Major changes have been promised for health and social care in Swindon and Wiltshire as a new company takes over some services.

Great Western Hospital used to provide community care services but going forward HCRG Care Group has been announced as the new provider of community care in the area.

The Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW) has said that with this move there will be a shift towards community-based care outside the hospital over the next two years

It has also promised refurbishment or phasing out of old buildings.

Community care is services provided outside the hospital in partnership with the NHS, councils and charities, such as nursing, therapy and personal care.

Dr Amanda Webb, Chief Medical Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Today’s announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the NHS.

“Shifting the dial towards community-based care means that people will get more personalised care that is tailored to their needs, and what matters to them. 

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“The next two years will see a major transformation of community-based care across BSW as the new approach is rolled out.

“There will also be a new focus on prevention and early intervention to help people manage their health proactively and stay healthier for longer.

“We will work closely with HCRG Care Group to bring to life the government’s aims to move from hospital care to community care, to shift from sickness to preventative care, and to digitise the health service.”

The changes will see these traditional services working across homes, care homes, clinics, schools and community centres in the hope of more personalised support for local people.

Among the benefits promised:

  • A single place or front door to get community-based care, help and support. The new front door will be fully accessible to all, and be available in a face-to-face location, as well as online and over the phone.
  • At least £7m a year will be invested in partnerships with VCSE providers to build community capacity to provide early help and support within communities from the end of 2027.
  • Inappropriately located or outdated buildings will also be refurbished or phased out.
  • Transforming the way that people access care will also reduce the pressure on GP practices and hospitals, which are seeing more people with health problems that could be effectively treated closer to home.

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An NHS spokesperson said: “The aim is to build on the services that are valued by patients and their loved ones, as well as giving people more support in living healthier lives. (Image: Newsquest)

“The new approach will spot early signs and symptoms of ill health and help those with existing health and care needs live independently for longer.”

It is hoped that caring for people outside of hospital will reduce the need for admission and keep people in their own homes when possible.

Total funding for the services is £144 million per year, with HCRG Care Group supporting up-front investment to deliver changes more quickly.

The ICB worked in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council, Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council to commission HCRG Care Group.

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HCRG Care Group will take responsibility for community services from 1 April 2025, with the new contract running for an initial seven-year period.

HCRG Care Group operated its first NHS service in BSW in 2006, and has been rated as both good and outstanding by the CQC for services provided in the local area.

There will be no immediate changes to community care services with the transformation being phased.

It has been promised that people will continue receiving the support they need, with the transition to the new partnership with HCRG being carefully planned to ensure there is no break in services.

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