We are delighted to announce that Leeds is to become a national pioneer site for integrated health and social care, following a recent announcement by the government of the creation of 14 pioneer areas to champion local innovation and experimentation to improve services for local people.
This is fantastic news as Leeds will receive national support to build on work which is already delivering better health and care for adults, children and young people by making services work together more effectively.
Pioneer status will also mean Leeds can test out innovative new ideas with the help of national expertise and support.
Cllr Lisa Mulherin, chair of Leeds Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “I am absolutely delighted Leeds has been awarded Pioneer status - it means the great work we have done already is being recognised and we can share our knowledge and expertise with others across the country and beyond.
“Integration is crucial to improving the quality of care and support. Comments from local people who use health and social care services have focused squarely on the need for services to be better coordinated, easier to understand and for them to promote dignity, choice and respect.
“People don’t want to have to repeat the same information to different health and social care staff, and expect a streamlined service with fewer gaps or delays – for example, if they need homecare or other support arranged before they leave hospital.”
Dr Andy Harris, GP, Chief Clinical Officer for NHS Leeds South and East Clinical Commissioning Group and chair of the city’s Health and Social Care Transformation Board said: “The health and social care economy must adapt quickly if we are to meet the rapidly changing needs of our communities. We are already leading the way with some of our innovative thinking around healthcare technology and integration of services.
“Pioneer status can help us to take the next steps; making important improvements to delivery of care whilst creating a self-care culture among people in our city to encourage better health and wellbeing and greater independence.”
Leeds is also part of the Europe-wide Healthy Cities Network and the city’s current strength in innovation was recognised on a recent visit by European healthcare innovation experts.
Mireia Sanàbria, URBACT 4D Cities Lead Expert said: "In Leeds we could see the four drivers of our project – the health service, business, citizens and knowledge – already in place. It was an opportunity to see a more advanced stage of our 360-degree strategy. But there is always room for exchange and improvement when we talk to one another at these events."
For the last two years there has been an ambitious change programme in Leeds, a major part of which has focused on linking the work of health and social care services and makes sure people are given more say about their care and treatment.
The government announcement follows an invitation by Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb MP in May for areas of the country to bid for pioneer status, as part of a new national commitment to make joined-up health and social care ‘the norm’ across England by 2018.
Leeds City Council, the three Leeds Clinical Commissioning Groups, Leeds Community Healthcare Trust, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust and Leeds and York Partnership Foundation Trust joined together, supported by local and national third sector partners including Third Sector Leeds and local user groups, to make application for pioneer status.
