Bexley's Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee has raised concerns about the timeliness of planned patient reviews, with a significant drop in the proportion of reviews completed within the target three-month timeframe. The figure for planned reviews completed within three months (ASCH_28) has fallen to 55%, well below the target of 70%.

A healthcare professional discusses information from a folder with a patient outside a hospital.
A healthcare professional discusses information from a folder with a patient outside a hospital.

During the committee's final meeting of the municipal year on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Councillor Nicola Taylor highlighted the issue. Officers acknowledged this as a priority area, explaining that the dip in performance was partly due to pressures during the Christmas and winter periods, described as seasonal related . They admitted to struggling to recover from the backlog, which represents a short term issue .

To address this, officers are developing proposals expected to be presented to the management team in the coming weeks. These proposals aim to clear the existing backlog and establish a sustainable pattern of regular annual reviews, tackling both the short-term problem and the long-term goal of sustaining regular reviews.

Two women in discussion outdoors, one holding a folder, possibly a healthcare professional and a patient or service user.
Two women in discussion outdoors, one holding a folder, possibly a healthcare professional and a patient or service user.

Furthermore, resources are being allocated to improve support models. The Health Inequalities Fund is recurrent and will be used to commission three Community Health & Wellbeing Coaches for 2026/27. These coaches will be targeted at the most socially deprived communities in North Bexley, with at least one post dedicated to Slade Green, representing a more advanced and sustainable model of support.

More information on performance levels and user satisfaction can be found in the ASC Performance levels and User Satisfaction Cover report.

A map showing various locations and points of interest in the Bexleyheath and surrounding areas, with numerous green and red markers indicating specific sites.
A map showing various locations and points of interest in the Bexleyheath and surrounding areas, with numerous green and red markers indicating specific sites.