The Health Select Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Wednesday 29 July 2026 to discuss a range of health-related topics. Key areas of focus included updates on organisational developments at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, progress on the Wiltshire Whole System Approach to Healthy Weight, and improvements to oral health outcomes. The committee also considered a motion regarding fertility treatment provision and received updates on integrated community-based care and NHS dentistry.

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust: Update on Organisational Developments and Forward Plans

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the organisational developments and forward plans of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. This included information on the formation of the BSW Hospitals Group, which brings together Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust with Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust. The briefing paper outlined several development schemes, including the planned opening of a new Urgent Treatment Centre and a Diagnostic and Surgical Hub. Longer-term programmes such as neighbourhood health services, geothermal energy initiatives, and the development of land adjacent to Salisbury hospital were also scheduled for discussion.

Wiltshire Whole System Approach to Healthy Weight

An update was planned on the development and progress of the Wiltshire Whole System Approach to Healthy Weight. This initiative aims to address excess weight as a complex public health issue by making healthy choices easier and reducing barriers to support across Wiltshire. The report detailed system-building activities, including stakeholder engagement and the development of a shared vision and priority areas. The committee was asked to help identify missing partners, advise on how elected members can support resident voices, and comment on proposed outcomes and potential gaps.

Update on Progress to Improve Oral Health Outcomes, Dental Access and Reduce Inequalities in Wiltshire

The committee was set to receive an update on efforts to improve oral health outcomes, dental access, and reduce inequalities in Wiltshire. The report highlighted progress in children's dental access, the expansion of supervised toothbrushing programmes, and targeted outreach dental clinics. However, it also noted that oral health inequalities remain significant, particularly for children requiring hospital-based extractions and for communities facing barriers to routine dental care. The committee was asked to comment on progress and identify workforces or services that should be prioritised for oral health promotion training.

Notice of Motion No. 2026-04: BSW Integrated Care Board and Fertility Treatment

A motion, referred from Full Council, concerning the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) and fertility treatment provision was scheduled for consideration. The motion highlighted that Wiltshire residents currently have access to only one NHS-funded IVF cycle, which falls short of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance recommending up to three full cycles for eligible patients under 40. The committee was asked to consider the motion, which urged the BSW ICB to review its policy and progressively align it with NICE recommendations, where resources allow. The motion also requested a formal response from the ICB outlining its current position, planned reviews, and barriers to change, including financial modelling.

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust: Update on Organisational Developments and Forward Plans

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the organisational developments and forward plans of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. This included information on the formation of the BSW Hospitals Group, which brings together Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust with Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust. The briefing paper outlined several development schemes, including the planned opening of a new Urgent Treatment Centre and a Diagnostic and Surgical Hub. Longer-term programmes such as neighbourhood health services, geothermal energy initiatives, and the development of land adjacent to Salisbury hospital were also scheduled for discussion.

Update on the Integrated Community Based Care Contract

An update was planned on the Integrated Community Based Care Contract. The report focused on the single point of contact project and outlined the transformation of services, aiming to improve resident access and experience. The committee was to receive information on the rebranding of services, the introduction of self-referral, and the establishment of integrated neighbourhood teams. Challenges encountered during implementation, such as initial response times, were also to be discussed, alongside improvements made and ongoing monitoring.

Overview of NHS Dentistry in Wiltshire

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of NHS dentistry in Wiltshire. This included information on dental performance, access to urgent appointments, oral health outcomes, hospital admissions for tooth extractions, and planned changes to NHS dental contracts and service delivery. The report aimed to provide a high-level overview of commissioned dental activity and highlight areas of concern, such as inequalities in hospital admissions for tooth extractions among specific groups and geographical variations in access.

General Practitioner (GP) Registration

A briefing note on GP registration was to be considered, prompted by concerns about the effectiveness of access to GP services in practice. The discussion was expected to explore whether reported difficulties reflected isolated misunderstandings or indicated wider problems with access across the area. The complexity of geographical organisation and potential variations in choice of GP practices were also to be addressed.

Cabinet Member Update

A verbal update was scheduled from Cllr Clare Cape, Cabinet Member for Adults, Public Health and working with the NHS. This update was expected to highlight news, successes, or milestones in her respective areas since the last committee meeting.

Forward Work Programme

The committee was due to review its forward work programme, taking into account any decisions made during the meeting.

Public Participation

The committee was scheduled to receive statements and questions from members of the public. A question was received regarding the Long Covid Service, with an update anticipated for the next meeting.