News

 

A Popular Film’s Progress

A film featuring a cast with learning disabilities has proved so popular it is to get a major screening at the National Media Museum. Following three sell-out dates at Keighley Picture House the Media Museum has picked up "A Parish Boy’s Progress," which will be screened on November 23. Directed by Tony Homyer, 59, an ex-professional actor of Oxenhope, it is hoped the adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver twist will sell out the 300 available seats.

Mr Homyer, who has worked with learning disabled adults for 12 years, said: "Nothing like this film has been attempted before in Britain before. It is a totally unique experiment and in many ways a unique film. "The end result has had audiences in floods of tears, and left people feeling that there is a reality and a truth here that is missing from other interpretations." The film was produced during weekly drama session at Keighley Day Services, which is funded by Bradford District Care Trust who gave the project their full support.

John Vickers, Manager of Keighley Day Services, said: "This production is excellent and shows what can be achieved when professional and learning disabled actors collaborate. "The film’s increasing popularity is a testament to its moving and uplifting content." Keighley born 31-year-old Steven Ginn, who has learning disabilities, gives an astonishing performance as Oliver.

Mr Ginn was cast in the part by Homyer after he toured with the country’s largest group of touring learning disabled actors – Innerspace. Mr Ginn said: "I am very happy more people will get to see our film." Many of the counties finest museums offered their facilities for the film, including the reconstructed Victorian streets of the Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall and the Bronte Parsonage, Haworth.

Help was called in from showbiz friends such as comedian Fenella Fielding who plays Nancy. Tom Vincent, Film Education Officer at the National Media Museum in Bradford, said: "We’re delighted to show A Parish Boy’s Progress at the Museum. It’s a film that shows just how much can be achieved though passionate hard work, and is fine adaptation of Dickens’ novel."

back to top 

Trust asks the Public to Speak up for Mental Health

Monday October 20th sees the launch of the Trust’s Public Consultation on becoming a Foundation Trust.  The consultation will run until January 16th 2009 and you will be able to have your say about our plans during this time.

So what is a Foundation Trust?

NHS foundation trusts are still part of the NHS, subject to NHS inspections, standards and Healthcare Commission performance ratings. They remain committed to operating in line with the NHS principles of free care but have more freedom to develop local services in a way that reflects local needs.

Foundation Trusts invite local people to become members who, in turn, elect governors to represent them on a Council of Governors.  This ensures that the views of the public, service users and carers are represented at the highest level. We already have over five thousand people in the District who have shown their support for the Trust by signing up to be a member.

How can I find out more?

To hear our plans and let us know what you have to say about them, you are invited to attend a local public consultation meeting:

• Rhydding Hall Christchurch 4 November 2008 at 6pm
• Keighley Town Hall 19 November 2008 at 6pm
• Skipton Town Hall 3 December 2008 at 6:30 pm
• Bradford Central Library 1 December 2008 at 6pm
• Bradford Central Library 8 January 2009 at 1pm
• Victoria Centre Settle 14 January at 1:30pm

Or you can click here to download our consultation document, which includes a feedback form at the end which you can return to us free of charge. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the consultation process, you can contact our Foundation Trust office on telephone: 01274 363 552 or email us your query at ft@bdct.co.uk.

back to top 

Trust Improves Finances

An independent watchdog has recognised Bradford District Care Trust’s (BDCT) significant financial improvements over the last year.

The Audit Commission’s Annual Local Evaluation (ALE) judged five categories: financial reporting, financial management, financial standing, internal control and value for money.

Each was scored one to five, with five being the lowest.

BDCT scored three for financial reporting, financial management and internal control, four for financial standing and two for value for money.

This shows a marked improvement on last year’s results where the trust scored just two in all the categories.

Carol Stubley, Director of Finance at BDCT, said: "Improvement in these categories reflects our hard work to provide high quality services for the people of Bradford.

"Our score remained consistent for ‘value for money' but plans are now in place across the organisation to improve that score as we move towards foundation trust status."

"We're confident we will keep improving and we are aiming for a score of 3 for 'value for money' in next year's ratings."

Good financial management means the trust is better placed to improve services for patients.

Over half of the 300 NHS trusts assessed in the country have performed strongly or well for their use of resources.

Michael O’Higgins, Chairman of the Audit Commission, said: "The improvements in the way NHS trusts have managed their money in the past year are impressive.

