Agenda item

The Panel will receive an update from the B&NES, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) on current issues.

Laura Ambler, Director of Place for Bath and North East Somerset, BSW ICB addressed the Panel and highlighted the following areas from within the update.

Transfer of community-based care services to HCRG Care Group

Community-based care services across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are now being provided by HCRG Care Group.

Since 1 April, the group has taken on the day-to-day running of the services, and partnered with the NHS, local authorities and charities to transform the way in which community care and support is provided across the region.

Patients have been advised that there will be no immediate changes to current services, and care will continue to be provided as before.

Future of Integrated Care Boards

Over the last few months, both NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care have been discussing closer working and avoiding duplication. Work is now under way to reform the NHS to best support the frontline to deliver for patients and drive the government’s reform priorities.

Changes are expected to take place, at pace, over the coming months. As part of the need to make best possible use of taxpayers’ money to support frontline services, NHS England has informed us that the running and programme costs of ICBs will need to be reduced by around 50 per cent.

While these plans are currently at an early stage, it has been confirmed that ICBs will continue to exist and work around developing a new ICB model, which outlines future functions and responsibilities, is already under way.

Eligible groups urged to come forward for vital Covid-19 booster vaccine

Local people who are most at risk of falling seriously ill from Covid-19 have been urged to book an appointment to receive their spring booster vaccine.

All adults aged 75 and over, as well as those over the age of six months and living with a weakened immune system, are eligible for the free vaccination. Older adults living in care homes will also be offered the vaccine within their place of residence.

Having the booster vaccine is seen as the most effective form of protection for people who are more susceptible to the effects of Covid-19, especially as immunity from previous vaccinations fades over time.

Patient survey aims to find out why people visit A&E

Patient visits to accident and emergency departments within local hospitals rose by 5.6 per cent during 2024, mainly due to a rise in the number of walk-ins.

Over the next three months, BSW ICB will be working with local Healthwatch groups, along with hospitals in Bath, Swindon and Salisbury, to conduct the Big A&E Survey. Face-to-face questionnaires will be handed out at all three A&Es in BSW, with a digital survey also being launched across social media.

This survey will explore why patients choose accident and emergency departments and their awareness of other treatment options, while also looking for any health inequalities and service gaps.

The findings will be analysed and shared with system partners to understand the reasons behind the rising visits, to make recommendations on plans to reduce this demand and to improve communication with specific population groups who need support.

Residents of BSW help shape new 10-Year Plan

Over the last few months, the ICB has been actively gathering and speaking to local residents about what they would like to see in the forthcoming 10-Year Plan.

In Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, the ICB has held meaningful conversations with a range of diverse and dynamic community groups, including people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, those from our local Muslim population and refugees and asylum seekers currently living in Swindon.

Engagement work has also been carried out with the Gypsy, Roma, Boater and Traveller communities in Bath and Wiltshire.

Their thoughts, feelings and opinions have now been shared with our national colleagues for inclusion in the plan, which is expected to be published in May.

An online survey, in which people can share their ideas for how the NHS can be improved, is currently live at www.change.nhs.uk.

Councillor Lesley Mansell asked how better outcomes would be delivered regarding community-based care.

Laura Ambler replied that the ICB has a Care Programme which has a focus on prevention and that HCRG are working in partnership with us on this to establish the needs of the local population and individuals.

Councillor Mansell asked what the impact of reducing the running and programme costs of ICBs by 50 per cent will be.

Laura Ambler replied that the understanding of this decision was ongoing and that the Panel would be updated when more is known.

Councillor Mansell asked if the Panel could be informed of the local figures regarding the take up of the Covid-19 vaccine booster.

Laura Ambler replied that she would consult with colleagues and reply to the Panel on this matter.

Councillor Paul Crossley asked what measures are in place to attempt to stop people from starting to smoke in the first instance?

The Director of Public Health & Prevention replied that there are local, regional and national campaigns in place to try to stop people from smoking. She added that retailers are also in receipt of information from Trading Standards with regard to underage sales and that schools provide awareness and advice on the issue to pupils.

Councillor Mansell said that she would like the Panel to be shown the results of the A&E survey.

Laura Ambler replied that she would be happy to share the results of the survey with the Panel.

Councillor Mansell asked if the Health Passport was in operation for the Gypsy, Roma, Boater and Traveller communities.

Laura Ambler replied that she would need to confirm that with Primary Care colleagues and respond to the Panel.

Councillor Anna Box commented that through her work she was aware of the consequences of smoking and the numbers of people that now suffer from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). She added that air pollution was also a factor to be considered.

She added that vape batteries were also dangerous items for the Council’s refuse workers to collect and that she was proud of the work carried out within the Council to make single use vapes illegal to purchase.

The Director of Public Health & Prevention replied that they do work closely with colleagues regarding air pollution and said that the focus of their work is to help adults stop smoking.

The Chair commented that single use vapes would become illegal to purchase from 1^st June 2025.

The Chair referred to the Covid-19 vaccine booster and asked what numbers were required to be considered enough and to provide herd immunity.

Laura Ambler replied that she would consult with colleagues and reply to the Panel on this matter.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked there was any update to be given regarding the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to use their powers to call in the BSW ICB’s proposed changes to community-based care in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, particularly the appointment of HCRG Care Group, which was raised in March.

Laura Ambler replied that there was no update to be given at the present time.

The Chair, on behalf of the Panel, thanked Laura for attending and the BSW ICB for their update.