The Health Select Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Wednesday 09 September 2026 to discuss preventative health and social care approaches, the ongoing review of the Long COVID service, and hospital discharge performance. The committee also received updates on various council activities and reviewed its forward work programme.

Approaches Taken Around Preventative Health and Social Care in Wiltshire

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of Wiltshire's approach to preventative health and social care. This report aimed to detail current activities, future developments, and the contributions of partner organisations, aligning with Wiltshire's Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the NHS 10 Year Health Plan. The focus was on integrated working, neighbourhood health development, community-based support, and targeted interventions to improve population health outcomes, reduce inequalities, and support independence.

Update on Long COVID Service

A report was scheduled to update the committee on the review of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Long COVID Service. This update was to summarise findings from an engagement exercise with patients, carers, clinicians, and stakeholders, outlining how their feedback has influenced the Integrated Care Board's (ICB) thinking. The report was also to set out proposed next steps for determining the future model of support for individuals living with Long COVID across the BSW area. The ICB proposed continuing to fund the current service for the remainder of 2026/27 while further review work is undertaken.

Discharge from Hospital

The committee was scheduled to review current performance in relation to hospital discharge in Wiltshire. The report was to describe the measures in place to meet performance targets, improve discharge flow, and reduce avoidable wait times for patients who no longer require acute inpatient treatment. This included an examination of performance across different discharge pathways, demand, capacity, timeliness, discharge destinations, length of stay, and cancellations. The report highlighted that effective discharge is a whole-system issue requiring collaboration across acute hospitals, community services, Adult Social Care, the ICB, commissioned providers, and voluntary and community sector partners.

Cabinet Member Update

Councillor Clare Cape, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Co-ordination with the NHS, was scheduled to provide a written update. This update was expected to cover various council activities, including a letter to James Frith MP regarding NHS dental provision in Wiltshire, a Public Health Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) presentation, and the launch of a new Adult Social Care model. It was also to include updates on induction meetings with Adult Social Care teams and other relevant initiatives.

Forward Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review and approve its forward work programme. This would involve considering any additional items identified during the meeting and ensuring the programme reflects ongoing priorities and scrutiny needs. The forward work programme indicated future discussions on topics such as the NHS 10 Year Plan, Adult Social Care performance, the siting of mammogram units, safeguarding, and the integrated community-based care contract.

Public Participation

The agenda included provisions for public participation, allowing members of the public to submit statements or questions. Two questions were submitted by Mrs Hilary Twentyman regarding the siting of the mobile mammogram unit at Savernake Hospital and its relocation. The committee was to receive verbal responses to these questions.