New Borough-Wide Federation is Formed by Health Leaders
Rochdale, Greater Manchester – In a major shake-up for local healthcare, around half of Rochdale’s GP practices have officially joined forces under a new borough-wide federation aimed at strengthening community care and protecting services amid ongoing pressure on the NHS.
.jpg)
The Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Integrated GP Federation was formally launched at the Willow Dementia Hub, marking what health leaders describe as a, "significant change", to the way primary care is delivered across the region.
The new body brings together practices from across the borough to streamline services, share resources, and reinvest funding directly into frontline care. By collaborating more closely, the federation hopes to create a more resilient network capable of supporting surgeries facing sustained demand.
Dr Louise Thompson, acting interim chair of the federation, described the launch as a pivotal moment for general practice in Rochdale.
A Collaborative Approach to Healthcare
The launch event was attended by a wide range of local health and civic leaders, including the Mayor of Rochdale, Janet Emsley. Also present were representatives from the Greater Manchester GP Federation, Springhill Hospice, Hope Citadel CIC, and BARDOC, the borough’s not-for-profit urgent care provider.
Steve Taylor, chief officer of the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Local Care Organisation, was also in attendance, highlighting the cross-sector support for the initiative.
Leaders behind the move argue that the federation aligns with the wider NHS ambition to deliver more care within community settings, thereby reducing the strain on acute hospitals.
Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE, Chief Executive of BARDOC and a member of the new federation, emphasised the strategic importance of the move.
Focus on Person-Centred Care
The venue for the launch, the Willow Dementia Hub, was chosen specifically to underscore the federation's commitment to community-focused care. The hub provides vital support for people living with dementia and their families, serving as a symbol of the localised, compassionate care the new federation hopes to foster.
Speaking on the importance of collaborative efforts, Daniel Jones of Hope Citadel CIC indicated that cultivating stronger partnership working across organisations is fundamental to enhancing community support.
Addressing Health Inequalities
The formation of the federation comes at a critical time for Rochdale, which faces significant health inequalities in certain areas. Health leaders believe that closer collaboration between GP practices, community health providers, and voluntary organisations is essential to improving long-term health outcomes for the borough’s most vulnerable populations.
By sharing expertise and resources, the new federation aims to bridge gaps in care and ensure that services are more accessible to those who need them most.
As the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Integrated GP Federation begins its operations, residents can expect to see a more coordinated approach to primary care, with a renewed focus on keeping healthcare close to home.
.jpg)
The Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Integrated GP Federation was formally launched at the Willow Dementia Hub, marking what health leaders describe as a, "significant change", to the way primary care is delivered across the region.
The new body brings together practices from across the borough to streamline services, share resources, and reinvest funding directly into frontline care. By collaborating more closely, the federation hopes to create a more resilient network capable of supporting surgeries facing sustained demand.
Dr Louise Thompson, acting interim chair of the federation, described the launch as a pivotal moment for general practice in Rochdale.
A Collaborative Approach to Healthcare
The launch event was attended by a wide range of local health and civic leaders, including the Mayor of Rochdale, Janet Emsley. Also present were representatives from the Greater Manchester GP Federation, Springhill Hospice, Hope Citadel CIC, and BARDOC, the borough’s not-for-profit urgent care provider.
Steve Taylor, chief officer of the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Local Care Organisation, was also in attendance, highlighting the cross-sector support for the initiative.
Leaders behind the move argue that the federation aligns with the wider NHS ambition to deliver more care within community settings, thereby reducing the strain on acute hospitals.
Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE, Chief Executive of BARDOC and a member of the new federation, emphasised the strategic importance of the move.
Focus on Person-Centred Care
The venue for the launch, the Willow Dementia Hub, was chosen specifically to underscore the federation's commitment to community-focused care. The hub provides vital support for people living with dementia and their families, serving as a symbol of the localised, compassionate care the new federation hopes to foster.
Speaking on the importance of collaborative efforts, Daniel Jones of Hope Citadel CIC indicated that cultivating stronger partnership working across organisations is fundamental to enhancing community support.
Addressing Health Inequalities
The formation of the federation comes at a critical time for Rochdale, which faces significant health inequalities in certain areas. Health leaders believe that closer collaboration between GP practices, community health providers, and voluntary organisations is essential to improving long-term health outcomes for the borough’s most vulnerable populations.
By sharing expertise and resources, the new federation aims to bridge gaps in care and ensure that services are more accessible to those who need them most.
As the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Integrated GP Federation begins its operations, residents can expect to see a more coordinated approach to primary care, with a renewed focus on keeping healthcare close to home.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Send your story in to editor@rochdalevaliant.uk
Post a Comment