Last updated at 16:46, Thursday, 03 January 2013

THE boss of the organisation which runs Furness General Hospital has spoken about the importance of making the right decisions during 2013, as plans are put forward for major changes in how patients receive care.

LEADING A REVIEW Jackie Daniel HARRY ATKINSON REF: 50036284B008

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust is carrying out a review of all the services it provides across its sites, including FGH.

The trust, which needs to save £50m over the next five years, is set to launch a public consultation this year.

Jackie Daniel, UHMBT chief executive, said: “2013 will be a year of transition for the trust as we work with our GP and commissioning colleagues to develop the options for the way our services might be delivered in the future.

“It will undoubtedly be the year where we set the direction of travel for many years to come – so it is important we get it right.”

Ms Daniel, who took over the running of UHMBT in August after years of problems at the trust, said she had several hopes for the year ahead.

Referring to the ongoing review, she said: “My first hope is that we seize and make the most of this opportunity. To do this, we will need to engage with staff and our communities in order to decide what is provided by our hospitals in the future.

“My second hope is that we design a service which is integrated with other health providers, with primary and community care and with social care.

“People have complex and varied health and social needs in our rural communities so it is essential that we have a joined up approach.”

Reflecting on the general running of the trust, Ms Daniel added: “I want to ensure we hear the patient’s voice and the voices of patients’ families and loved ones.

“To help us with this, we will be redesigning our complaints and customer response systems and processes.

“Finally, I hope that in 2013, we are able to connect with greater numbers of our staff so that they are involved in designing and implementing plans for the future.”

First published at 16:28, Wednesday, 02 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk