A CARE board for Wiltshire is set for its first meeting on Friday (July 1) in Salisbury.

New arrangements see the old Clinical Commissioning Group dismantled in a national restructure aimed at improving health and care services and having ‘a positive impact on people’s lives.

Both the NHS and the care systems remain under massive pressure post pandemic.

A whole range of problems include huge treatment waiting lists and times, staff shortages and many medically-fit-for discharge patients unable to leave hospital because there is no capacity in the care system.

The new organisation, created under the Health and Care Act 2022, is Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSWICB).

The new system - just the latest reorganisation of many in recent decades, is aimed at fixing the disconnect between health and social care.

The board will be responsible for planning and coordinating services on behalf of local residents, and developing a plan for meeting the health needs of its population, managing the local NHS budget and arranging for the provision of local health services.

Tackling health inequalities in the population - which will be inevitably exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, will also be a priority.

Dr Amanda Webb, chief medical officer for the board, said: “The formal transition from CCG to integrated care board is really only the very first step on a longer journey to bring true cohesion and partnership working to our region.

“We know that by working together, we can boost the partnerships already in place, join up services for the benefit of local people and deliver care and treatment in a way that is both efficient and economical.”

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council said: “Working together to empower people to live healthy and productive lives aligns well with our goals and I am looking forward to the roll out of this new partnership approach that will have a positive impact on people’s lives in Wiltshire.”

Integrated Care Partnerships will be expected to publish an integrated care strategy by December 2022.

Members of the public can attend the meeting at Bemerton Health Centre at 10.30am.