This week marks Celebrating Community Services week – a moment to shine a light on the vital role community services play in a fast-changing NHS.
Community services are the backbone of a modern, sustainable health system. The new ‘Fit for the Future’ 10-Year Health Plan for England sets out a bold vision: to move from a hospital-centric model to one where care is delivered closer to home, designed around people’s lives, and focused on prevention as much as treatment.
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating the week by recognising the pride and dedication of colleagues delivering services across Warrington, Halton and beyond.
From district nursing teams supporting people to stay well at home, to children’s services giving families the best start in life, community dental teams improving access for those who need it most, and urgent community response services providing fast, local care – every service is essential.
“Whatever community service you work in, every contact made is an opportunity to improve lives, reduce inequalities, and keep people out of hospital, just as the 10-Year Health Plan asks of us,” said Nik Khashu, Chief Executive.
Bridgewater’s integration journey with Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is another reason to celebrate and reflect. The ‘Better Care Together’ programme aims to build a new kind of organisation – one that truly joins up hospital and community care, breaks down silos, and puts the needs of the local population first.
By working as one, the Trusts aim to deliver new models of care, invest in prevention, and ensure that every community has access to the services they need, when and where they need them. This is exactly the shift the national plan calls for – and it’s what communities deserve.
During Celebrating Community Services Week, staff are being thanked for embracing change, supporting each other, and always putting patients first.
“Together, we are stronger,” Nik added.