The Health and Wellbeing Board of Wiltshire Council met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss progress on the Neighbourhood Health Programme, winter readiness, and the Wiltshire Health Protection Strategy. The Board noted progress on the Neighbourhood Health Programme, endorsed the Wiltshire Health Protection Strategy 2026-2031, and received an update on winter readiness arrangements.

Neighbourhood Health Plan Update

Caroline Holmes, Place Director for Wiltshire (NHS BSW/Dorset/Somerset ICB), presented an update on the Neighbourhood Health Programme. The Board noted progress made since the July 2026 update, including the outputs from Workshop 2 of the BSW Neighbourhood Health Workshop Series, which highlighted that neighbourhood health is viewed as a way of working that simplifies and joins up support for residents, with prevention and community assets at its core. The confirmed date for Workshop 3 on 1 October 2026 was also noted, with Board members invited to attend.

Progress on the Neighbourhood Health Enabling and Mobilisation Programme was reported, including the move to a quotation process for facilitation support. This has put the September onboarding target for the first neighbourhood teams at risk, with a revised timeline to be confirmed once a provider is appointed.

Wiltshire has launched work to identify and support the highest-risk one percent of the population, focusing on complex frailty and unplanned hospital admissions. A Stage 1 self-assessment against the ten Neighbourhood Health Framework requirements has been completed, identifying areas for development, particularly concerning organisational ownership and neighbourhood footprints. To address these, a dedicated workshop on children, young people and families is planned, aiming to align neighbourhood health plans with emerging school clusters and establish clear organisational ownership.

The Wiltshire Place Board development session has been rescheduled and will consider the Board's revised Terms of Reference.

Winter Readiness Update

A presentation was received from Caroline Holmes regarding winter planning arrangements for the health and care sector. The Board discussed the importance of 111 and Pharmacy First services, while also raising concerns about capacity. The shortage of hospital beds, even with mitigating measures, was noted as a rising problem. Further discussion focused on effective communication strategies for discharge planning during winter and the benefits of hospital-at-home and virtual ward arrangements for enhanced home-based care. It was acknowledged that discharging patients to home care support, when safe and appropriate, can lead to better patient outcomes and is more cost-efficient.

The Board resolved to note the winter readiness update, request a further update at the next meeting, and ask Board members and partners to assist with circulating winter preparedness communications and report back to the next meeting.

Healthwatch Wiltshire Annual Report

Kevin Peltonen-Messenger, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Wiltshire, presented the organisation's annual report for 2025/26. The report highlighted the significant engagement with young people, unpaid carers, community groups, and the military, supported by substantial volunteer hours. Healthwatch Wiltshire's lobbying efforts regarding the Healthcare Bill were also mentioned, with an emphasis on the importance of independent local organisations. The Board noted the report and recognised the value of independent community insight in shaping local health and wellbeing priorities, service planning, and action on health inequalities. They also supported continued collaboration with Healthwatch Wiltshire to ensure residents' experiences inform improvements in care.

Wiltshire Health Protection Strategy and Annual Health Protection Report

A report was received from Public Health, Wiltshire Council, on the Health Protection Strategy for 2026-2031 and the Annual Report of the Wiltshire Health Protection Board. The strategy, developed through multi-agency engagement, outlines a shared vision and priorities for protecting Wiltshire's population from infectious diseases and environmental hazards over the next five years, structured around the principles of Advocate, Act, and Assure. The Annual Report provides assurance on the effectiveness of local health protection arrangements.

The Board discussed the strategy and report, welcoming the work on vaccinations and raising concerns about the national situation regarding the UK losing its measles elimination status. Discussions also covered ways to engage with individuals and communities to boost vaccine confidence and uptake, as well as sexually transmitted infection testing, climate-related health impacts, and emergency health planning.

The Board resolved to endorse the Wiltshire Health Protection Strategy 2026-2031, note and acknowledge the Wiltshire Health Protection Board Annual Report 2025/26, and support the recommendations of the Wiltshire Health Protection Board Annual Report.

Health and Wellbeing Board Terms of Reference Update

Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health, Wiltshire Council, presented an update on the review of the Board's governance and operational terms of reference. The proposals, developed in close engagement with partners, aim to enhance the Board's effectiveness and collaboration. Broad support was expressed for the proposed direction, with an agreement that formal constitutional changes would be limited, and further procedural working would be documented to allow for flexibility. The Board resolved to receive revised proposals on proposed constitutional and procedural changes at the next meeting, following further partner engagement.

The next meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board was confirmed for 26 November 2026.