Health & Social Care Collaborative for Older People
Over 200 people from health and social services, the independent and
voluntary sector and service users attended the final event of the Older
Peoples collaborative on 23 July at East Midlands Conference Centre.
Throughout the day, the 12 teams shared both their achievements and the
lessons learned in the form of presentations, workshops and exhibitions. A
panel of 5 service users gave examples of the benefits of true user
engagement, and provided all of us with food for thought. Professor Ian
Philip, National Director, Older People's Services acknowledged the
important contribution collaborative working made to supporting national
standards of care and recognised the need to spread and sustain the
methodology. Mike Nolan, Professor of Gerontology, Sheffield University
commended the teams' abilities to identify real improvement for service
users and carers.
Although this was the final event of the formal support programme, a key
message clearly stated the need to ensure this work continues and delegates
were challenged to take the work forward into their individual
organisations.
The day was a true celebration culminating in rewards for the best 3
storyboard exhibitions: Bassetlaw won 1st prize of two places to the IHI
conference in Orlando USA, Doncaster won 2nd prize of 3 tickets for an
Improvement Masterclass, and Rotherham won 3rd prize of a package of text
books. In addition all teams were presented with books to help them
continue collaborative working.
A full report and evaluation will be published in August 2002
Further information from linda.tully@sheffieldn-pct.nhs.uk (Mobile: 0774 7795689)
Linda Tully
Project Manager Older People's Taskforce
