The Health Select Committee meeting on 11 March 2026 discussed the performance of Adult Social Care, the future of the BSW Long Covid service, and the restructuring of the Integrated Care Board (ICB). Key decisions included noting the Adult Social Care performance overview, requesting an annual report on urgent care, and approving the forward work programme.

Adult Social Care Performance Overview

The committee received an overview of Adult Social Care performance for Quarter 3 of 2025-26. Demand for services has increased by 6.1% compared to the previous year, with 88-89% of initial contacts resolved at the first point of contact. Caseloads have grown, particularly among the 65+ population, contributing to an increase in the average weekly cost of a care package to £651. While satisfaction with care received, quality of life, and safety remains high, a concern was raised regarding reported feelings of loneliness and insufficient social contact among service users and carers. The committee requested further breakdowns of costs by age group, more detail on how demand is managed, and the inclusion of anonymised case studies in future reports. They also agreed to receive the corporate key performance indicators annually in the autumn and to receive updates via Cabinet Member reports.

Future of the BSW Long Covid Service

The committee discussed proposals for the future of the BSW Long Covid Service, which has seen a significant decline in referrals, averaging only 12 per month. The preferred option is to integrate the service into existing community pathways, retaining the valued Healthy Futures Programme and group sessions. This approach aims to provide better value for money while maintaining patient support. The committee noted the proposed changes and the engagement approach, requesting further clarification on whether options B and C should be combined and asking for a presentation on how long-term chronic fatigue and other symptoms are treated within Wiltshire.

Cluster Integrated Care Board (ICB) Operating Model

Caroline Holmes, Place Director for Wiltshire at the ICB, presented an update on the restructuring of ICBs into a cluster model, which will cover a wider geographical area from April 2026. This restructuring aims to improve strategic commissioning, focus on population health, and deliver services closer to communities, aligning with the NHS 10-year plan. Key changes include a greater emphasis on place-based working, with Wiltshire having its own dedicated team for primary care commissioning and neighbourhood health development. The committee noted the update and recommended that the ICB ensure residents are within a catchment area for GP and primary care services. They also requested a future report on the Neighbourhood Health Plan.

Urgent Care Rapid Scrutiny

The committee received the Executive's response to the final report of the Urgent Care Rapid Scrutiny Group. The report detailed performance data on GP appointments, minor injury units, A&E attendances, and ambulance services. Key findings included a steady increase in GP appointments, a decline in face-to-face appointments, and challenges in meeting waiting time targets for ambulance responses and A&E. Self-referrals remain the predominant route into emergency departments. The committee resolved to receive an annual urgent care update report, to encourage the ICB to work with members as community connectors to share information about NHS services, and to receive the findings of the next Healthwatch survey.

Cabinet Member Updates

Councillor Clare Cape, Cabinet Member for Public Health and NHS Liaison, highlighted No Smoking Day, updated on norovirus and respiratory virus levels, and promoted the 'Healthy Man' programme. She also noted the inclusion of health and wellbeing considerations in the Council's response to the NPPF consultation and the strong interest in health and wellbeing among young people. Councillor Gordon King, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, praised the exceptional work of teams supporting hospital discharges and highlighted the positive CQC ratings for Bradbury House respite centre and the Wiltshire Support at Home service.

Forward Work Programme

The committee endorsed the Forward Work Programme, noting that updates on the Integrated Community Based Care Contract and the Urgent Care rapid scrutiny recommendations would be added.

Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre Update

The committee received an update on the Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre, which was on track to open in spring 2026. The centre aims to improve local access to services, expand the service offer, and enhance urgent care provision. The committee congratulated the ICB on the progress of the project and requested a future update on its operation.

Dementia Research Report

Irene Kohler, Older Person's Champion, shared findings from a dementia research report focusing on Salisbury. The report highlighted issues with pre-diagnosis support, delays in diagnosis, and a divide between voluntary and health services. The committee suggested that county-wide research might be beneficial in the future and that the report be shared with senior officers.

The meeting also included a discussion on the future of the BSW Long Covid Service, with a preferred option to integrate it into existing community pathways. The committee noted the proposed changes and the engagement approach.