Leaders from across the local health and care system will meet this week to discuss plans for addressing key health and wellbeing challenges facing the area.
A new Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) will set out local ambitions for improving health and wellbeing, transforming quality of care services and delivering financial sustainability.
This will be discussed at the Health and Wellbeing Board on Wednesday 12th October, 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Dr Ian Orpen, BaNES Clinical Commissioning Group Chair and Health and Wellbeing Board Co-Chair said: “Health and care organisations across B&NES, Swindon and Wiltshire are redefining the way we all work together to drive new and innovative solutions to health challenges across the region.
“The proportion of older people is rising and more people are living with complex conditions and this is resulting in an increased demand for services. So we need to work more collaboratively across the wider system whilst ensuring that we deliver what is needed locally.
“We welcome the chance to hear from James Scott, Chief Executive of RUH Bath who is leading on development of this plan.”
Cllr Vic Pritchard, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health and Health and Wellbeing Board Co-Chair said: “As well as discussing the STP, we will also be hearing about work to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers and considering ways to raise awareness and increase people’s understanding.
“Enhancing the quality of life for people with dementia is a key priority of the Board and we are keen to work with local partners to champion dementia friendly communities in Bath and North East Somerset.”
The state of public health in the area will also be on the agenda. The Board will hear how it is affected by a range of different things – from our genetic make-up, how and where we live, the people we spend time with, to the education we receive and work we do.
Bruce Laurence, Director of Public Health with Bath & North East Somerset Council said: “Within the Public Health team, we work in partnership with a wide range of agencies to promote physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“Through this Annual Report we look at how we are delivering on this and our priority areas, including managing health inequalities and health protection such as ‘tick awareness’, antibiotic resistance and adapting a cancer screening programme to help residents with learning disabilities.”
Members of the public are invited to attend the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting, which will take place in the Brunswick Room, Guildhall, Bath.
People can also get involved and watch the meeting online through a webcast via http://bathnes.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/230609.