Introduction
We have a vision for Somerset. Over the next ten years we want all organisations to work together as a partnership to create:
- A thriving and productive Somerset that is ambitious, confident and focused on improving people’s lives
- A county of resilient, well-connected and safe and strong communities working to reduce inequalities
- A county infrastructure that supports affordable housing, economic prosperity and sustainable public services
- A county and environment where all partners, private and voluntary sector, focus on improving the health and wellbeing of all our communities
This vision is owned by all of us; we want to work together to improve the lives of our residents. We will only achieve this if we work with partners across the county, and with Somerset’s residents and communities.
Our priorities
Our four priorities for improving the lives of our residents are:
1. A county infrastructure that drives productivity, supports economic prosperity and sustainable public services
2. Safe, vibrant and well-balanced communities able to enjoy and benefit from the natural environment
3. Fairer life chances and opportunity for all
4. Improved health and wellbeing and more people living healthy and independent lives for longer
The following strategies drive forward the work of the committee in common:
Improving Lives Strategy 2019-2028
The changes to the Health and Care Act 2022 enables health and care organisations to improve services and outcomes through stronger joint working and to take shared responsibility for tackling growing health inequalities within their population.
The Act also made changes to NHS organisations and established Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) as statutory NHS organisations. These replaced Clinical Commissioning Groups when they were abolished under the Act on 1 July 2022.
The Act also required ICBs and partner local authorities to form a committee, the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP). A key accountability for the ICP is to produce an Integrated Care Strategy, setting out how the assessed needs of the local population will be met, including that from Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs). This includes social care, primary and secondary care, physical and mental health, and health related services across the whole population regardless of age.
As a system we have made significant progress through the programme of work under the Fit for my Future direction. Building on this the ICP has been actively working to progress to our Integrated Health and Care Strategy.
This document is our initial integrated Health and Care Strategy. It provides our strategic direction and key aspirations at a high level. We have based this initial strategy on our understanding of health and care needs across Somerset at this time. The document will develop over time, particularly as we do more work to understand our population health needs and engage with our key stakeholders, partner organisations, our patients and our public.
What the committee in common does
Our committee in common looks at people’s health and social care needs together, as well as taking into account the bigger picture – things like transport, housing, jobs and leisure – so that services truly help people stay healthy and independent.
Members of the committee in common must look at the evidence of what works best to help target plans and resources. To help do this the board publishes Joint Strategic Needs Assessments
Information about future dates of meetings and past minutes of meetings
More information on the Somerset Health and Wellbeing and Integrated Care Partnership Committee in common
District Council Health and Wellbeing Strategy support
Mendip District Council – Working to support the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Sedgemoor District Council – Healthy Living
South Somerset District Council – Health and Wellbeing
Somerset West and Taunton
Somerset Strategic Housing Framework Workshop Summary 2017