HEALTH leaders across the area have officially pledged to create a more streamlined and efficient system for patients.

A formal memorandum of understanding has now been signed by all those involved in the Better Care Together project - including bosses at the helm of Barrow's Furness General Hospital.

And a new shadow health board - to be known as Bay Health and Care Partners - has also been set up for a 12-month trial period to oversee the way healthcare is rolled out by 11 organisations covering the area.

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It is hoped the move is a step towards a more simple, joined up healthcare system for patients.

Jackie Daniel, chief executive of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, said the area was leading the way nationally with its Better Care Together scheme.

"As one system, we will be working together to stop patients being unnecessarily ‘bounced’ around the system," she said.

"We want patients to be seen in the right place, at the right time, by those best placed to help them.

"Bay Health and Care Partners represents 11 health and care providers delivering care across the Morecambe Bay area – all with a shared vision of helping our local communities enjoy great physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, supported by a health and care system providing care that is recognised as being as good as it gets."

Claire Molloy, chief executive of Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, the body that provides mental health and community services such as health visitors and school nurses, added: "By working more closely together, we can make it easier for teams who are involved in looking after our patients both in hospital and in the community to work across organisational boundaries."

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The Better Care Together scheme was launched in 2014 to look at ways to reduce wastage within the healthcare system and save money.

It also aims to move some traditionally hospital-based services, such as X-rays and blood tests, into 'super GP' surgeries in a bid to ensure only those who need acute care go into hospital.

So far, patients in Millom can attend virtual hospital appointments from Millom Community Hospital to save travelling time to FGH and GPs can seek guidance on referrals from hospital consultants to reduce the need for unnecessary appointments.

The model has attracted national attention and was given vanguard status by the government - along with funding to move forward with its five year plan.

Now, it is hoped the creation of a new shadow health board will bring plans for a simpler health system to life.

Grange GP Dr Hugh Reeve, chief clinical officer of Cumbria's Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "Great progress has already been made, ranging from a reduction in hospital referrals, through to patients not needing to travel as far through the use of ‘tele-health’ video technology.

"By working together as Bay Health and Care Partners we will improve the quality of care; the patient and public experience and the health outcomes of the population of Morecambe Bay."