Welcome to the April issue of The Triangle

The past few weeks have certainly been challenging for the partners that make up the BSW Together Integrated Care System as we have coped with the pressures caused by the Easter bank holidays and the four-day period of industrial action by junior doctors.

As we write, some nurses are planning further industrial action from Sunday 30 April to Tuesday 2 May and we expect, once again, this to have a significant impact on services.

As always, you can be assured that our colleagues across BSW are making preparations for this possible disruption and we would ask you to support us by continuing to use our services responsibly.

By choosing the right healthcare option when seeking help, you can reduce the level of demand felt by colleagues working in urgent and emergency care and across our health system.

Pharmacies are open as usual and will be able to help with minor injuries and illnesses. NHS 111 online can also provide person-specific advice, information and treatment options, and can also, where appropriate, make referrals to other nearby services.

I would also like to pass on my thanks to our staff for working together so effectively over the past weeks to ensure services could continue to be provided for those in need.

Aside from the strong partnership working which has taken place during the recent industrial action, there are some great joint initiatives underway involving partners from across BSW.

BaNES Council has launched a new interactive game to encourage families to get out and exercise this summer, the Spring covid booster vaccination campaign is underway and there is some important work taking place to engage with underserved communities about health and social care research. You can read more about these in this issue of the Triangle.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue and, as always, please let us know what you think by emailing: bswicb.partnership@nhs.net

Sue Harriman,

Chief Executive Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board

Stephanie Elsy,

Chair, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board