New community health services contract launches in Kent and Medway

A new contract, which sees adult and children’s community health services in Kent and Medway delivered by a new partnership, starts today.

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) was awarded the contract as lead provider, by NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board, and is delivering services in partnership with HCRG Care Group (HCRG) and Medway Community Healthcare (MCH).

This partnership signals a new approach to healthcare where providers are working across organisational boundaries and joining forces to share best practice and tackle the common challenges that are impacting patient care. Together, the partnership will build on existing services, combining expertise to deliver even greater improvements. One of the key goals is to make sure people can access the right services, no matter where they live.

Community NHS services previously delivered by other providers in Kent and Medway will be transferring to KCHFT, including specialist children’s services delivered in east Kent and Medway. Local people won’t see any immediate changes to the services they receive. Their care will continue to be delivered by the same trusted teams of professionals.

Mairead McCormick

Mairead McCormick, KCHFT Chief Executive, said: “Our partnership marks a new chapter for community services in Kent and Medway and I’m delighted we are combining forces with HCRG Care Group and MCH to use our collective expertise and resources to improve care for adults and children across the county.

“We each bring highly-skilled compassionate professionals, a deep understanding of our communities and a proven track record in transforming services.

“Our common goal is to support people to live their best life. Working with GPs and other health and care partners, we will build neighbourhood health services that keep people well at home, investing in a future where proactive and preventive care leads the way.”

Pat Birchall

Pat Birchall, CEO at HCRG Care Group, said: “This new contract marks an important step forward in how community health services are delivered across Kent and Medway, bringing providers together to deliver more consistent, joined-up care for people of all ages.

“We’re proud to continue our work in north Kent, where we’ve been delivering community services since 2016, and to play a key role in this strong partnership focused on improving outcomes, strengthening integration, and ensuring high-quality care for every community.”

Martin Riley, Managing Director of Medway Community Healthcare (MCH), said: “Our aim has always been to provide excellent quality care and we know from experience that the best way to do the right thing for our communities, is often to do it together with others.

Martin Riley

“Working in closer partnership will benefit everyone in Kent and Medway who needs our help. We can combine our expertise and resources, share best practice and research, develop new pathways, and improve access to healthcare to genuinely respond to increasing demand and local needs.”

Ed Waller, Interim Chief Delivery Officer, NHS Kent and Medway, said: “Services delivered in the community are a significant part of the 10-year plan. The neighbourhood approach, where care is delivered closer to home and in people’s homes, is critical to helping the NHS move forward.

Ed Waller

“We want to make sure the people of Kent and Medway have the services they deserve. Their input in telling us what they needed from community health services when we were selecting the provider was invaluable.

“We will continue to work with all partners and speak to the people who use these services to help us drive further improvements now the services are in place.’’

Plans for improvements to the service are being developed and will be shared in the new year. These will focus on making it easier for people to get the care that they need, strengthening the links between local health and social care services for more joined-up services, and ensuring everyone receives the same standard of support – wherever they live.