"Financial management in the health service had been in poor shape, but better use of resources locally has made a difference. Auditors have shown many NHS bodies are now responding well to financial challenges and this local evaluation is helping to drive improvement."

The better overall financial performance of the NHS is especially noteworthy as foundation trusts are not assessed in this evaluation.

A new detailed report, Financial Management in the NHS 2007/08, which also examines the financial environment in which NHS bodies were operating in over the financial year, will be published jointly by the Audit Commission and the National Audit Office in November.

back to top 

Every Little Helps

Staff at Bradford District Care Trust are donating pennies from their salary to local charity – Bradford People First. A voluntary scheme launched at the Trust this week, Pennies from Heaven, provides staff with the opportunity to donate any pennies left from their payslips to a nominated charity.

This year the Trust has chosen Bradford People First, a self advocacy group run by and for people with learning disabilities. The charity aims to improve services by giving people with learning disabilities a voice and letting their views be heard. The group attend meetings, making decision makers aware of what people with learning disabilities want and need. Simon Large, Chief Executive at the Trust said: "We are extremely happy to be associated with Pennies from Heaven and even more so to be able to donate pennies to Bradford People First".

"We already work in closely partnership with the self advocacy group and our pennies will help benefit the important work of the charity." The scheme started in 1999 and to date has raised over £900,000 for more than 80 charities With over 2,400 staff at Bradford District Care Trust this could potentially raise in excess of £18,000 per year for the charity. Christine Baldwin Member of Bradford People First said: "We are really please to be chosen by the Trust. A few pennies from peoples’ wages might not be missed but they will make a huge difference to us and other people with learning disabilities in the area.

"It will help us speak up and tell service providers how to improve services for people with learning disabilities. We will also be doing training all about people with learning disabilities"

The scheme works by enabling workers to donate spare pennies from their income to charities by rounding down net salaries of individuals who join the scheme, to the nearest pound with the spare pennies being donated to a nominated charity. The most anyone can give per payslip is £0.99. Anthony Law, Managing Director of Pennies from Heaven said: ‘We are delighted that Bradford District Care Trust have agreed to run the scheme and hope that as many staff as possible will want to support Bradford Peoples First by giving their pennies.

"Hopefully this will be yet another good example that ‘pennies really do add up’ and will assist such a worthwhile local cause. With over 2,400 staff this could raise in excess of £18,000 per year!"

back to top 

Care Trust Appoints Director

A stalwart of people with disabilities has become the latest addition to the board at Bradford District Care Trust. Councillor Lynne Smith, of Bingley, has been appointed as a local authority non-executive director. She will help to shape mental health and learning disability services across the district until the care trust becomes a foundation trust.

Though currently a councillor with Bradford Metropolitan Council, for Wibsey, she previously spent 20 years working at high levels within the voluntary sector. And she also spent 10 years as a research fellow at Middlesex University aiding the Government with its drugs misuse work.

She said: "I am pleased to be joining the trust at this exciting time in its life. I believe my extensive experience involving people with disabilities and skill with voluntary sector management will be very valuable to the trust.

"I hope to bring fresh ideas with me and that they will help bring positive changes to the trust as it moves towards foundation trust status."

A school Governor at Haycliffe Special School she also holds a masters degree in voluntary sector management. Ms Smith joins non-executive colleagues, David Servant, Savitri Pema, Derrick Palmer, Michael Smith, Brenda Toward, Ralph Coyle and Richard Pattinson.

Chair, Barry Seal, said: "I am delighted to be working with Lynne. As a large organisation with a diverse workforce her management knowledge and objectivity will be valuable assets."

This appointment is in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ Code of Practice. All non-executive appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. Ms Smith does not hold any other ministerial appointments. She will receive remuneration of £6005 a year. Currently applying for Foundation Trust status, Bradford District Care was formed in April 2002 – one of only five care trusts originally set up in the country. The organisation provides mental health and learning disability services in the Bradford district and mental health services to the Craven district of North Yorkshire.

back to top 

Long Service

Long serving veterans of Bradford District Care Trust were rewarded in an annual celebration. 22 dedicated members of staff, clocking up almost 600 years of experience, collected awards for 25 years service. John Vickers, Keighley Day Services Project Manager, collected his 25 year award at the annual event marking staff achievements.

