Community comes together for well attended Grenfell Health Information Updates Meeting
The second Grenfell Health Information Updates community meeting took place on Wednesday 4 February at the North Kensington Resource Centre and was well attended by residents, local partners and health professionals. The meeting was organised in partnership with Lancaster West Residents Association.
“Lancaster West Residents Association in partnership with NHS North West London and Public Health had an informative and engaging session on health data post the fire. Great partnership working.”
Abbas Dadou, Treasurer, Lancaster West Residents’ Association
Attendees listened with great respect as clinicians and public health experts shared updates on children and young people’s health, asthma support in schools, and the latest findings from the Population Health Monitoring programme.
Organisers thanked everyone for attending and for the thoughtful way in which the community engaged with the information presented.
Strong community interest and constructive dialogue
Residents asked clear, direct questions of the different organisations involved, and presenters took time to give open and detailed answers. One resident, David, described the meeting as an important step forward:
“It was a good start to see all the different providers from the service, RBKC, CNWL and the ICB all in the same meeting and have them properly questioned about what they are doing or achieving. It was a shame that more parents and residents could not attend. For the next event it would be good to reach out to parents through schools.”
The atmosphere throughout the evening was calm, focused and respectful, with the community showing real consideration for clinicians and public health colleagues speaking on what are often sensitive topics.
Updates shared on children and young people’s health
The first part of the session focused on Paediatric Long‑Term Monitoring, the Grenfell School Health Survey, and local asthma and school health services. Clinicians outlined:
- how children and young people from the Grenfell community are being seen, reviewed and supported
- what concerns families typically bring to appointments
- respiratory monitoring, including lung function test findings
- ongoing work to improve asthma care and increase the number of Asthma Friendly Schools
- support available to schools from the School Health Service
Population health monitoring findings
Public health colleagues presented the latest analysis from the North Kensington Population Health Monitoring programme. This included:
- trends in respiratory illness, mental health, cancer, pregnancy and other long‑term conditions
- how these patterns compare with the wider North Kensington area and a matched comparator ward
- evidence that some changes seen immediately after the tragedy have since returned to expected levels
- continued monitoring where long‑term effects may take time to emerge.
The session aimed to provide clear, accessible explanations of what the data shows, and what it does not show, to help residents feel confident in the process.
Positive reflections and next steps
Feedback from partners and attendees on the night was very positive.
“I want to give my thanks and appreciation for a positive meeting yesterday and thank all those who attended. The feedback we received from partners was also very positive and I am grateful to all those who took part.”
Dr Andrew, Steeden, Clinical Lead for Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, NHS North West London and General Practitioner, Kensington and Chelsea
Organisers will now arrange a follow‑up session to reflect on learning from the event and begin planning for the next community meeting in May, including ways to reach more parents and residents.
