Better Together e-news issue 52
Welcome from the Chair, Kevin Lockyer
As the leaves turn and autumn is upon us, I am pleased to welcome you to this edition of Better Together, our magazine for members. This edition includes updates and news about achievements and new initiatives across our services, all of which reflect the dedication and compassion of our staff and volunteers.
One of the highlights this autumn is the launch of our new pilot step-down service at Ashley House in Grantham. This innovative project provides temporary accommodation and tailored support for Lincolnshire residents who are ready to leave inpatient wards but need a little extra help before returning to independent living. By re-purposing existing resources and working in partnership with Turning Point, we are improving patient flow, making better use of our funding and improving the experience of our patients.
We are also very pleased to announce the opening of a new one-stop memory assessment clinic at Lincoln Community Diagnostic Centre. This one year pilot, delivered in collaboration with Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group, offers a streamlined, same-day service for those awaiting memory assessments. By bringing all diagnostic tests and consultations together in one visit, we are making the process more accessible and less daunting for patients and their families.
Supporting young people remains a priority for us. Our specialist Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) team has developed a series of bite-sized educational videos for young people living with chronic fatigue syndrome, thanks to funding from NHS England. These resources, shaped by feedback from young service users, offer hope and practical advice, and have already received positive responses from across the country.
Financial sustainability is a challenge faced by many organisations, and our Trust is no exception. We are reviewing our services to ensure we continue to deliver high-quality care while making the best use of public funds. This work is ongoing, and we invite all members and service users to share their views and help shape the future of our services.
This edition also celebrates the return of the Every Voice People Awards, recognising the achievements and positive impact of those with lived or learnt experience of our services. We congratulate all our winners and thank everyone who contributes to our community.
Our annual Team LPFT Values Awards has been refreshed to reflect our new Trust values, and nominations are now open year-round. I encourage you to celebrate the outstanding work of our staff, volunteers and teams by submitting a nomination.
We also welcome new and returning governors following the results of our summer governor elections and look forward to working together to represent the voices of members of the Trust and the wider public, service users, carers and our staff.
Finally, I want to thank all our staff, volunteers and partners for their continuing commitment, and to everyone who reads this magazine and engages with our Trust. Your involvement is vital to our continuous improvement and the delivery of excellent care.
With best wishes,
Kevin Lockyer, Trust Chair