He said: "I have seen many improvements over the years. The biggest has to be putting service users at the forefront of services, leading to more personalized care. People with learning disabilities are now out there in the community and that is breaking down barriers."    "What I love about the job is no two days are the same. I enjoy giving service users chances in life the general public take for granted – it is about making a difference to people’s lives."

During his school days John was interested in joining the armed forces, but decided to go into social care after a boy with Downs syndrome joined his cub-scout pack. The service awards were handed out to staff at a garden party celebrating 60 years of the NHS, where one was also given for 40 year’s service. 

Trust chair, Barry Seal, said: "The experience of our staff is one of our greatest assets. We know it is our staff who help us continually become stronger as an organisation. And I would like to thank all those who received an award for their outstanding contributions to mental healthcare in this district over the years. "It is a credit to everyone that we can retain staff for such a great length of time. The depth of experience possessed by our long serving staff is second to none, and the value this kind of knowledge brings to our services should not be underestimated."

back to top 

Celebrating 60 Years of the NHS

Left to right: Mary Myers, Barry Seal, Peter Shoesmith

Bradford District Care Trust celebrated 60 years of the NHS by inviting all staff born in the same year to a garden party, thanking them for their achievements. 56 members of staff turn 60 this year and they partied not only with their local colleagues, but millions of other NHS employees across the nations.

BDCT staff came together to toast the July 5 milestone birthday and the huge progress made in medical practices in the last six decades.  Dr Kumud Bhatnagar, a Consultant Psychiatrist at BDCT, who turns 60 this year, came to Bradford in ’86.

He said: "I have seen so many changes over the years. Locally I was involved in redesigning elderly services. We won a £5 million grant to build one of the countries first hotel style units for mental health patients. Now we are moving ever more towards treating people in the stigma free environment of their homes.

"Bradford is an exciting place to work and there is never a dull moment. I can’t praise the team I work with enough. They are fantastic individuals, providing high quality services. They work hard and still have a few laughs.

1948 saw prevention, diagnosis and treatment brought together to create one health service founded on the principle care should be available to all regardless of their ability to pay.

Since the inception of the NHS huge leaps forward have been made to treat people away from large institution towards more personalised care – in some cases in their own homes. The garden party attended by staff from all areas of the Trust was held on Monday July 7.

Secretary of State for Health, Alan Johnson, said: "The NHS was founded on the belief health care is not a privilege to be paid for but a fundamental human right. Its creation has enhanced countless lives over the last 60 years.

"We must look forward to the next 60 and continue with our programme of improvement and reform as we move from a sickness service to a health and well being service."

• The NHS was launched by former Health Minister Aneurin Bevan, and had been created two years earlier by the Nations Health services Act 1946
• In July 2007 Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Health Secretary Alan Johnson announced a review of the NHS that would advise on how to meet the challenges of delivering health care over the next decade.
• The review is led by Professor the Lord Darzi, a leading Surgeon and Parliamentary Under Secretary for Health.  

back to top 

Carers Can’t Afford to be Ill

A Bradford carer has come forward to emphasise what life is like for thousands of the district’s unsung heroes, during Carer’s Week. Carers’ Week runs 9 to 15 June and aims to raise awareness of the army of people who give long term care to another individual. It is currently in its 15th year. Michael Firth, 46, of Westwood Park, Bradford cares for his 13-year-old daughter who has microcephalitis.

Mr Firth said: "It means her brain is smaller than normal and prevents her performing many simple daily actions. She cannot walk, talk or feed herself – it is comparable to looking after a three-year-old."

He has been caring for her since 2006 after his ex-wife had a break down. But he also has two other children, a 12-year-old boy and girl aged 15, who also need his loving care and attention.

Michael said: "I simply can’t afford to be ill. If I am ill I have got to just get on with it. My eldest daughter helps as much as she can, but she still needs a childhood as well.

"I only get an hour to myself a day. Being a carer, it’s a full time job, but at the same time it is harder than a full time one because it is a 24 hour occupation. With a job, when you clock out, your time is your own. It is very difficult. I am always busy and it can be tiring, but it gives you a pleasure that is difficult to describe."

Caring for his daughter can also lead to unforeseen costs as well. She has attended Bradshaw School, Keighley, for almost six years and Mr Firth said the cost of travelling quickly added up as well as being very time consuming.

Mr Firth added: "It is so important to raise the profile of carers because they can get so isolated. I didn’t know about organisations like Carer’s Connections until I saw a notice in a doctor’s surgery. Carers need as much help as they can get to stay in touch with other people.

