The Health and Wellbeing Board of Shropshire Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 September 2026 to discuss a range of important public health matters. Key topics scheduled for consideration include preparations for winter pressures, an annual health protection report, and proposals for the council's Health and Wellbeing Strategy up to 2033. The board is also scheduled to receive updates on the Healthy Neighbourhoods initiative and pharmacy services.

System Winter Planning

The board is scheduled to receive an update on the Integrated Care Board's (ICB) cluster plan for responding to winter pressures. This plan aims to build on the successes of the previous year, which saw a more effective response to increased demand. The approach for the upcoming winter is to be phased, focusing on delivering programmes, reducing rising pressure, recovery, sustaining the response, and transitioning out of winter. A key element of the plan is a Think: right help, right time, first time communications campaign designed to help the public navigate services during seasonal pressures. Partners will be asked to support the campaign, particularly by promoting vaccinations against seasonal illnesses, and to collaborate on resolving issues, with a focus on the anticipated peak in January. The report notes that there will be no central government or NHSE supplementary winter funding for the third consecutive year.

Health Protection Annual Report

The Health Protection Annual Report is to be presented to provide an overview of the health protection status within Shropshire. The report will detail immunisation coverage, noting that while childhood vaccination rates remain strong, there has been a decrease in HPV vaccination uptake. Efforts are underway to address inequalities in vaccine uptake through targeted education and outreach. The report will also cover the autumn/winter flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccination campaigns, highlighting that Shropshire's flu vaccination uptake exceeded national averages. Cancer screening uptake for breast and bowel cancer is reported as strong, though cervical screening requires continued focus, particularly among younger women. The report will also detail communicable disease activity, noting a substantial number of incidents managed, primarily due to gastrointestinal infections. It will also cover developments in health protection, including the MenB vaccination offer and a vaccination inequalities project aimed at improving uptake among underserved communities. The report will conclude with an overview of sexual and reproductive health services, noting that while most outcomes compare favourably with national averages, HIV testing and late diagnosis remain priorities. Recommendations will include promoting childhood and seasonal vaccine uptake, and promoting contraception and regular STI testing.

HWBB Strategy 2028-33 Proposals

The board is scheduled to discuss proposals for developing the next Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which would cover the period from 2028 to 2033. This strategy would replace the current 2022-2027 strategy and requires a comprehensive process of drafting, co-production, public consultation, and final approval. The proposed timeline works back from a target approval date in late 2027, with a formal consultation period of 6-8 weeks. The approach emphasises early co-production, including engagement with the voluntary and community sector, before the formal consultation phase. The report outlines the governance structure for this development project, with the Health and Wellbeing Board having strategic oversight and final approval. Key milestones include evidence refresh, priority refinement, early engagement, drafting, and public consultation, with the strategy intended to go live in early 2028.

Healthy Neighbourhoods Update

An update is to be provided on the Healthy Neighbourhoods Programme, which aims to establish a single, locally owned approach across Shropshire. Significant progress has been made in developing a shared vision, common purpose, and guiding principles with system partners. The report highlights that £2.9 million in recurrent investment has been secured to support the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, with full population coverage planned by July 2027. Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust (ShropCom) is identified as the lead integrator organisation. The initial phase of delivery will focus on frailty and cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions. Five draft neighbourhood footprints have been identified to support implementation planning, with final arrangements requiring board consideration and agreement.

Chair's Report

The Chair's Report is to provide an update on national and local developments concerning the future of Healthwatch and the independent patient voice. It notes that current Healthwatch duties and funding arrangements remain unchanged until new legislation is enacted. Locally, discussions are ongoing with partners to understand the implications of proposed changes and ensure the continuity of an effective and independent patient voice. Healthwatch Shropshire is continuing to gather insight and provide constructive challenge. The report also mentions that Shropshire has been selected to participate in the national Better Care Fund (BCF) Support Programme, which will provide opportunities for learning and strengthen the Health and Wellbeing Board's strategic leadership role.

Pharmacy Updates

The board is scheduled to receive updates on pharmacy services in Shropshire. The Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is a key component of the market entry system and informs commissioning decisions based on patient needs. The Health and Wellbeing Board has a statutory duty to prepare the PNA and communicate subsequent updates to the pharmaceutical list. The report notes a reduction in hours for Cambrian Pharmacy in Oswestry.

The meeting also includes scheduled items for the election of a new Co-Chair, apologies for absence, declarations of disclosable interests, and the minutes of the previous meeting. Public question time is also scheduled. The date of the next meeting is set for Thursday 19 November 2026.