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North east healthcare trust holds engagement event for voluntary and community sector organisations in Berwick

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust held a Northumbria Café engagement event in Berwick with organisations from the voluntary and community sector.

This is the third Northumbria Café event to be held this year, and it has proven to be successful in developing closer links with the sector to help shape the future of the trust.

The inclusion of organisations in Berwick is of high importance to the trust due to the ongoing construction of the new hospital and evaluation of healthcare services in the rural town.

In attendance were 23 representatives from five organisations including carer groups, Berwick Academy, and mental health and youth groups. Having wide-spread representation allowed for some powerful conversations surrounding the three themes of the day:

• How the voluntary sector can work closer with Bright, Northumbria Healthcare’s official charity
• How a focus on challenges faced in rural areas can support the trust’s Community Promise
• How the trust can better support employment, training and work experience for all ages.

Marion Dickson, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals, said: “It’s an exciting time for Berwick with the development of the new hospital and the positive changes in how healthcare is provided in the town. This event has come along at a good time for us to have insightful conversations with and encourage the involvement of those in the voluntary and community sector.

“Often these organisations are providing our patients with extra support before, during and after their time in our care so it’s of utmost importance that we work closer together so those in our communities have a smooth transition between care and support providers.”

Ross Wigham, Director of Communications, said: “The Berwick community are passionate about their town and supporting their community and this was reflected in the conversations that were had during the event. Having representation from the voluntary and community sector has provided us with great insight to how we, as a trust, can continue our improvement of care to ensure we are serving everyone in our communities. Our relationships are only growing stronger and will continue to grow in the future.”

Steve Gibson, headteacher at Berwick Academy, said: “The Northumbria Café event at The Maltings in Berwick was an excellent way to share information and ideas with others. It was good to meet with likeminded people and ensure that the views of people who live and work in North Northumberland were aired and considered by decision-makers from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust. 

“With a new hospital looming large on the horizon in Berwick, this is an exciting time for building healthcare, community and education links across a range of voluntary and public sector organisations.”

A follow-up meeting will be held next year to reflect on the suggestions made at the engagement event and to discuss how these have been implemented.

Media contact

Louise Alexander, social media and digital assistant

Louise.Alexander@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk