Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, and Dr Somen Banerjee, Acting Corporate Director of Health, Adults and Social Care, provided reflections and achievements from last year and priorities for municipal year 2024/25.

Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury introduced the item and emphasised  a commitment to prioritising health care for the borough. Preparations for the upcoming inspection of the Adult Social Care (ASC) service from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are ongoing, as well as the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).

Dr Banerjee, then reflected on the Councils key achievements, including positive feedback from 86% of residents receiving domiciliary Home Care. A new model will be commissioned shortly to continue to meet resident’s needs. Further details on a needs assessment conducted within the ASC Directorate, to understand increased demand were noted. Early findings indicate an increase in the under 65’s, who require less support and more complex health issues for residents over the age of 65. The main priority is to tackle funding concerns and transform the ASC service.

Members were informed that revised data on Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing showed the borough has increased health disparities, substance misuse issues, lower healthy life expectancy rates, and issues with overcrowding, homelessness, and the highest population turnover in London. Workforce pressures, gaps in the health care sector, recruitment issues and the impact of the pandemic are also challenging the service.

A Capital project is being developed for culturally sensitive care homes, and ‘Housing with Care’ to reduce the need for residential care and nursing homes whenever possible. An enhanced ‘Technology Enabled Care’ offer is also being utilised to assist in independent living and reduce unit expenses in the ASC sector.

Prevention initiatives include more promotion on the Vital Five to empower residents to improve physical and mental health. These include stopping smoking, reducing obesity, blood pressure and diabetes checks and reducing alcohol intake. It was noted that the borough has the highest admission rate for alcohol related issues, despite a large number of non-drinkers.

Further to  questions from the sub-committee, Dr Banerjee and Katie O’Driscoll, Director of Adult Social Care;

·       Explained that many residents, particularly men, are unaware they may have high blood pressure and do not go for check-ups. Further promotion is required to raise awareness.

·       Noted that a needs assessment around substance misuse was undertaken in collaboration with the Combating Drugs Partnership. Findings indicated that Tower Hamlets has the highest levels of misuse, with synthetic substance use on the rise, such as fentanyl and high strength cannabis in vapes.

·       Confirmed that substance misuse services will be recommissioned for both young and older residents to combat the increase.

·       Clarified that a self-assessment has been completed in preparation for the CQC inspection. The recent ADASS Peer Review outlined current strengths and areas of development. A joint Quality and Improvement Board with ASC and Commissioning has been established to give an overview of performance and continually improve the quality of services.

The Sub-Committee thanked Officers for their presentation.

The Health and Adults Sub-Committee RESOLVED;

1.    That the presentation be noted.