Agenda and minutes

To issue a welcome to those present, and to confirm if there are any apologies for absence.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and led on introductions. Apologies had been received from Councillor Singh Johal and Councillor Westley, with Councillor Orton attending as substitute for Councillor Westley.

Members will be asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

There were no declarations of interest made.

The minutes of the meeting of the Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission held on 8^th July 2025 have been circulated, and Members will be asked to confirm them as a correct record.

The minutes of the Public Health and Health Integration Scrutiny Commission  held 8^th July 2025, were confirmed as a correct record.

The Chair is invited to make any announcements as they see fit.

The Chair advised the Commission that Blood Centres across the East Midlands had issued an urgent appeal for more donors, due to missed and cancelled appointments over the summer holidays.

Any questions, representations and statements of case submitted in accordance with the Council’s procedures will be reported.

It was noted that none had been received.

Any petitions received in accordance with Council procedures will be reported.

It was noted that none had been received.

The Integrated Care Board submits a report to provide an update on the national reform of the NHS operating model across England, which will involve the integration of the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, and a changed role for ICBs.

The Chief Strategy officer for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board submitted a report to update the commission on national reform of the NHS operating model across England which will involve the integration of the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, and a changed role for ICBs.

It was noted that:

·       Dr Sanganee provided a brief update on the presentation slides and the reconfiguration process, including the clustering arrangements with Northamptonshire to form the LNR.

·       LLR and Northamptonshire ICBs remain separate statutory bodies. Working in partnership, however over time they would work as one cluster with

­    Single Board Governance

­    Unified Leadership Team

­   Shared staffing structure

·       Building a transformational cluster between NICB and LLR ICBs provided the opportunity to drive forward the Ten-Year Plan within communities and neighbourhoods, to continue improving health outcomes, while at the same time rising to the very real financial challenges faced

·       It was reported that the 10-year health plan had been launched, alongside structural changes within NHS England, with ICBs required to reduce their running costs by 50%. This would have significant impacts nationally.

·       The clustering process was explained as not being a merger, but separate bodies working in partnership under a single board governance structure. Progress was continuing at this stage.

·       Nationally, chair arrangements had been announced. For the LNR cluster, Anu Singh (former chair in the Black Country) had been appointed, and Toby Sanders, Chief Executive, would be the Chief Executive across the cluster. Further national announcements were still awaited.

·       Reference was made to the model ICB blueprint and running cost requirements, noting that Northamptonshire was already implementing these changes.

·       The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB replaced the Leicester City, East Leicestershire and Rutland and West Leicestershire clinical commissioning groups. The ICB manages the budget for the provision of NHS services in LLR

·       The commission cycle was described as something already in practice, supporting stronger organisations through reductions in operational work.

·       The focus remained on the health and wellbeing of the population, delivering high-quality care, reducing waiting times and improving patient experience.

·       Partnership working with organisations and community leaders was ongoing, and the role of local authority colleagues was highlighted as increasingly important.

·       The cluster design and functions were outlined as a developing process, with an emphasis on keeping partners informed.

In discussions with Members and Youth Representatives, it was noted:

·       Members raised concerns that documents presented to the commission in March had been out of date.

·       It was confirmed that Paula Clark remained ICB Chair until 1 October when Anu Singh would take over a new Chair.

·       Concerns were raised around the complexity of the new structure, the lack of visibility of leaders attending Scrutiny Commission Meetings and how accountability would be maintained across Leicester, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

·       Concerns were expressed that the reports provided contained little information about Northamptonshire, and it was questioned how accountability would be ensured.

·       Members acknowledged the challenges for staff and suggested it would be helpful for the new Chief  ...  view the full minutes text for item 156.

The Integrated Care Board submits a report to provide assurance regarding the plans in place to manage health system pressures across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) over winter 2025/26.

The Chief Medical Officer introduced the item. It was noted that:

·       The winter plan was developed annually.

·       There were urgent emergency care challenges throughout the year, with increased challenges over winter, due to respiratory viruses and seasonal pressures.

The LLR ICB Head of Emergency Care gave an overview of the planning process and detailed the steps in place to ensure correct intervention levels were in established. Key points to note were as follows:

·       NHS England had adopted a different approach when asking ICB’s to develop their winter plans, with an increased emphasis on detail and mandated content.

·       All ICB’s develop Winter Plans, which were tailored to meet their particular area requirements.

·       Plans must include the Health and Care position on surge and super surge. (Suge being increased activity owing to flu, COVID or RSV and Super Surge pertaining to a combination of respiratory challenges.)

·       Workforce deficit planning was vital to allow for winter illness and infection outbreaks.

·       NHS England mandated planning timelines.

·       Regional stress testing events enabled further planning consideration.

·       The NHS currently developed its own plans. The LPT plan had been to board that week, while the UHL plan was scheduled at their board at the end of the week.

·       Engagement was ongoing with a variety of working groups.

·       The vaccination plan was a key focus for the upcoming winter, covering Covid 19, Flu & respiratory vaccines, targets were in place.

·       Key prioritised groups included pregnant women, young children, school age children, older adults, those with existing health issues and staff.

·       The approach consisted of two key components:

o   Ensuring accessible access to vaccination services.

o   Increasing awareness among key groups.

·       GPs surgeries would continue to provide the core offer, with community pharmacies also providing the service. Mobile vaccination units would be in place 3 days a week throughout the winter.

·       This year the vaccine offer would be extended to children aged two to three years.

·       A community sites pilot had been initiated to address the low vaccine uptake in pregnant women.

·       Every care home across LLR would be included in the vaccine programme.