"Carers’ Connection has been a big help as I was getting to the point where I was putting myself in a box and thinking there was nothing out there. I was only seeing children everyday. Carer’s Connection has given me something to get involved with. They have got many activities planned for carers’ week and I will be going along to a few of them."

Carers’ Connection Bradford is a specialist service supporting anyone who gives long term care to another person. The service is hosted by Bradford District Care Trust and had been established over six years. It is the leading voice for carers in the district giving both men and women a chance to meet for mutual support and activities.

Jan Rhodes, Carers’ Support Co-ordinator at Bradford District Care Trust, said: "We estimate there are 60,000 people in Bradford who are carers – but the figure might actually be much higher.

"Many people don’t realise they are carers. They think looking after someone with a long-term illness or disability is just part-and-parcel of being a good friend or relative. Even if this is the case, people should not forget that their own health can suffer with the stress of caring. It is vital they get the support they need."

Carers’ Connections has planned a fun packed week of events reaching out to hidden carers as well as the more obvious ones (see notes below). For more information about carers in Bradford call 01274 393440 or by emailing carers.connection@bdct.nhs.uk or by post at: Carers’ Connection Bradford, Leeds Road Hospital, Maudsley Street, Bradford BD3 9LH

back to top 

Carers enjoy the Good Life

Giving a much needed break to carers who need some time out, the Stanacre Allotment Project is appealing for new allotmenteers.

Easy to reach on the Green Line bus route the project is run every Thursday by Carers’ Connections Bradford, a specialist service hosted by Bradford District Care Trust, and is a free activity open to any carer in the area.

Eileen, who has been a Carer for 20 years, for various family members, said: "I love coming here, it’s so therapeutic. You don’t have to have experience, you learn from sharing tips with each other and it’s a great way to relax and unwind. It’s very flexible and you can be involved as much as you want. Everyone is friendly and you get to meet new people."

The team is currently busy planting a range of fruit and vegetables to be used in healthy homegrown meals and getting the plot set for the Summer months.

Jan Rhodes, Carers Support Co-ordinator said: "Many carers set aside their own needs to provide care to their loved ones. The allotment project allows time to take a much needed break and keep active."

Photo credit: (L-R: Carers Anthony Hirst, Lynne Wigglesworth and Eileen Armstrong)

For information about attending the allotment, or for any other event run by the team contact Jan Rhodes on (01274 363 440)

back to top 

MP signs up to support health trust

A sports minister has become the next big signing for a health trust and is urging other MPs to follow suit. MP Gerry Sutcliffe has given his full support for Bradford District Care Trust’s (BDCT) bid to become a foundation trust. He is the first MP to sign up as a member of their campaign and is appealing to other MPs to do the same. For BDCT, who care for people with mental health problems and learning difficulties, foundation trust status would mean increased control of services by local people. Mr Sutcliffe said: "I am proud to show my support for this important care service. One in four trips to a GP is about a mental health related matter. It is very likely someone close to you has experience mental health problems. Anyone of us may have to use these services at sometime so it is important to take an interest. "I urge other local MPs in the area to come forward and give BDCT the support they need. It is equally important for the people of Bradford to come forward and show their support for this cause."

Bradford District Care Trust needs to sign up 5,000 members over the coming months to claim official foundation trust status ensuring people are given more say in how their money is spent and how local mental health and learning disability services are run. It provides for those with the greatest level of need supporting more than 5,000 people with mental health problems and more than 1,500 with learning difficulties. Trust Chair, Barry Seal, said: "We would like to thank Gerry for his much appreciated support and his call to other MPs to join our campaign. It is through their close contacts with the community that we want to raise awareness about our services and our drive to become a foundation trust. "Foundation trust status would mean local people decide how money is spent on local services. It means they make real decisions about services affecting them." Anyone requiring further information or wanting to sign up to become a member of the Trust can visit www.ft.bdct.co.uk/form. Forms can be completed electronically or printed and posted. Membership forms can also now be collected from the town hall main reception.

