100 learn about town's health service

MORE than 100 people met Warrington’s health chiefs to learn about the range of health services on offer across the borough.
The event at the Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub was organised by Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) – the organisation responsible for the town’s NHS health care.
The day was divided into three parts, beginning with an information marketplace in the morning, followed by the CCG’s annual general meeting and then the organisation’s governing body Meeting.
The marketplace was well attended with stalls and representatives from 36 different organisations showcasing the many health and social care services on offer across Warrington.
These included Healthwatch, NHS Direct, Warrington community alcohol team – Pathways to Recovery, Women’s Aid, the John Holt Cancer Support Foundation, Warrington Disability Partnership, Warrington Borough Council’s Mental Health Outreach Team, Arthritis Care, Warrington Older People’s Engagement Group and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Dozens of local people, and health and social care professionals then listened as CCG leaders held the organisation’s AGM. The presentation highlighted the group’s achievements over the past 12 months, priorities for future and financial challenges. Residents were also invited to put forward any questions that they had.
Dr Andy Davies (pictured), Local GP and chairman of Warrington CCG, said: “It was great to see so many local people taking the opportunity to learn about the many health services on offer in Warrington and then meet the CCG team responsible for planning, buying and monitoring the quality of health and social care services in Warrington.
“Over the past 12 months, we have worked very hard to make sure that the people of Warrington have the healthcare services that they need. Led by local GPs, the CCG is working to change the lives of our population for the better – delivering programmes that will improve services, redesign the way people can access healthcare, keep local people healthy, improve treatments and save lives.”
CCG governing body members discussed official business of the organisation including reviewing performance of healthcare providers, quality issues and finance matters.
A key highlight of the meeting was a report which reaffirmed Warrington CCG’s vision and objectives for achieving “Excellence for Warrington” following a recent event held with health partners where it was agreed that the transformational programme work of the CCG is focused on the right areas and should continue with the aim of integrating health services and delivering better health and social care for the people of Warrington.
The organisation’s next governing body meeting will take place on Wednesday November 13 at 1.30pm at the Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub. The agenda and papers will be available on www.warringtonccg.nhs.uk two weeks in advance of the meeting.
ENDS.