The Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 12 October 2026 to discuss winter planning and the Neighbourhood Health agenda, as well as to receive an update on stroke services. The committee reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year, and it was noted that stroke prevention would be added as a topic for future discussion. The committee also noted the need for regular updates on community provision, the integrated care board, and falls prevention.

Planning for Winter in the Context of the Neighbourhood Health Agenda in Worcestershire

The committee received an update on the Worcestershire health and care system's approach to winter pressures, focusing on the Neighbourhood Health agenda. While progress has been made in reducing ambulance handover delays, the system continues to face significant pressure, with increased demand in Emergency Departments (EDs) and Minor Injury Units (MIUs). The winter plan aims to reduce avoidable demand, support care closer to home, improve patient flow, and strengthen community capacity.

Key priorities for Winter 2026/27 include further reducing ambulance handover delays, improving ED waiting times, reducing corridor care, and enhancing the experience for patients with frailty and those approaching the end of life. Additional capacity is being introduced through virtual wards, Hospital at Home services, and increased primary care appointments. The Neighbourhood Health model, which brings health and care professionals together to provide proactive, personalised care, is central to this approach.

Concerns were raised about the impact of increased housing development on health services and the need for better integration of health considerations into planning applications. The committee requested further data on the impact of investments, the trajectory of GP appointments, and the cost-benefit analysis of MIUs versus EDs.

Update on Stroke Services

An update was provided on stroke services across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, highlighting the significant impact of stroke and the predicted increase in cases due to an ageing population. The committee was informed about ongoing work to redesign stroke services to meet future demand, including the proposed centralisation of acute stroke services at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

While Hereford County Hospital will retain a front-door service for triage and scanning, acute stroke beds will be consolidated at Worcester. Inpatient rehabilitation will continue at Evesham Community Hospital and Hereford County Hospital, with an increased focus on community-based rehabilitation and home first approaches. The report detailed improvements in the stroke pathway, including enhanced specialist workforce, pre-hospital triage, and increased thrombolysis and thrombectomy rates.

The committee discussed the challenges of rural access to stroke services, the importance of prevention, and the potential impact of housing development on future demand. Questions were raised about the data supporting the predicted increase in stroke cases, the financial implications of the proposed changes, and the consistency of rehabilitation services across different locations. The committee requested further data on stroke prevention, the outcome of the business case for centralisation, and the impact of new housing developments on service planning.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year. It was agreed that stroke prevention would be added as a topic for future discussion. The committee also noted the need for regular updates on community provision, the integrated care board, and falls prevention.