from school for 24 hours.  The good relationships built up with all schools across the Borough throughout the Covid pandemic had been maintained, this had resulted in a good response from schools to the advice issued.

It was essential that work continued on smoking cessation programmes, as smoking, together with obesity, had a significant impact on health.  New ways of reaching out and encouraging individuals to join the cessation programme had been found, for example there was online support through the telephone portal.  Residents were made aware of the schemes available to help them to stop smoking.  The partnership was working with the Council to bring together the offer in a coordinated manner.

Members acknowledged there was a huge need and work to be done across the Borough, principally around smoking (including vaping) but also adult social care and care homes.  With regards to vaping the Council was responsible for the licensing of premises and the prevalence of fast-food restaurants which were contributary factors to smoking and obesity. 

Work was currently underway to identify options and alternative ways of integrated working to reduce pressure on the stretched health services and to provide better outcomes for residents now and in the future. 

Members welcomed the information that a further report would be brought to the Panel on the future development of Integrated Teams and the service offer available to residents across the Borough.  The NCL was working to improve the long-term conditions with GPs, who were working over and above their contractual  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4