Information can also be obtained by contacting Foundation Trust Project Support Manager Tom Sheppard on 01274 363552

back to top 

Library wins award for changing lives

A pioneering library project has received a national accolade for its work alongside people with learning disabilities. The project, which helped people with profound and multiple learning disabilities to improve their communications skills has won the Libraries Change Lives Award 2008. It was a winning partnership between Bradford Council's Libraries and Bradford District Care Trust (BDCT), who care for people with learning difficulties and mental health problems. It aimed to integrate people with learning disabilities into the community through the Central Library and provide them with educational opportunities.

Rooms in the library were adapted for use by the Care Trust as a 'drop-in' facility and a classroom. Service users also made extensive use of the Learning Zone and café area where they socialised with other library users. A changing and feeding facility has been provided within the facility to improve access regardless of individual personal need. The work was funded by BDCT, the Learning Disabilities Partnership Board and the Council's Disability Discrimination Act Fund.

Glenn Stocks, Project Manager for Learning Disabilities at BDCT said: "I strongly believe that service users should have the opportunity to access further education and develop new skills." "It was important to us that this was in a community setting away from traditional day service and allowed service users to mix with the diverse local community. The partnership with the library allowed us to achieve this dream." The project beat 37 other library-based projects to claim first prize. Jane Glaister, Bradford Council's Strategic Director of Culture, Tourism and Sport, said: "This project has been a wonderfully positive experience for everyone concerned and winning this award has given the project well deserved national recognition."

"The library is a great resource but we often take access to library services for granted and it has been very moving for all of us to see the joy of the students as they discover the world of books, reading and adult learning opportunities - some for the first time in their lives." The project has ensured that users feel comfortable using the library and improve their ICT skills allowing them to access more services online.

back to top 

A city centre restaurant is leading the way in providing better service for people with disabilities.

Bradford District Care Trust has given Chino Thai, in Centenary Square, a specialised training package to help them cater more effectively for people with learning disabilities. After visiting the restaurant Cheryl O’Reilly, 23 and Laura McCalman, 21, both Health Care Assistants at BDCT, felt staff were not equipped to deal with the specific needs of a service user in their care. Chino Thai has since apologised and explained staff were not sure how to cater for the service user, who is deaf and autistic. They have subsequently offered the group a complimentary meal.

Miss O’Reilly said: "People with disabilities should be made to feel welcome wherever they go. When we are out and about with service users staff in restaurants and pubs can be less than attentive to our needs. We had a lot of problems during the Christmas period with some places refusing to accept us altogether. It is a step in the right direction that Chino Thai is willing to participate in this course." The course provided staff with an insight into a service user’s world – with exercises demonstrating how it feels to be discriminated against. It informed about the Disabilities Act, talked about the spending power of disabled people and introduced some of BDCT’s services.

Simon Large, Chief Executive of BDCT, said: "It is not unusual for people with disabilities to receive less than satisfactory service in pubs and restaurants. The people we provide a service to already live in a restricted world. Service users want to meet up with friends somewhere independently and we need to work with businesses in order to increase their awareness of this issue."

There are around 10 million disabled people in Britain today with a disability. It is a market which is beginning to demand more for its money. Debbie Leach, of Chino Thai, said: "If a disability is visible then it is easy to work out what is suitable, but if someone has a mental health issue it is less easy to know what is and isn’t appropriate. So speaking to BDCT is a great opportunity to learn from the professionals."

"It has helped us to overcome a cultural issue because in many cultures disabilities are often hidden away. This means some of our staff don’t know how to deal with disabilities very well."

The one off course took place on Monday 17 April

back to top 

April 10th 2008

Team Short Listed

Jenny Jones, Louise Middleton, Sara Firth

A sensory garden has been short listed for a top award. The Enhancing the Healing Environment Team, at Lynfield Mount, has worked together with service users to produce the garden. And it has fought off tough competition to become a finalist in the high profile Yorkshire and Humber Health and Social Care Awards. Commitment to this worthwhile project has seen it nominated for the People's Experience Award. Jenny Jones, team leader, said:

back to top 

March 31st 2008

Service Users Make Waves

Broadcasting history was made by our Trust when a sports minister took part in the first ever live radio show anchored by someone with learning disabilities.

MP Gerry Sutcliffe, Minister for Sport, was interviewed on air by presenter Michael Greenhough marking this significant mile stone for those with learning disabilities.

Michael, who has learning disabilities, is the main presenter for Radio 119, a pioneering day service provided by Bradford District Care Trust, that turns people with learning disabilities into radio stars and gives them the unique opportunity to produce programmes.

