Barking and Dagenham's Health Scrutiny Committee convened recently to discuss a range of public health initiatives, including the roll out of weight loss jabs and a focus on HIV in sexual health clinics, as part of its work programme for 2025/26. The committee also addressed concerns about delays in specialist referrals, the need for better communication between primary and secondary care, and difficulties in booking GP appointments1.
The committee's
GP Performance
Significant improvements in GP services were highlighted. Same-day appointments have increased by 10% between financial year 2021/22 and 24/25, the largest increase in North East London. In August 2025, GP practices saw 106,373 patients, a rate of 409.8 appointments per 1000 registered patients, compared to 69,290 appointments (314 per 1000 patients) in August 2019. Furthermore, five practices in Barking and Dagenham ranked in the top 10th percentile of most improved practices in North East London, according to the Report - GP Performance and Development.
Vaccination efforts have also seen success, with Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) achievement for vaccinations and immunisations more than doubling between financial year 21/22 and 23/24. Ten practices in Barking and Dagenham were among the top 26 practices with the highest flu vaccination coverage for over-65s in North East London.
Public Health Spending
The public health grant allocation has increased from £19.065 million in 2024/25 to £20.286 million in 2025/26. From April 2026, a consolidated Public Health Grant will bring together funding from various sources, including the Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Improvement Grant and the Local Stop Smoking Services and Support Grant, according to the Report - Public Health Grant Assurance. Internal and external audit arrangements are being put in place to verify the appropriate use of the public health grant1.
Health Facilities at Barking Riverside
To address the healthcare needs of the growing population at Barking Riverside, plans are underway for an interim health facility. Barking Riverside Limited (BRL) has offered the NHS a 260m2 unit on the Circus for use as a temporary health facility, detailed in the Report - Barking Riverside. The unit is offered under an 8-year lease, with a break at 5 years. The floor plan includes five treatment / clinical rooms, office and reception space, and patient waiting rooms. The ICB is leading the procurement on a primary care service, with a contract award and mobilization expected by 1 October 2026. The committee is focused on ensuring the interim health facility is future-proof and accessible for all residents, particularly vulnerable people1. Barking Riverside Limited (BRL), with support from the ICB, has been engaging with residents regarding healthcare provision. Dr. John from Thames View practice continues to run GP pop-ups in the Barking Riverside area. A joint comms strategy between BRL and the ICB is planned to inform residents of progress and next steps. The national neighbourhoods programme also includes plans for engaging with residents.
Weight Loss Jabs and HIV Focus
The committee's work programme for 2025/26 includes items on the roll out of weight loss jabs, the early impact of healthy weight commissioning, and a focus on HIV in sexual health clinics.
[1] These concerns were raised by the Health Scrutiny Committee during the meeting. The committee also noted the need for translated online systems and ensuring patient safety across all services, especially with remote appointments.