Better access to adult community health services
From April 2020, Sirona has said it will follow the goals set out in the NHS’s long-term plan. Their aim is to make services more joined up, with a single point of access for enquiries and teams of professionals working closely together around people’s needs.
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group signed the £1bn contract for Sirona to operate adult community services over ten years. The organisation – a community interest company – has been delivering services in the local and surrounding area since 2011.
Community services already support thousands of people in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to stay well, through district nursing, therapy, rehabilitation and specialist support such as diabetes care. Sirona care & health will build on this by introducing smarter ways for health professionals to work, and joining care up more effectively around people’s needs – involving general practices, the voluntary sector and social services.
Julia Ross, Chief Excutive of NHS Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group said
“Sirona has a strong focus on quality and innovation, both of which were emphasised in an excellent bid. Our vision, alongside Sirona’s, is to develop services that will give our skilled community workforce the opportunity to provide much more joined-up care for everyone using them. That means better experiences and better health outcomes for everyone in the future.” Janet Rowse, Chief Executive at Sirona care & health, said: “We are thrilled to be awarded the contract for adult community health services in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. “Everyone at Sirona is committed to developing the very best services alongside the people who use them, and ensuring that their views and experiences are at the heart of everything we do. Involving staff and partner organisations in our decision-making is also a huge part of how we work, and we are keen to meet as many people as possible, listen to their views and plan together in the coming months. There is a huge opportunity for improvement over the next decade, ensuring that community services are easier to access and offering much more proactive care to ensure that people remain independent and well in their communities. Our first priority, working with the CCG, is to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for current service users and staff.”
Sirona says it is following the vision set out in the NHS Long Term Plan, published earlier this year, which highlights the vital role that community health teams play in supporting people to stay well, closer to home. People will continue to use services as normal throughout 2019. Current nurses, therapists and other community health professionals will continue their activities, under the management of Sirona care & health, working closely with general practices, mental health, social services and voluntary groups.
