The Health Select Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Wednesday 09 September 2026 to discuss preventative health and social care approaches, an update on the Long Covid service, and hospital discharge performance. The committee also reviewed sample scrutiny questions and the council's 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

An update was scheduled regarding the review of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Long Covid Service. The report was expected to summarise findings from engagement with patients, carers, clinicians, and stakeholders, outlining how this feedback has informed the Integrated Care Board's (ICB) thinking. The proposed next steps for determining the future model of support for people living with Long Covid across BSW were to be discussed, with the ICB proposing to continue funding 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 Wiltshire concerning hospital discharges. The report was intended to detail the measures in place to meet performance targets, improve discharge flow, and reduce avoidable wait times for individuals no longer requiring acute inpatient treatment. This included an examination of the Home First and Discharge to Assess models, the role of the Care Transfer Hub, reablement services, and pathway escalation. The report highlighted that effective discharge is a shared responsibility across multiple organisations and partners.

Sample Scrutiny Questions

The committee was provided with sample scrutiny questions designed to assist members in their oversight role. These questions covered areas such as customer impact, service purpose, links to wider objectives, resource allocation, workforce development, performance monitoring, risk management, efficiency, compliance, public awareness, and benchmarking against other authorities.

Cabinet Member Update

A written update from the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Co-ordination with the NHS, Councillor Clare Cape, was expected. This update was to highlight recent news, successes, and milestones in her respective areas since the last committee meeting.

Forward Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review and approve its forward work programme. This would involve considering items for future meetings, including updates on 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 indicated that questions had been submitted by members of the public. One question, from Mrs Hilary Twentyman, concerned the siting of a mobile mammogram unit at Savernake Hospital and the proposed relocation of the unit. A verbal response was to be provided at the meeting.