The interview was broadcast on Friday 28 March in the About Bradford Slot on Bradford Community Broadcasting (BCB) 106.6 FM, who work in partnership with the project.

Michael said:

He became interested in broadcast journalism after a 10 week course provided by the Care Trust.

The Trust realised some time ago a large group of service users needed more diverse options than traditional day care – Radio 119 along with other imaginative projects was born. 

Mickela Hall, daycentre officer and producer of Radio 119 said:

In February this year Radio 119 began broadcasting once fortnightly, after a year of running 15 minute monthly programmes from their purpose built studio at BCB. BDCT Chair Mr Seal said:

March 21st 2008

 

The Sweet Smell of Success

Bradford District Care Trust has been short listed for a top award.

Picture caption from left to right: Jenny Jones team leader and Beckie Bass ward manager.

The Trust has fought off tough competition to become a finalist in the high profile Yorkshire and Humber Health and Social Care Awards. Their Enhancing the Healing Environment Team has worked together with service users to produce a sensory garden at Lynfield Mount Hospital Moorlands View. The team’s commitment to this worthwhile project has seen it nominated for the People's Experience Award. Jenny Jones, team leader, said:

Anna Osbourne, a garden designer and star pupil from Askham Bryan agricultural college, York, helped design the garden. She was highly praised by everyone involved. It features three mosaics, a rill water feature creating privacy in the consultation rooms, round lawns, plants providing colour all year round, climbing plants and seating areas for individuals and groups with benches made from polished volcanic rock. Beckie Bass, ward manager, said:

The finalists are invited to a regional awards ceremony held in Sheffield on 3 April 2008, where the winners will be announced for each of the 12 categories. Winners will then be automatically entered into the prestigious national awards in London, held in July 2008.Margaret Edwards, Chief Executive, NHS Yorkshire and Humber, said: "These awards offer a real opportunity to thank our staff for their hard work and commitment in delivering world class high quality services".

 

back to top 

8th October 2007

Annual Health Check Confirms Trust Progress

The Healthcare Commission has published its Annual Health Check for 2006/7, which rates Trusts against a number of measures. Click here to see Bradford District Care Trust's summary. The key indicators show the Trust has scored ratings of:

• Quality of Services: Fair
• Use of Resources: Fair

The fair score for use of resources is an improvement from last year’s rating of weak. All financial targets were achieved in 2006/2007 and this score confirms the improvement made across the organisation in managing our finances. The Quality of Services score is made up of three components: meeting core standards, new national targets and existing national targets. In May, the Trust Board gave a self-assessed declaration that we fully met the Core Standards for Better Health. The key areas covered by the core standards are: safety; care environment and amenities; clinical and cost effectiveness; governance; patient focus; accessible and responsive care; and public health.

A score of good was received for our performance in meeting new national targets, an improvement from last year’s score of fair. Barry Seal, Chair of Bradford District Care Trust said,

For more informaiton on other trusts in Bradford, please see this article in the Telegraph and Argus.

 

back to top 

28th September 2007

Airedale Centre for Mental Health Opened

The brand new Airedale Centre for Mental Health was officially opened by Lord Patel of Bradford on 28th September.

Lord Patel said,

Joined by Councillor Elaine Byrom, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Barry Seal our Chair and Simon Large, Chief Executive the event was attended by over 100 staff, service users and representatives of partner organisations.

In addition, Polly English, non-executive Director, donated to the Centre a picture that had been presented to her by a service user representative panel at Craven MIND. John Chuter, Chair of Bradford and Airedale PCT also donated a picture, which had been painted by a service user.

back to top 

28th September 2007

Annual General Meeting Held

The Trust held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday 28th September, in the Board Room of Airedale General Hospital. Around 70 staff and representatives from partner organisations attended to hear Barry Seal, Chair, Simon Large, Chief Executive and Carol Stubley, Director of Finance and Contracting review the last financial year. If you would like a copy of the presentation, please email communications@bdct.nhs.uk.

Barry thanked staff for all their hard work over the last year. Simon echoed this, and said he had received many positive comments about staff from the sites he had visited.

The AGM was followed by a panel discussion with four specially invited Governors from Foundation Trusts (FT). They gave a real flavour of what it is like to be an FT, as well as the challenges.

back to top 

17th September 2007

Web Site Released

The new web site was released on the 17th September 2007. Over the next week or so we are going to be updating the whole site, so check back soon for more updates.