·       Those discharged from Care Homes would be eligible for vaccination, through agreed arrangements with LPT and UHL acute providers.

·       The parental consent process was to be made more accessible to increase children’s vaccine uptake during the course of the school day. 

·       Vaccine awareness promotions would include national invites, GP recall, voluntary sector work with key groups and promotion of the vaccine hub website.

In response to comments from members, it was noted that:

·       Leicester childhood vaccine uptake was below half the national average. Improvement efforts were ongoing, particularly in identified concerning areas.

·       Engagement work included the school age immunisation link nurses.

·       Improvements to the childhood vaccine consent process would enable better liaison with parents. An HPV vaccine pilot had shown early evidence of improved consent rates.

·       The school age immunisation service provider was Leicestershire Partnership Trust.

·       Member support and promotion within the communities was welcomed.

·       The National Covid Fund enabled the vaccine buses. There had been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 157.

The Integrated Care Board submit a report to update the commission on how the LLR ICB want to create a service that’s easier to use, fairer for everyone, and makes the best use of NHS resources.

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Integration and Transformation presented the report.

The LLR ICB wanted to create a service that was easier to use, fairer for everyone, and made the best use of NHS resources. That meant:

­   A simpler system where people would only need to remember two main contact points: their GP practice and NHS 111

­   A consistent offer across the city, including evening and weekend GP appointments

­   Reducing unnecessary steps so people would spend less time navigating the system and more time getting the care they need

It was noted that:

·       The main focus moving into 2026/27 would be on meaningful engagement rather than lengthy discussions.

·       Access to care could be simplified into two steps. The first step encouraged residents to consider self-care options such as the NHS App, the NHS website, 111 online or local pharmacies before seeking appointments. The second step involved contacting GP practices or calling NHS 111 to ensure the right care was accessed in the right place.

·       It was highlighted that traditional literature was often ineffective as many residents did not read leaflets. Instead, investment had been made to commission VCSE organisations to deliver targeted engagement work. Surveys were planned across the city, county and Rutland, with the Leicester survey including questions on same day access appointments. Messaging would be targeted at specific groups including families with children under 10, young professionals, homeless people, refugees, and other groups facing barriers to healthcare.

·       The programme in Leicester was funded to provide practical support through VCSE groups, with materials such as business cards and reference guides designed to be accessible in community settings. The approach would focus on real-life options, self-care, and engagement by people already embedded in communities. Work was also underway with PCNs and local authorities to ensure consistent messaging. The same day access model was due to go live in October 2025.

·       Further detail was provided on the commissioning of approximately 20 VCSE organisations to deliver services. These groups represented the diversity of the city and had received training to tailor messages to their own communities. The emphasis was on teaching people to support others and raising awareness of what the NHS is, beyond hospitals, in multiple languages.

·       Outreach activity was being delivered across areas such as Belgrave, Spinney Hills and Braunstone, and through collaboration with GPs, pharmacies, community groups and local initiatives including sports clubs, gospel groups and neighbourhood hubs. Work was also taking place with LPT mental health neighbourhood leads to support access to NHS services, including mental health care.

·       Partnerships extended to Leicester City Council, housing, adult education and ESOL teams, with basic first aid training delivered jointly. Engagement also included universities, schools, wardens in halls of residence, supermarkets and shopping centres. Translation services were available to reduce language barriers.

·       Feedback was being gathered through community channels, with findings independently evaluated to ensure accurate reflection of community needs and experiences.

In response to member discussions, it was noted that:

·       It was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 158.

The Integrated Care Board submit a report to provide an update on the NHS App and Digital Inclusion initiatives.

The Group Director of Strategy and Partnerships gave an overview and presentation on the NHS App and Digital Inclusion initiatives. Key points to note were as follows:

·       Some surgeries currently had more functions available, this was dependent on capacity and IT capability.

·       Referrals and hospital appointments could now be viewed on the app, but dialogue functionality was not present.

·       The app sourced information from multiple systems.

·       Additional features enabling collaborative efforts were upcoming, pending national funding outcome.

·       Connecting the app to the LLR care record opened up more options for patient care, such as patient follow ups.

·       The plan was to introduce a two-way interaction, with patients contributing to their care plans.

·       Benefits to the environment where anticipated due to the app reducing travel requirements.

·       The more efficient ways of working would improve productivity.

·       There was a focus on building digital inclusion amongst the 60 LLR hubs.

In response to questions and comments from members, it was noted that:

·       The App would help to reduce missed appointments with notification reminders and rescheduling functionality.

·       The aim was for the app to become the ‘front door’ for all NHS services for those wanting electronic access.

·       Functions for carers were upcoming.

·       Two-way messaging would feature on the app in the future. Current services having text-based chat included school nurses, health care visitors and mental health crises services. Sexual Health chat health was in trial.

·       Other areas had received development funding but there were no indications that LLR was disadvantaged in the roll out of funding.

·       GP appointment capacity would need to be managed efficiently.

·       Digital literacy support could be built into the programme.

·       The General GP contract was expected for implementation in 2026 and would establish national standards.

·       Work was ongoing in the area of patient initiated follow up.

·       Members surmised that the digital offer freed up resources for those not utilising digital services.    

·       Prescription control would improve with the app.

AGREED:

The Commission notes the report.

Members of the Commission will be asked to consider the work programme and make suggestions for additional items as it considers necessary.

The Chair invited Members to make suggestions. The following were noted:

·       A visit to the A&E department

·       Ambulance wait times

·       NHS England Vaccination data

With there being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.33pm.