31 March 2021

They say time flies. That feels very true today.

We’ve talked about and been preparing for the transfer of our Wigan, Bolton and Greater Manchester services to Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust for a long time, and now that day has come.

We have been delivering mental health services to people in Wigan and Leigh since 5 Boroughs Partnership formed in 2002. Those services have gone from strength to strength, providing local communities with quality and compassionate care to continue living their lives well.

That is down to you, our wonderful staff. Your dedication and passion for our patients’ wellbeing day in, day out is phenomenal. You enthusiastically tackle challenges head on and show resilience during difficult times. You should be very proud of everything you have achieved. Your legacy will go with you into your new organisation and GMMH is very lucky to have you.

A huge factor in developing high performing, successful teams and a happy workforce is the relationships you build with the people around you. The people you rely on, learn from, coach, support, lean on, laugh with and cry with.

While you will transfer to GMMH alongside your existing teammates, they aren’t the only relationships you have at work. Many of you will have moved around over the years, working within different teams. You will also work closely with people in services across the organisation who may not be transferring with you.

This makes today tinged with sadness as you say farewell to longstanding colleagues and friends across our Trust. It may feel like the end of something, but it’s also a new beginning.

A beginning where your services will align with healthcare provided in other Greater Manchester boroughs and where mental health will further integrate with physical health care. This is the right future for our Wigan, Bolton and Greater Manchester patients.

It was lovely to share and hear some Wigan stories and memories at yesterday’s Teams session. If you weren’t able to join, the recording is on StaffZone.

We’ve seen what you’re capable of and you have a bright future ahead.

So, with a deep breath and a heavy heart, for one final time, thank you for everything you have done for North West Boroughs. Good luck.