More Changes to Healthcare in Cheshire

Following our recent article in Tarvinonline regarding the new Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Cheshire has been appointed a "Pioneer area" for Integrating Care and Support.

The Connecting Care across Cheshire application was submitted on behalf of the Cheshire
West and Chester, and Cheshire East Health and Wellbeing Boards, and was developed and
supported by Clinical Commissioning Groups, and, Health Care Providers across Cheshire

There were approximately 100 applications received nationwide, with 30 areas being invited to a second stage interview to provide more detail and information regarding their proposals
On 16 September representatives from across the local Health and Social Care economy were interviewed in London, providing more information on their proposals, and the ambition of organisations to integrate services over future years.

On November 1, the Department of Health announced that Cheshire have been included as one of 14 pilot areas. This places Cheshire in the company of; Leeds, Cornwall, North West
London, and Worcestershire in being at the forefront of integrating services and partnership
working.

What are the aims of this Programme?

This programme aims to join-up local Health and Social Care around the needs and wishes of
local people, rather than organisational boundaries. The programme aims to make it so that
local people will find services more accessible, less repetitive, and less confusing.
Rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all approach, models of integrated care will reflect local
circumstances and needs across the Cheshire population of 700,000, with local residents,
service users and staff playing a key role in the development and delivery of services.

Although all services will become more integrated there will be a particular focus around older people with longer terms conditions and families with complex needs with a huge shift in resources and support from treating the symptoms of crisis to supporting people to live healthy and independent lives in the community.

Programme Launch

A national launch is taking place for the initiative on 3 December, which will allow representatives from Cheshire to network with the other areas that have been included as pilots.

Watch this space for further updates