HCRG Care Group secures new contract to deliver the Healthy Child Programme in Slough
HCRG Care Group is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a new contract to deliver health visiting and school nursing services for 0-19s (up to 25 for SEND) in Slough, commencing October 2024.
This award emphasises HCRG Care Group’s position as a trusted provider of community-based children and family services, building on its experience in operating similar services in Bath and North East Somerset, Essex, Lancashire, and Wiltshire.
HCRG Care Group will work collaboratively with Slough Borough Council, including Public Health, Early Years, Social Care and Education, and with local health and care, voluntary and faith-based organisations to ensure Slough families receive a comprehensive and joined-up service.
The new contract will see HCRG Care Group support more children to meet the development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage by implementing a school readiness pathway; introduce a ‘Good Level of Development’ attainment programme in schools; and collaborate with the Early Years sector and Family Hubs for integrated reviews.
HCRG Care Group will address obesity in primary schools through targeted interventions for healthy eating and physical activity and healthy weight programmes which will be supported by specially trained colleagues.
Additionally, the new service will place a strong focus on children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health issues, for which a Specialist Parents and Infant Emotional Wellbeing Portfolio Lead will be appointed. HCRG Care Group will also support with the uptake of immunisations; improving children’s oral health; and reducing infant mortality through early intervention schemes and contribute to universal ‘Preparing for Baby’ workshops for expectant parents.
A well-trained, multidisciplinary workforce will deliver person-centred care through Family Hubs and multiagency partnerships, and practitioners will be assigned to families to ensure continuity of care.
All staff working in the current service will be eligible to transfer to the new provider and, under transfer law, will have their terms and conditions and pay protected. In addition, HCRG Care Group will implement its award-winning employee engagement and support programmes as part of efforts to retain and attract staff to work in the service and teams will gain access to the group’s national Pre-Birth to 19 Best Practice Network and ‘outstanding’ rated training provider.
Commenting on the new contract, Sarah Wardle, Chief Nursing Officer at HCRG Care Group, said: “We are thrilled to be awarded the contract to deliver 0-19 health visiting and school nursing services in Slough. This is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise in providing high-quality, person-centred care for families. We look forward to working closely with the community to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of children, young people, and their families.”
This contract highlights HCRG Care Group’s ongoing success in delivering services for children, young people and families and further solidifies its position as a leading provider of integrated community-based health and care services.
