Local MS’s Huw and Sarah visit ground-breaking, integrated health and social care teams in Bridgend

Huw Irranca-Davies MS and Sarah Murphy MS took time to meet the inspiring teams who provide integrated health and social care in the Bridgend area, bringing together professionals from NHS and local authorities to help people live longer and healthier lives at, or close to home for as long as possible.

This pioneering work – driven by multi-million-pound Welsh Government ICT and Transformation funding – is based on the best international examples of health and social care such as the “Canterbury Model” in New Zealand, and it focusses on the needs and wants of the individual patient, and how to wrap care and support around that person.

This brings together health and social care teams, as well as third sector partners specialising in home adaptation and care.

 

Huw Irranca-Davies says

“I’ve seen first-hand the difference these joined-up teams make to people, allowing them to live more independently and with a greater quality of life for longer, and reducing the need for more acute care too.

Focussing on the needs of the individual, and providing for their care and health needs earlier and closer to home, is going to be a major part of our health and care system now and for the future.”

 

Sarah Murphy added:

“It’s wonderful to see Bridgend and Wales leading the way on this vital project.

“Huw and I thank the many professionals – specialist nurses and physiotherapists, disability social workers and speech and language therapists, Independent Living Coordinators and others – who are making such a difference to people’s lives.”

 

At the visit to Trem Y Mor in Bettws, Sarah and Huw also discussed the challenges and opportunities for this model of health and care with staff, the Chief Executive of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Huw David, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, and their senior management team.

 

About Lisa Baker, Editor, Wellbeing News 4211 Articles
Editor Lisa Baker is passionate about the benefits of a holistic approach to healing. Lisa is a qualified Vibrational Therapist and has qualifications in Auricular Therapy, Massage, Kinesiology, Crystal Healing, Seichem and is a Reiki Master.