The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group has issued the following release today.
Local NHS leaders have today, Tuesday 3 September 2019, confirmed Sirona care & health as the provider of community health services for adults across the local area.
At its Governing Body meeting today, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group signed a contract for more than £1bn over ten years.
Sirona care & health was announced as the high scoring bidder in July, and has secured the contract following a comprehensive period of due diligence. The organisation – a community interest company – has been delivering services in the local and surrounding area since 2011.
Julia Ross, Chief Executive of NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG said: “We are delighted to be able to announce Sirona care & health as our single provider of adult community health services today.
“Sirona has a strong focus on quality and innovation, both of which were emphasised in an excellent bid. Their track record of working closely with people who use services was also really well demonstrated. We’ve been through a thorough due diligence process since July to test the plans, and we are really excited to be taking this long-term partnership forward.
“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.”
Community services already support thousands of people in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to stay well, through services such as 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.
This is in line with 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. From April 2020, services will be more joined up, with a single point of access for enquiries and teams of professionals working closely together around people’s needs.
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.
