TOWN Hall chiefs have approved a concordat for the development of joint commissioning with NHS Warrington.
Council leader Ian Marks (pictured) has described it as a “double whammy” – because it will result in better health care for local 
people and also save money.
He said: “This is very exciting and very positive for the future. It will benefit the people of Warrington and we will save money as well.”
Coun Marks said there were “cultural differences” between the council and NHS Warrington – the Primary Care Trust.
“But there is a huge willingness on both sides to make it work,” he added.
The board of NHS Warrington will be asked to approve the arrangements at its May meeting.
NHS Warrington and the council established a joint commissioning programme board early last year to lead a structured approach to joint commission and service delivery.
The aim of joint commissioning is to improve wider health and well-being outcomes to the people of Warrington.
Having one route into a range of integrated services is seen as feeling more satisfactory for the citizen and also gives the two authorities an opportunity to reduce duplication to a minimum.
A formal joint health and social board will be set up to oversee and govern the partnership arrangements. It will report twice yearly to the boards of the two parent bodies.
3 Comments
Why is ian Marks using the term Double Whammy?
The expression “double whammy” first appeared in a cartoon strip, which was quite popular in America in the 1920s. Al Capp, the author of the comic strip “Li’l Abner” used this expression to refer to an intense stare, which had a withering effect on its victims. It’s meaning has undergone a considerable amount of change since then. This is how slang dictionaries define “double whammy” — “double the portion of something, especially something troublesome.” When you get a “double whammy” of something, it is usually something really bad
Sounds great BUT it's not really like that! "Cultural differences" are mentioned – UNDER STATEMENT! Has any body in charge got any idea about the mamoth struggle it is to get any organisation to willingly and positively embrace and impliment change? We're still trying to implement changes from Legislation that has been in place for years, for heavens sake.
Have those in power any idea at all, of the feelings of the employee's who are "still" waiting to find out about their job evaluation, who are waiting on news of the Council restucture that doesn't mention some of the teams that currently exist within the Council?
This is not a caring Council, the mood is dreadful, people are disheartened, don't feel supported, they're frightened and yet are still working very hard trying their very best to do a good job, and some how we're supposed to from somewhere in the spirit to "embrace" and "welcome" and "adapt" to yet more change which will and does unsettled people.
I don't think we're ready or ever will be, there comes a point when too much is asked of people, and this could be the final straw for some, some who the Council will really struggle to replace, like Helen Sumner for example. It would and is of course glossed over, but I really fear for the future of this Council.
I think they'll lose the staff that they don't want to loose and be left with the ones that they hoped would move on.
Surely can’t be that bad!! I mean this is an award winning council which pays off those who leave handsomely.
The there are the staff awards as well – a great party at the Parr hall celebrating staff achievements!