The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 29 January 2026 to discuss several key updates on health services across Wiltshire. Decisions were made to endorse the draft BSW ICB 5 Year Strategic Commissioning Plan and the BSW Neighbourhood Health Vision, and to note updates on community pharmacy, NHS dental reforms, the Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre, and the Better Care Plan.

Community Pharmacy Update

Helen Wilkinson, Community Pharmacy Integration Lead, provided an update on the national Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework and related initiatives. The Board noted the introduction of new services such as Pharmacy First, the Pharmacy Contraception Service, and Pharmacy Blood Pressure Checks. Discussions highlighted the importance of these services in improving patient access and reducing pressure on GPs. Challenges were noted regarding national funding and workload balance, and it was acknowledged that the initiative needed to tie in with wider strategies, particularly concerning access for under 18s and safeguarding. The Board resolved to note the updates on community pharmacy.

NHS Dental Reforms Update

Victoria Stanley, Head of Primary Care, presented an update on NHS Dentistry Contract Reforms. The Board discussed the reforms, which aim to improve patient access, quality of care, and support for the dental workforce. Key aspects include a revised payment structure, enhanced skill mix utilisation, and evidence-based recall intervals to reduce unnecessary check-ups. Concerns were raised about ensuring access for rural and vulnerable populations, and the Board resolved to note the update.

Update on Integrated Care Board (ICB) Five Year Plan

Caroline Holmes, Executive Lead for Community, Planned Care and Cancer for the BSW Integrated Care Board (ICB), presented the ICB's Five-Year Strategic Commissioning Plan. The plan outlines ambitions to transform health services over the next five years, focusing on three key shifts: from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention. The Board discussed the language used in the report, with some concern that it was aspirational rather than a firm commitment. Questions were raised about quantified Children and Young People outcome targets and the potential for digital approaches to exclude certain families. The Board endorsed the draft BSW ICB 5 Year Strategic Commissioning Plan and provided feedback on its narrative.

Neighbourhood Health in Wiltshire

Caroline Holmes also provided an update on Neighbourhood Health in Wiltshire. This initiative is part of a national requirement to develop Neighbourhood Health Plans, aiming to deliver integrated support closer to where people live. Wiltshire has been selected to receive support through the NHS England Better Care Fund Improvement Support Programme. The Board discussed the importance of considering wider health determinants and the evolving nature of this process. Points were raised about including a discrete Children and Young People's chapter with named outcomes and metrics, and ensuring paediatric experience and funding for Children and Young People and rural communities. The Board noted Wiltshire's selection for the BCF support programme, endorsed the BSW Neighbourhood Health Vision as a shared planning tool, and noted the progress made in developing the Wiltshire Neighbourhood Health Plan.

Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre Update

Caroline Holmes provided an update on the Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre (TICC). The centre, a £16 million initiative replacing the outdated Trowbridge Community Hospital, is in its final planning phases and is expected to open in spring 2026. The TICC aims to increase access to services closer to home, reduce demand on A&E and out-of-hours services, and support neighbourhood-level integration. The Board noted the update on the new Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre.

Better Care Plan Update

Caroline Holmes presented an update on the Better Care Plan. The report highlighted that emergency admissions for people aged 65+ were not on track against the plan, reflecting sustained system pressure. Discharge delays were on track, but long-term residential admissions for people aged 65+ were higher than expected. Changes to the Better Care Fund, transitioning to an Integrated Care Funding Framework, were noted as having implications for future funding, likely with a shift towards avoidance and prevention. The Board discussed the potential for these changes to incorporate intervention and early help schemes for Children and Young People, and the role of the voluntary sector. The Board noted the quarterly report submitted to the national team.

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 19 March 2026.