Over two years ago, the Trusts came together in a Group arrangement to become Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals Group (LCHG), and we have already seen huge benefits of working more closely together. That includes the delivery of reduced waiting lists, expanded virtual wards and helping people manage their condition better at home for services such as stroke and rheumatology.
Following the success of this arrangement, we have now decided to formally merge and become a single organisation, effective from April 2027. Through the creation of this new single NHS Trust, we will be able to go on and do even greater things for the population of Lincolnshire. Duplication in governance will be removed, joined-up digital systems will be created, and unnecessary complexity in patient pathways where care crosses organisational boundaries will be resolved.
The NHS 10-year plan and our Group Strategy set out bold ambitions for how care will be delivered in the future. By 2030, we expect more of our patients to receive care in their homes, neighbourhoods and communities – personalised to their needs and delivered seamlessly by one joined-up team.
Merging will help us to create a modern health and care system where digital technology enables people to manage their own health and where we shift from treating illness to preventing it, supporting people to stay well, for longer.
This decision to merge is a really exciting opportunity to improve the way care is delivered for generations to come. We’ll make this change together, by listening to our patients and residents, our staff and our stakeholders. In the coming weeks, we’ll be launching a population-wide engagement exercise and we’ll be asking everyone in Lincolnshire to share their views to help us shape this change. Please do get involved and share your views, so that together we can build an organisation that is fit for purpose and meets the needs of our populations.