The Power of Partnership in Bolton
Health and care partners in Bolton demonstrated the power of working together at an event which attracted more than 100 people.
The Power of Partnership on Wednesday, October 3 showcased the great work done so far as a result of the devolution of health and social care across Greater Manchester.
In 2017 Bolton secured £28.8 million from the Greater Manchester Transformation Fund in order to change to way it delivers services in the borough.
Bolton Council, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Bolton CCG have been working together, along with other providers and local community and voluntary services, to improve health and care which will ultimately enable residents to live a happier and healthier life.
Examples of the progress achieved to date include an increase in health and care professionals on the doorstep, improvements to A&E, more Technology Enabled Care (TEC) and the introduction of Community Asset Navigators who help to bring members of the community together to support each other.
Chief Officer of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, Jon Rouse, spoke to a packed Festival Hall, in Bolton Town Hall, to explain the difference Devolution has made.
There were also key speakers from all partners involved in the Transformation work in Bolton.
Members of the public were invited to attend and record what difference Devolution had made to their lives, plus there was a chance to witness positive case studies from within the community.
The Festival Hall was transformed into a thriving market place, with a range of stalls showcasing achievements from across the health and care, and voluntary and community sectors.
Dr Wirin Bhatiani, NHS Bolton CCG Chair, said: “I am proud of the way we have worked together in Bolton to make improvements for the benefit of our residents since local authorities and NHS organisations in Greater Manchester received greater devolution.”
The then-Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Linda Thomas, said: “By working closely with our partners in the health and social care sector we have already seen significant changes that have made a big difference.
“This event provided great chance to hear everyday examples of how this transformation is benefiting patients and service users in Bolton.
Chief Executive of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Jackie Bene OBE, said: “Devolution has given us the opportunity as partners to build a new future where using technology and a joined-up approach to delivering health and social care will lead to Bolton people living longer and happier lives.
“Being able to work more closely with partners means that our services become more seamless to the people who use them. Working together means that we can improve the experience of those accessing health and care services and can get full value of the Bolton Pound – the money spent on health and care services locally.”
