28.11.13
Care providers seek more engagement with health and wellbeing boards
The NHS Partners Network (NHSPN), which represents independent healthcare providers, has joined forces with the English Community Care Association (ECCA).
Together they will support their members in working with health and wellbeing boards (HWBs), promoting their services and what’s on offer in the local health economy. The joint initiative was developed following a survey by the two organisations that was sent to members last July to explore the current relationship between HWBs and independent providers.
They called the feedback “disappointing”, with little engagement with HWBs so far.
An NHSPN spokesperson said: “HWBs are going to be central to health and care reform and it is vital to ensure they have strong links with all local providers in their area. Our main aim is to support our members in approaching HWBs but we also hope to see a willingness on the part of HWBs to work closely with independent health and care providers.”
Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of ECCA, added: “While the results of the survey were very negative and did not show any real engagement between providers and HWBs, we recognise these are still early days for the boards and there have been many demands on them in terms of determining priorities.
“However, this sector has a lot to offer and can support the local health and social care economies to meet the integration agenda and ensure services are built around individuals in the community and not in hospital. So it will be important for the Boards to have a clear understanding of the capability and capacity of local independent health and care services.”
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