Politicians meet joined-up pioneering teams

MSs Huw Irranca-Davies and Sarah Murphy 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, and it focuses on the needs and wants of the individual patient, and how to wrap care and support around that person.

Mr Irranca-Davies says “I’ve seen first-hand the difference these joined-up teams make to people.

“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.”

Ms 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 Co-ordinators and others – who are making such a difference to people’s lives.”

The pair 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 council, and their senior management team.