Learning from practice

The Partnership uses the combined force and expertise of the Council and PCT to tackle health inequalities within Knowsley working towards preventative measures.

Underpinned by a formal agreement and a joint Chief Execeutive/ Director of Socail Services, there is also an intergrated management structure bewteen PCT and Council. This enables improved strategic commissioning arrangments and mangement of pooled budgets.

Intgeration delivery is overseen by a Partnership Board which is chaired by the Leader of the Council and the Chair of the PCT.

There is a strong emphasis upon the importance of independence for older people across the borough.

Source:


2005 descriptions in Creating Healthier Communities: a resource pack for local partnerships


Knowsley Health and Well-Being Partnership Board
In Knowsley, as part of the Local Strategic Partnership, the Health and well-being Partnership Board is being strengthened, to provide a better focus on health improvement from all Council and PCT services. The board will have strong representation at a senior level from the Council and the PCT. The long-term objectives will be:
• Improving access to all Health & Social Care services
• Informed and improved choice for patients, service users and carers
• Improved quality of service delivery with effective risk management
• Reduced incidence, and improved management of cancer, stroke, mental health, chronic disease (including diabetes, coronary heart disease and respiratory disease) and long-term disability in adults
• Improving outcomes for the independence and employment of adults with a disability, including learning and sensory disabilities, and for older people. Improving life chances of children

The Health and Wellbeing Partnership Board is being formed as part of an overarching Section 31 Agreement covering the PCT and the whole of the Council. The Section 31 powers will enable a more flexible joint approach to health improvement by the PCT and Council, where appropriate functions from both organisations will be delegated to the new partnership.

As the partnership created by the Section 31 Agreement is not a traditional organisation, nor is it a single organisation with simple lines of accountability, the strategic and operational management model adopted by the partners is intended to reflect the key principle of Single Accountability and Dual Governance.


In Knowsley, the PCT and Council work very closely on health and social care. As part of this joint working, a number of joint appointments between the Local Authority and the Primary Care Trust have been set up. For example:
• Chief Executive of the PCT/ Director of Social Services.
• Director of Public Health for the PCT/MBC
• Assistant Director, Children and Families, who is the Strategic lead for children across both organisations
• PCTs Director of Service Provision has the strategic lead across health and social care for older people’s services.
• There is a joint Executive Leadership Team across Health and Social Care.
Positive outcomes from the joint arrangements include a marked reduction in delayed transfers of care, lower management costs, marked increases in Neighbourhood Renewal Funding being used for health, and financial balance in both organisations.

The joined–up nature of the services is illustrated by the new building which houses both PCT and social services staff, and which is adjacent to the council offices.