Gwent leading the way in public service collaboration

A ground breaking collaborative programme is being launched today (23 January 2014) to improve the provision of high quality accommodation and care services to those with Continuing Health Care needs.

The collaboration brings together Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, the five former Gwent Councils (Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen) and nine housing associations (Bron Afon, Linc, Melin Homes, Monmouthshire Housing Association, Newport City Homes, Newport Housing Trust, Seren Group, Tai Calon and United Welsh).

Continuing Health Care (CHC) is the name given to a package of services which is arranged and funded by the NHS for those people who have been assessed as having a primary and often complex, health care need. CHC can be received in any setting including a person’s own home or a care home.

There is a lack of high quality accommodation in the locality so, this collaboration, called ‘In One Place’ will:

• Ensure health, social care and housing colleagues strategically plan and co-ordinate the provision of high quality and care solutions.
• Ensure local and affordable accommodation solutions are delivered in an environment of ‘open book’ costing with those to be housed (together with their families/carers) fully engaged in the process.
• Benefits in service quality, satisfaction with quality of care in addition to costs are incurred.
• Future accommodation needs are planned and delivered collaboratively, ‘In One Place.’

In One Place is being supported by the Welsh Government Regional Collaboration Fund, which is helping to turn public service collaboration into a reality.