The Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Monday 14 July 2025 to discuss updates on integrated care, the Targeted Early Help and Prevention Task Group, and the Panel's workplan. The meeting also included public statements on musical instrument teaching and the Orchestra of Everything Foundation.

Public Statements

The Panel was scheduled to hear from Rebecca Mellor, Head of St Michael's Junior School, regarding the impact and benefits of musical instrument teaching at the school. Additionally, Jon Gore from the Orchestra of Everything Foundation was expected to provide an update on the foundation's work within Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES).

Targeted Early Help and Prevention Task Group Update

The Chair was scheduled to provide a verbal update on the activities of the Targeted Early Help and Prevention Task Group. This group focuses on identifying and addressing needs at an early stage to prevent issues from escalating.

Cabinet Member Update

The Panel was due to receive an update from the relevant Cabinet Member(s) on any pertinent issues. Panel members would have had the opportunity to ask questions regarding the information presented.

B&NES, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update from the B&NES, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB). This update was expected to cover current issues and strategic developments. Key areas for discussion included:

• Future of Integrated Care Boards: The report indicated that the BSW ICB, along with Somerset and Dorset ICBs, were exploring plans to cluster together to form larger operational units, a move formally approved by NHS England. This is part of a national reorganisation of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England.
• Integrated Community-based Care: The BSW Community Delivery Group, comprising partners from local authorities, the third sector, and health trusts, was set to oversee the transformation of community-based care. This transformation is being led by HCRG Care Group, with a focus on a person-centred design approach. The report detailed the contract with HCRG Care Group for integrated community-based care services, which commenced on 1 April 2025 and is set to run for at least seven years. The transformation programme involves nine projects, including the development of neighbourhood teams, a single point of access, and digital innovation.
• Local Uptake of Covid-19 Booster Vaccine: An update was anticipated on the uptake of Covid-19 booster vaccinations in Bath and North East Somerset, noting that the local uptake was performing better than regional and national averages.
• MMR Vaccinations: Figures were expected to be presented on the strong local appetite for routine Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations in under-fives, which were reported to be above national and regional averages.
• Publication of New 10-Year Plan: The delayed 10-Year Plan for the NHS was expected to be published later in the year, outlining future strategies for service evolution and technological integration.
• Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre: The report mentioned a topping-out event at the site of the new £16 million Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre, which is expected to open in early 2026 and will house various health and care services.
• NHS Health Check for Men over 40: A plea was scheduled to be made for men over 40 to take up the offer of a free NHS Health Check, highlighting its importance in identifying conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Health Passports for Patients in BSW: Information was to be provided on the Health and Care Passport, a document designed to support people with learning disabilities in healthcare settings by recording personal information to aid communication and care adjustments.
• The Big A&E Survey: An update was expected on the ongoing engagement programme to understand the reasons behind an increase in A&E visits, with the survey running until the end of July.

Panel Workplan

The Panel was scheduled to review its workplan, which outlines upcoming items for discussion. Suggestions for future reports were to be considered, with a particular emphasis on including Equalities Impact Assessments with all submitted reports. Items highlighted for the July meeting included updates on Child Sexual Exploitation/Modern Slavery, the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, the Children and Young People's Health & Wellbeing Survey, and the HCRG update on Integrated Community-Based Care. Chris Batten had suggested including updates on School Exclusion and Attendance and the Free School Meals auto-enrolment project. Councillor Liz Hardman had also requested an update on the Safety Valve programme.