CCG boss ‘building bridges’ to improve services

“Bridges need to be built” in order to improve a North Lincolnshire health commissioning service, according to the organisation’s chief officer.

Emma Latimer, who was placed in charge at North Lincolnshire CCG nine months ago, said that she is putting measures in place to bring the health body up to standard.

The commissioning group, which buys health services for people in the region, was recently rated as “requires improvement” by NHS England bosses after been found “inadequate” a year ago.

But, Miss Latimer said that she wants the the organisation to be better.

Health Place, Brigg, where North Lincolnshire CCG is based.

Miss Latimer, who holds a dual role at Hull Clinical Commisioning Group, said that the commisioner needs to focus on the right areas in order to improve.

“For me, its about investing in the right areas,” she said.

“We’re going to spend some time trying to develop the workforce here.

“We need to invest in things like communications and engagement so that we can tell people what we do, what we’re going to do and how they can help us.”

She added that the CCG will also look to work with voluntary organisations in order to help people in the region.

“CCGs are not all about commissioning hospital and medical treatment,” she said.

“It’s about making people healthy and well, such as exercising, eating healthy and going to social clubs.

“It’s not all about treatment, so for me its also about putting focus into that area.”

The group is expected to receive another rating from health bosses in a year’s time.

Scunthorpe General Hospital. Picture: Colin Babb.

Miss Latimer said that in that time she hopes to work with local organisations, such as the council and Scunthorpe General Hospital in order to improve health services and waiting times for cancer treatment and accident and emergency.

Plans for an extension to the hospital’s A&E department were recently submitted by Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Trust in an effort to relieve pressure on the department.

Miss Latimer said that she hopes the measures put in place will help to “build bridges” and improve the organisation.

“Ideally I would like us to be outstanding,” she said.

“But I’ve got to build bridges and I’ve got to put things in place so that we can sustain it.”

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