Barnet health boss highlights NHS service gap compared to Camden

Barnet residents are experiencing a shortfall in local NHS services when compared to those in Camden, a situation described as "not right" by a senior council official. Dawn Wakeling, Barnet Council's executive director of communities, adults and health, told councillors that historical underinvestment has led to Barnet's health services being overlooked in funding allocations. She argued that standard metrics, which consider factors like deprivation and borough location, do not adequately reflect the demands placed on Barnet's health system.

Wakeling highlighted that Barnet has the largest population of residents over 65 in London. This demographic factor, she stated, is a significant reason for the borough's "hot, acute system and so much attendance at A&E." These comments were made during a health and wellbeing board meeting on Thursday 24th, following an update from the West and North London Integrated Care Board (WNL ICB).

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Integrated Care Board's Role

Darren Jones, director of complex care at WNL ICB, provided a verbal update to the board. The WNL ICB is the largest of its kind in England, overseeing an annual budget of approximately £12 billion for NHS primary care services for 4.5 million people across 13 London boroughs. The board was officially launched in April, following the merger of the former North Central London and North West London ICBs, a move intended to streamline services and reduce costs.

Wakeling urged the newly merged ICB to acknowledge the "historical underinvestment" in community and mental health services within Barnet. She reiterated that residents in Barnet are not receiving the same services available in Camden, a disparity she finds unacceptable. This is a multi-year challenge, she acknowledged, but one that requires attention.

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Challenges for GP Surgeries

Sarah Campbell, manager of Healthwatch Barnet, supported Wakeling's concerns. She stated that while many GP surgeries in Barnet are working diligently, they face "real challenges." These difficulties are exacerbated by the borough's significant elderly population and increasing levels of deprivation in certain areas. Campbell suggested the ICB has a "real opportunity" to improve the situation, particularly in preventative care and reducing A&E admissions.

Responding on behalf of the WNL ICB, Jones indicated that efforts will be made to gain a better understanding of the needs of "smaller neighbourhood communities." He suggested that the ICB and Barnet Council have a shared opportunity to collaborate and ensure these communities do not fall through the net in terms of funding and service provision.

Alison Moore, cabinet member for adult social care and health, emphasised the importance of using data to analyse health inequalities "below ward level." This approach, she argued, would help identify emerging socio-economic and health disparities, as well as population-specific inequalities. Councillor Moore believes that a thorough understanding of Barnet's local demography, historical underfunding patterns, and its changing population is essential for improving services across the entire system, from acute care to community provision.