Our region's NHS must continue to adapt to the changing needs of the people it serves. Alongside the opportunities this brings, there are challenges such as workforce pressures and rising costs. And as the organisation responsible for planning and buying the majority of healthcare services in the region, we have a responsibility to use our resources wisely.
This has meant we need to review some of the contracts that are held with voluntary and community sector partners in County Durham. In particular, this is looking at certain contracts that Age UK County Durham and Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) have.
Before we make any changes, we are wanting to listen to the views and experiences of people connected to these services.
To help us do this, we have co-designed the conversations with staff from a range of partner organisations. We have also made sure the questions are available in alternative formats to enable people to effectively participate.
The feedback that we receive will help us look at important ways you and others can be supported in the future.
There is work happening across the NHS to implement the national requirements as set out in Fit for the Future: 10 year health plan for England.
That's why we’re working together to use that money more wisely - focusing investment where it makes the biggest difference to people’s health and wellbeing.
That means making every NHS pound count: cutting waste, avoiding duplication and sharing services where it makes sense.
You can find further details about the background to this work in the briefing document. Included in that you will also find additional information about alternative provision which may be of use to you and people you are supporting.