Issue - meetings

20 minutes

To review winter planning arrangements for 2024/25 and discuss planning for 2025/26.

Laura Ambler gave a presentation summarising the key learning points for 24/25 and outlining the plan for 25/26 (slides circulated in advance of the meeting).

She confirmed there had been an exceptional challenge with a 10% increase in demand, however, B&NES locality consistently delivered the target of no more than 20 patients with “No Criteria to Reside” status in the RUH.

In response to questions, it was confirmed:

1.  The definition of “No criteria to reside” was a person who was fit to be discharged from hospital.

2.  The 10% increase in demand was over and above what had been predicted.  There were various improvements and learnings which would be taken forward to further improve resilience next winter, including a deeper understanding of demand, and considering how the HWB could support the analysis of risk. 

3.  There was always a level of unexpected events, but there was support across partners, such as the emergency planning team in the Council and Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AF&RS).  AF&RS would often be involved in triaging people with mental health issues.

4.  Access to pharmacies was continually reviewed.  There was a pharmaceutical needs assessment every three years and the next was due in Autumn 2025.

5.  In relation to the risks for 25/26 due to the proposed changes to the structure of ICBs, an operational plan had been submitted and this would be delivered.  ICB BSW was cautiously optimistic that it had a robust plan and enough involvement from other partners to take this forward.

6.  It was noted that the list of Acute Respiratory CYP Illness Hubs (ARIs) did not include the rural areas of B&NES and LA undertook to check if there were ARIs located in rural areas.

7.  There could be more consistency between services provided in B&NES, Wiltshire and Swindon as there was a variation between the different localities. 

The Board welcomed the assurance and visibility that lessons had been learnt from 24/25 and would be fed into the plan for next winter and requested early sight of the 25/26 plan.