Community health services transfer to new provider

Community health services in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, will transfer to the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust from today (Friday 1 April 2011).

The move is part of the Government’s Transforming Community Services programme (TCS) that will help to improve the quality of local health services and patient care.

Until now, Pennine Care has specialised in the provision of mental health services, however, by bringing community and mental health services together, it is thought better care will be provided for patients including all aspects of their health, lifestyle and wellbeing.

A comprehensive range of community services will be provided, close to, or in people’s homes.

These services will be provided by staff from a range of clinical and non-clinical backgrounds including District Nurses, Health Visitors, School Nurses, Podiatrists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians, Dentists and Speech and Language Therapists.

Community services will continue to be provided as normal but patients will start to receive letters and information from Pennine Care rather than their current provider of community services.

The new combined Trust will provide community and mental health services to the people of Bury, Oldham, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, and will continue to provide mental health services in Stockport, Tameside and Glossop, and parts of the High Peak, East Lancashire and North Manchester areas - serving, in total, a population of 1.1 million.

John Archer, Chief Executive of Pennine Care said: “This is an exciting development for the Trust, and we look forward to welcoming new colleagues joining us from the Primary Care Trusts. We believe the new organisation will result in excellent partnership working, greater employment and career opportunities for local people, and most importantly - better services for patients.”

Dr Julie Higgins, Chief Executive of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, commented: “As commissioners, we are confident in Pennine Care’s capability as a provider and believe that the transfer of our local community services into the organisation will be of great benefit to both staff and patients.

“We are looking forward to working with Pennine Care to develop local services that improve the health and wellbeing of our population.”

Michele Bennion, Services Director of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Community Healthcare, added: “We believe that Pennine Care is an ideal organisation to help us build on the success we have already had in providing community services in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.

“Pennine Care has an impressive track record and will be able to support us with a vast range of additional experience and resources to develop our services and staff, ensuring that we continue to provide the best possible care for our patients.”