Bath MP Wera Hobhouse recently visited St Martin’s Community Hospital in Odd Down to hear how new community health arrangements are taking shape under provider HCRG Care Group.
Wera Hobhouse during the visit to St Martin’s Hospital | Photo provided
HCRG was appointed in April 2025 by the Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Integrated Care Board to lead community care services across the region.
On 5th December, Mrs Hobhouse visited the St Martin’s site to see how the new provision is bedding in.
HCRG, previously known as Virgin Care, is one of the UK’s major independent providers of community health and care, operating from around 500 locations in England.
Val Scrase, HCRG Care Group Regional Director, said: “We focus on excellent patient experience, efficiency and improved outcomes through safe, evidence-based practice and continuous improvement.”
At St Martin’s Hospital, HCRG runs a community ward and a range of outpatient clinics designed to “bring care closer to home”.
Specialist services include audiology, Parkinson’s support and paediatrics, delivered by multidisciplinary teams working with local NHS colleagues.
Ms Scrase added: “St Martin’s showcases our community model in action, providing accessible, patient-centred care that supports recovery, independence and better long-term health.”
Deputy Director of Operations Jo Meacham said the organisation is now leading a major transformation programme with the BSW Integrated Care System.
“Across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, we are now delivering a major transformation with the BSW Integrated Care System.
“We are leading an innovative community-based care partnership with the NHS, local authorities and the voluntary sector, integrating nursing and therapy into neighbourhood teams so people receive more personalised support at home, in schools and in their communities.
“This extends our existing services, including Wiltshire and B&NES 0–19 years services and B&NES all-age community health services, and adds new responsibilities.”
Key aims include a stronger focus on prevention and early intervention, simpler access to care through a single “front door”, better support for people with long-term conditions, and a commitment to invest £7 million a year from the end of 2027 in voluntary and community sector partnerships.
During the visit, Mrs Hobhouse toured the community inpatient ward, speaking with patients about their rehabilitation and discharge from acute care.
She also joined ward leads and nursing staff to walk through the wards and outpatient clinics, including adult audiology and podiatry.
The visit concluded with a round table discussion with senior leaders on the future of community services in Bath.
Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP, said: “Strong and effective community health partnerships like the one here at St Martin’s are essential for a resilient healthcare system.
“When service providers work efficiently alongside NHS services, we not only improve health outcomes but reduce pressure on our healthcare system.
“Under the Conservatives shameful neglect our NHS fell to its knees, and we Liberal Democrats will continue to put pressure on the Government to restore proper funding in all areas of our health service to enable these partnerships to deliver excellent and timely patient care.”
