NHS South East London recognised for leadership in prevention, tackling inequalities and improving care
Health and care partners across south east London are reflecting on a year of progress for local communities following publication of NHS England’s annual assessment of integrated care boards for 2025/26.
During 2025/26, south east London continued to improve services, strengthen neighbourhood health and focus on reducing health inequalities, while responding to rising demand and a challenging operating environment.
NHS England’s assessment recognised progress in a number of areas, including:
- Continued improvements in elective performance: current statistics show that 65-week waits reduced from a peak of 792 patients in August 2025 to 64 patients by March 2026.
- Strong delivery across mental health, including progress in reducing length of stay and strengthening discharge arrangements.
- Continued focus on prevention and neighbourhood health through targeted, data-led approaches.
- A targeted approach to reducing health inequalities including investment into Black maternal health and Black mental health programmes.
- A structured approach to community-led engagement through programmes such as Creative Health, which engaged more than 300 residents from underserved communities.
- Delivery of all statutory financial duties and continued investment in mental health services.
The assessment also recognised south east London’s strong partnership working, mature governance arrangements and increasing focus on population health and system transformation.
While there was much to celebrate, the assessment also identified areas where further progress is needed, including urgent and emergency care and diagnostics. These areas remain a clear priority, and partners are working together to strengthen services, improve access and address the challenges highlighted by the assessment.
Andrew Bland, Chief Executive of NHS South East London, said:
“This assessment reflects the commitment of our staff, partners and communities across south east London.
“Throughout the year we have focused on improving care, tackling inequalities and strengthening prevention, while continuing to support people to access the services they need.
“I am particularly proud of the work being done across our communities to address health inequalities, improve mental health support and develop neighbourhood health services that are shaped around local people’s needs.
“While there is more to do, the progress we have made demonstrates the value of partnership working and our shared commitment to improving outcomes for local residents.”
Sir Richard Douglas, Chair of NHS South East London, said:
“South east London continues to demonstrate the power of partnership working and community-led approaches to improving health and care.
“The assessment recognises the strong foundations that have been built across the system and provides a platform for us to go further in improving outcomes and reducing inequalities.”