Councillors praise partnership working   You are here: Home » News Detail

NHS Northamptonshire's Chief Executive John Parkes was put under the spotlight by the County Council's health scrutiny committee this week and was applauded for the measures the local leader of the NHS has taken, and has planned, for the county - particularly the good partnership working between partner agencies such as the Council itself.

Initiatives such as Activity on Referral, delivered in partnership with all seven of the county's borough and district councils, is an NHS Northamptonshire-funded scheme. It lets healthcare professionals refer people to local gyms or leisure centres to undertake a 12-week, fully supported physical activity programme delivered by specially trained gym and fitness staff. It is suitable for those with conditions such as stress, mild depression, obesity and diabetes and almost 1600 people have been helped through the program.

John Parkes, Chief Executive of NHS Northamptonshire, said: "We can achieve so much for patients and residents when we work in partnership. Schemes such as Activity on Referral really benefit from the shared expertise of both NHS Northamptonshire and the local county and district councils in delivering improved health outcomes for the county."

Councillor Gina Ogden, Chairman of the Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee, commented at the meeting that: "It was really reassuring that such a positive emphasis is placed on partnership working."