Have a say on health care

PEOPLE in Warrington can still sign up to have a say on services provided by Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust.
The Trust, which provides a range of community based health services to more than one million people – including Warrington – has already held consultation meetings in Warrington.
Under discussion were plans for it to take on extra responsibilities by becoming a Foundation Trust (FT).
But there is still time for Warrington people who were unable to attend the local meetings to have a say until the consultation ends on April 30.
Bridgewater provides a wide range of community based health services to a population of more than one million people.
In addition, its Dental division provides highly specialist community dental services to the residents of Warrington, Bolton, Stockport, Ashton, Leigh & Wigan, Halton, St Helens, Trafford, Tameside, Glossop, Warrington and Western Cheshire.
Chief executive Dr Kate Fallon said: “We are excited about the opportunities that FT status offers us. We have already spoken to a number of our patients and members of the public about our plans to become a Foundation Trust and the vast majority have been hugely supportive and greatly appreciate our commitment to real patient and public involvement.
“We firmly believe that FT status offers us greater freedom to innovate and grow within the NHS so we can improve the services we offer to patients, their families and carers.”
As an FT the Trust will be required to recruit members from the communities in all boroughs where services are provided. Membership is open to anyone aged over 14 years.
Members will have a unique opportunity to influence future decisions about NHS community services. These services include district nursing, health visiting, community podiatry and dermatology.
People can choose how involved they would like to be and members will be consulted on plans and services as well as electing the Council of Governors.
Trust chairman Harry Holden said: “As a Foundation Trust we will be free to invest our monies in those services which we know are valued and needed by those we serve. It will also ensure our patients and local people have a greater say in our decision making in the future.”
To download copies of the consultation documents outlining the plans for becoming a Foundation Trust and for details of more consultation events, visit the website www.bridgewater.nhs.uk/ft
To become a member of the organisation email [email protected] or telephone 01942 482672