The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to discuss a range of important topics, including the annual report from the Health Protection Board, preparations for winter, and the Better Care Fund returns. The Board will also receive an update on changes within the NHS and a presentation on the proposed local response to guidance for people experiencing rough sleeping and multiple disadvantages.

Annual Health Protection Board Report

The Board is scheduled to consider the Annual Health Protection Board Report for 2025-26. This report details the progress made on the Health Protection Board's priorities and recommendations from the previous year, outlines current health protection risks, and sets out the priorities agreed for 2026-27. The Health and Wellbeing Board is being asked to endorse these priorities. The report highlights that during 2025-26, the Health Protection Board made strong progress across all seven agreed priorities, with all areas rated as 'green'. Key health protection risks for 2026-27 and beyond include the emergence of a novel infectious disease or pandemic, the potential failure of a major social care provider during a significant incident, and the increasing impacts of climate change on health, particularly from extreme heat events. The report also notes that ongoing NHS and Integrated Care Board organisational changes may affect local capacity, preparedness, and governance arrangements. The proposed priorities for 2026-27 include continuing to monitor specialist areas for risks, participating in the prevention and management of outbreaks and incidents, informing the public and partners about emerging health threats, supporting the B&NES Immunisation Group's action plan, implementing actions to mitigate climate change impacts, improving uptake of NHS screening programmes with a focus on inequalities, and supporting the BSW Integrated Care System Infection Prevention and Management Strategy.

Winter Preparedness

An update on preparations for the upcoming winter period is scheduled to be presented to the Board. This will likely cover measures being put in place to manage the health and wellbeing of residents during the colder months, potentially including plans for managing increased demand on health and social care services, addressing fuel poverty, and ensuring the availability of essential services.

Better Care Fund Returns

The Board is requested to ratify the Q1 and Q2 Better Care Fund returns for 2026/27. The Better Care Fund aims to support the delivery of integrated and preventative care, ensuring people can remain independent at home. The report indicates that the two national conditions for 2026/27 are being met: effectively supporting integrated and preventative care, and complying with expenditure and grant conditions. The return provides assurance on the Section 75 arrangements supporting the pooled fund, with an updated agreement anticipated by the end of November 2026. The report highlights that hospital discharge performance remains a key area for improvement, with the average discharge delay for all adult acute patients being above the planned level. Actions are in place to address this, including a focus on Pathway 1 discharge pathways and reviewing intermediate care capacity.

Changes within the NHS

Lucy Baker, Place Director for B&NES at the BSW ICB, is scheduled to provide an update on recent changes within the NHS. This update may cover structural reorganisations, shifts in service delivery, or new strategic priorities affecting local health services.

Long Term Rough Sleepers

A presentation is scheduled on the proposed local response to recent guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) concerning individuals experiencing rough sleeping and multiple disadvantages. This discussion is expected to outline strategies and initiatives aimed at addressing the complex needs of this vulnerable population.

Feedback from Development Sessions

Lucy Baker will provide feedback from a recent development session focused on Next steps for Neighbourhoods. This is likely to cover progress and future plans for developing neighbourhood-based health and social care services, aiming to improve local access and integration of care.

Bath and North East Somerset Community Safety and Safeguarding Partnership Annual Report

The Board is asked to note the Bath and North East Somerset Community Safety and Safeguarding Partnership (BCSSP) Annual Report for 2025-2026. This report will likely detail the partnership's work in addressing community safety issues and safeguarding vulnerable individuals across the district.