New provider of community services marks move towards transforming care

People in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire will receive more health and social care in or near their homes, in a more joined-up and streamlined way.

HCRG Care Group has been appointed to lead an innovative new community-based care partnership with the NHS, local authorities and charities that will transform the care and support that people get to help them with their health and wellbeing at every stage of their lives.

Traditional community services such as nursing, therapy and personal care will be enhanced as they become part of new integrated neighbourhood teams, working across homes, care homes, clinics, schools and community centres to bring more personalised support to local people.

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. 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.

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. 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.”

Among the benefits local people can expect to see will be:

• 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• Inappropriately located or outdated buildings will also be refurbished or phased out.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.

The new model of community-based care will see patients being cared for safely outside of hospital, minimising the need for an admission and helping to keep people at home wherever 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.

Patrick Birchall, Managing Director, HCRG Care Group, said: “We are delighted to continue to build on our partnership in BSW, based on the success of the last seven years.

“With this new plan, we look forward to working with our acute hospital colleagues, primary care, community health and care providers to join up care and services as we focus on supporting people who rely on community services to manage their existing health conditions, as well as preventing ill health.

“We believe that this approach to partnership working will help us deliver excellent community-based care for the people of BSW, keeping them as well as possible, for as long as possible.”

HCRG Care Group operated its first NHS service in BSW in 2006, and has since delivered more than 200 community services, while employing more than 1,300 NHS staff. The group has been rated as both good and outstanding by healthcare regulator the Care Quality Commission for services provided in the local area.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Chair, BSW Integrated Care Partnership, said: “True partnership working has been shown to add real value to patient care.

“HCRG Care Group has a proven track record of working collaboratively with partners both in and out of the NHS, and their overall vision mirrors that of our own, which is to support all people – regardless of their background – to lead healthy and happy lives.

“I’m certain that today’s announcement will be a positive move for our communities, and I look forward to seeing the benefits come to light over the coming years.”

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

More information on local health and care services can be found at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk, while further details on HCRG Care Group are available at www.hcrgcaregroup.com.