Local partners pledge to keep improving health and social care together
Senior leaders across Lancashire and South Cumbria have committed to a new way of working which supports independence, wellbeing and puts residents' needs at the centre of decision making.
The Caring Together Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a formal agreement that unites organisations as they design, commission and deliver services for local residents.
The agreement brings together NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Council and Westmorland and Furness Council under a shared framework focused on improving outcomes for residents and strengthening partnership working across the system.
The MoU sets out a clear set of shared principles, including person-centred care, transparency, mutual accountability and joint decision making.
Partners to this MoU acknowledge the challenges that Lancashire and South Cumbria’s health and care system is operating under, with growing demand for services and that public services are operating in a significant financial constraint.
They agree that a genuinely collaborative approach is essential for the future of adult social care, working across organisational boundaries to design and deliver services based on residents needs and to support residents to achieve outcomes that support independence, inclusion and wellbeing.
This programme will support greater consistency in practice, clearer shared accountability and more joined-up service delivery across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
Partners will adopt delivery models that are preventative, strength-based, and person-centred, and while one organisation may lead on specific functions, all parties will be involved in shaping proposals.
Aaron Cummins, chief executive of Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said:
"This agreement represents an important step in strengthening how we work together across health and local government.
"By aligning our priorities and committing to clear, shared ways of working, we can deliver services that are more joined-up, more transparent and focused on what matters most to residents."
Helen Coombes, executive director of Adults, Health and Wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, said:
"This agreement makes it clear how we will continue to support people across Lancashire by putting them at the heart of every decision about their care and support needs.
"We can plan for the future, focus on prevention and early support and help residents stay independent and well for as long as possible.
"We know that more people are needing support, and by working together and being open and transparent about our work, we can deliver high quality care for people who need it."
The agreement will be overseen through joint governance arrangements and reviewed annually to ensure it continues to support effective partnership working and improved outcomes for residents.