The Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to discuss updates on the BSW Dementia Crisis Pathway, receive an update from the B&NES, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB), and review the Panel's workplan. The meeting will also include an update from Cabinet Members.

BSW Dementia Crisis Pathway AWP HOSC Briefing

The Panel is scheduled to receive a briefing on the review of the local dementia crisis care pathway by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW). The report outlines the case for change, which is driven by national NHS policy to deliver care closer to home, support prevention and early intervention, and reduce hospital admissions. Feedback from people living with dementia, their families, and carers has consistently highlighted the importance of maintaining independence and accessing timely support. AWP has begun reviewing dementia crisis services to explore how community support can be strengthened, while ensuring specialist inpatient care remains available. The current pathway is heavily reliant on inpatient care with limited specialist out-of-hospital support, often leading to reactive interventions and avoidable hospital admissions. Options being explored include earlier identification and intervention, enhanced specialist community teams, more proactive management of individuals at risk of crisis, increased support for carers, and improved coordination between various health and social care services. The report notes that no decisions have been made regarding future service configuration, and comprehensive engagement with people living with dementia, families, carers, NHS staff, local authorities, and voluntary organisations is planned to commence in early 2027.

Cabinet Member Update

The Panel is scheduled to receive an update from Cabinet Member(s) on any relevant issues, with Panel members having the opportunity to ask questions.

B&NES, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) Update

An update is scheduled to be provided by the B&NES, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) on current issues. This update is expected to cover several areas, including the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Urgent Treatment Centre and its construction, which is a £12 million investment expected to open in late 2026. The new centre will replace the current service within the Emergency Department to improve patient flow and capacity. The update will also address the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of urgent and emergency care at the RUH, detailing the progress on the 53-action improvement plan developed in response to the CQC's report. Furthermore, the BSW ICB will provide information on local dentistry services, including plans for a BSW-wide mobile dental service and mitigations to improve access in Bath and North East Somerset. The ICB will also outline its engagement forward plan, detailing upcoming activities and the development of Neighbourhood Health Plans and Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. The report highlights that B&NES has strong enabling foundations for neighbourhood health transformation, with key priorities including establishing fully operational Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and strengthening proactive and preventative care models. The Neighbourhood Health Plan development will involve community engagement and co-production through Area Forum meetings in November. Finally, the update will cover the 1% Test and Learn Programme for supporting high-intensity users of health and care services, and the progress of the autumn/winter vaccination programme for flu and COVID-19.

Panel Workplan

The Panel is scheduled to review its latest workplan. This report presents the current programme, and any suggestions for further items or amendments will be logged and scheduled in consultation with the Panel's Chair and supporting officers.

The meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday 9th November 2026 at 9.30am in the Council Chamber at the Guildhall, Bath.