Colleagues in our community services across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield recently came together in the first CKW Community Services Collaboration session. Hosted at Bowling Mill, Dean Clough, the session was attended by colleagues from CHFT, Mid Yorkshire Teaching Trust and Locala with the aim of coming together to share progress and explore opportunities for joint working. 

At the session the SaLT and Stroke teams shared how they have made quality improvements through closer collaboration, enhanced patient outcomes, and their aspirations for the future. 

Director of Operations, Jenny Clarke, said: "This work is important as there is cross over of the hospitals and pathways into the two places and we want to ensure that processes are as user friendly and provide the best care to our patients. 

"Some of the initial areas of focus are where we have recruitment or staffing challenges, especially where there are unique skill sets required for specialist roles in these areas. This networking opportunity is key to upskilling colleagues and providing services that could work together across CKW to provide sustainability."

The group will continue to meet regularly to:

• Maintain momentum and enthusiasm
• Share progress and lessons learned
• Jointly prioritise efforts and areas of focus
• Identify enablers and address barriers
• Engage with other stakeholders, including Local Authority colleagues

Pictured are colleagues from CHFT, MYTT and Locala at the session.