The first ever joint and virtual Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM) of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) and Annual General Meeting of North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group was held this week.
In advance of the virtual meeting presentations and films were published which provided an opportunity for those interested to learn more about the achievements of both organisations over the last 12 months, the current financial position, reflections on the Covid-19 pandemic and plans for the future.
Members of the public were able to submit questions in advance and during the meeting which were answered by the respective leadership teams . Questions submitted included, information around how telemedicine is being used across North Cumbria, the progress the Trust has made following its formation in October 2019, Covid-19 updates, community hospital improvements, West Cumberland Hospital redevelopments and the cancer centre at Cumberland Infirmary.
During the meeting staff working across the NHS were praised for their outstanding efforts over the past year following a momentous and challenging year. The bravery and commitment of staff, the generosity of local residents and community groups were key themes throughout the meeting.
Lyn Simpson, Chief Executive at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said:
“It has been fascinating to reflect back on the past 12 months and it is just as important for us to think about the year ahead.
“Integration, participation and collaboration are all words we use often but it really means how we all continue work together and will help build things as a system in the future for the residents of Cumbria.
“I want to see us building on the principles of being a clinically led organisation and clinically engaged organisation, it is about driving patient safety and patient quality forward.
“I want every patient experience to be a positive one, whether this is over the telephone or in person, every experience should be a positive one. Equally I want our staff to have a good experience when they come to work, I want them to enjoy coming to work and I want them to feel enthusiastic about the work they are doing.
“In summary, I want to do all of the good things around the partnership, I want to encourage everyone who works in the system to have a good experience but most of all I want patients to have a good quality safe experience in the year ahead.”
Mark Adams, Accountable Officer for NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group said:
“It’s hugely important for our healthcare commissioners and providers to share with our community our achievements and our challenges. We were asked about a real range of issues from how we’re using new technology, to progress on some of our long term developments. There is a real desire for us to work closely together to keep improving services for our patients.
“It was also the chance to thank all of our health and care staff who have worked so hard in such challenging circumstances.
“And also to say thank you to our community for the support shown for our teams, and for the role they have played in reducing infection by following the guidance -washing hands, wearing a face covering and social distancing. It does have an impact – thank you.”
The meeting was held virtually online via Microsoft Teams for the first time due to social distancing restrictions. It can be watched back at: https://youtu.be/kK03b84Fnh0
Full answers to all questions raised at the meeting and other details of the meeting including presentations can be accessed on the Annual Members Meeting webpage.