Cheshire and Merseyside leading the way in partnership working in Sefton
Health and care services in Cheshire and Merseyside are delivering real results by working together across the system.
Sefton Council recently marked a major achievement as Ofsted rated its children’s services Good.
Cathy Elliott, Chief Executive of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside said: “Partnership working across Cheshire and Merseyside is helping us achieve real change for local people. By focusing on prevention, tackling inequalities, and designing care around communities, we are creating a system that is more effective, resilient and sustainable for the future.
“This approach benefits everyone by helping people to stay well, live independently and thrive, while ensuring fair opportunities to health and wellbeing support no matter where people live.”
The recently published 10-Year Health Plan for England calls for closer integration between the NHS, local government, and other public services – an approach already well underway in Cheshire and Merseyside; from children’s safeguarding in Sefton to neighbourhood-based care in Warrington.
Partnerships strengthening safeguarding in Sefton
Sefton Council has achieved a remarkable milestone, with Ofsted awarding its children’s services an overall rating of Good. Inspectors highlighted “tangible improvements across all areas in Children’s Social Care” including children in care, care leavers, and strong visible leadership and commitment from all areas of the Council, noting that “children are now a clear priority for the wider council.”
The inspection commended the council’s leadership, workforce stability, and commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Ofsted highlighted significant progress in safeguarding, care planning, and support for care-experienced young people – a remarkable turnaround from the previous Inadequate rating in 2022. This achievement demonstrates the tangible benefits of multi-agency partnership working.
“Our improvement journey over the last three years has not been without its tricky obstacles,” said Dr Risthardh Hare, Executive Director of Children’s Services at Sefton Council.
“However, in Sefton we approach our work with families in collaboration as we recognise that the problems which families face cannot be addressed through an individual service approach. We have made a critical first step to delivering a service which children and their families can be proud of but this was only possible through the strong partnership working we now have in place.”
Deborah Butcher, Place Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside in Sefton, paid tribute to partnership working in Sefton.
She said: “I am extremely proud of the quality team in Sefton. Kerrie France has provided great leadership at local level, working closely with our Executive Director of Children’s Services and Police lead to ensure that safeguarding and access to good healthcare for our children and young people remains a priority across the partnership.
“We would also like to say a huge well done to Dr Risthardh Hare and his team for this fantastic result, while recognising that continuous improvement will be essential to maintain and build on these high standards.”