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Knowsley MBC is blazing a trail with a joint appointment with its PCT. Fresh from winning the MJ Reducing Health Inequalities Achievement of the Year Award a fortnight ago, the council has now announced a new initiative with NHS Knowsley to appoint a joint child health services director. Public health consultant Liz Gaulton is to become service director, family support and children's health. It brings together responsibilities for both health and council services for families, children and young people. Ms Gaulton said: ‘The role recognises that effective support needs to cross organisational boundaries. ‘It's an important move towards greater integration in the strategic planning, commissioning and delivery of services, with emphasis on enhanced support to children and families.' She has previously worked as deputy director of public health at Knowsley and Blackburn's acting director of public health. In her new role, she is responsible for children's public health, development of a children and young people's health strategy, commissioning of child health services and family support. She said: ‘A key aim of Knowsley MBC and NHS Knowsley is to ensure that children and young people get the best possible start in life. ‘We will work with partners to enable children and young people to be healthy, safe and valued and t encourage them to make the most of learning opportunities, appreciate their environment and to make a positive contribution to their communities.' It's not the first time the council has led the way in an integrated approach to health and welfare. Knowsley was one of the first boroughs to create a joint NHS – local authority post of director of public health over two years ago.

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HEALTH

Knowsley teams up with NHS for child health role

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