Building Healthier Communities

Skelmersdale is taking a pioneering step towards enhancing healthcare by creating an Integrated Neighbourhood Team (INT). This brings together multi-disciplinary professionals from health and care services in a coordinated and preventative approach.

By integrating professionals, the goal is to break down silos and create a seamless healthcare experience. Thereby health issues can be addressed before they become severe, promoting a preventative ethos that benefits individuals and the community as a whole.

The Skelmersdale Neighbourhood includes diverse areas such as Up Holland, Wrightington, Skelmersdale North, Skelmersdale South, Birch Green, Ashurst, Digmoor, Moorside, and Tanhouse. The model fosters a holistic approach to healthcare, ensuring that residents receive support tailored to their specific needs.

A Trusted Partner in Community Health

The Health Care Resourcing Group Ltd (HCRG) has been a cornerstone of community health services in Skelmersdale for seven years. The team includes community specialist diabetes nurses, respiratory specialist nurses, rehabilitation and falls prevention services, continence care, hospital admission avoidance response teams, and district nurses. These professionals work with dentists, pharmacists, opticians, GPs, and social care workers to provide comprehensive care.

Every day, many local people benefit from the advice and support of community healthcare professionals. This enduring connection to the community underscores the value of local health services, making HCRG an integral part of Skelmersdale.

Enhancing Health Through Partnership

Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations play a vital role in the success of the INT model. The sector includes a wide range of organisations with unique experiences making them instrumental in addressing disparities and influencing the broader determinants of health. Most groups are members of West Lancs CVS – the key infrastructure organisation for voluntary and community groups in West Lancashire, which has been providing vital support, networking, and strategic representation for the local sector for the last 50 years.

VCFSE organisations vary from providers in social prescribing, palliative care, and housing for the homeless, to advice and advocacy services. Their deep connection to the community provides a practical route to understanding and addressing the needs of marginalized people.

A Vision for Better Health

By focusing on prevention, integration, and community engagement, Skelmersdale is paving the way for a healthier future where residents have access to the care and support they need. Do you want to be part of improving healthcare in Skelmersdale? Whether you are a healthcare professional, a member of a VCFSE organisation, or a community resident, your involvement is crucial. Visit the West Lancs BUZZ Directory and the HCRG website to discover how you can contribute to the health and well-being of our community. Together, we can build a healthier, more connected Skelmersdale