Join the discussion on name change

HALTON residents have been invited to vote on what a major NHS mental health organisation should change its name to.

The 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said it now has services in 15 boroughs in Cheshire, Merseyside and Manchester and its existing title is out of date.

Three names are being considered: North West Boroughs Care NHS Foundation Trust, North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Cheshire, Merseyside And Greater Manchester Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Service users, carers, staff and the public have also been asked to give their views on the options.

The 5 Boroughs trust’s core areas where it provides mental health services are Halton, Knowsley, St Helens, Warrington and Wigan but it has now won contracts to expand its sphere of operations including in Sefton and Greater Manchester.

A spokeswoman for the trust said the national NHS Identity body sets the guidelines on what organisations can be called.

Following consultation, a recommended name will be put to the trust board and governors for approval.

Bernard Pilkington, 5 Boroughs Partnership chairman, said: “5 Boroughs Partnership is growing and the trust board agrees this is the right time to change our name to reflect the newlook community and mental health organisation we have become.

“We also feel strongly that our service users, carers and staff in the new boroughs we are and will be serving deserve to have a sense of belonging to an organisation which includes them within its name.”

To vote or provide views on the options visit www. 5boroughspartner s h i p. n h s . u k / namechange and complete a short online survey.

The deadline is Sunday, March 12.