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Press release: NHS Confederation launches affiliate members scheme for independent and voluntary sector

28 Jan 2004

The NHS Confederation is extending its affiliate membership to voluntary and independent sector providers of NHS and social services, the organisation announced today. The move reflects recent changes in the NHS and will build partnerships between the full range of players involved in delivering the NHS.
Dr Gill Morgan, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, said: 'Our new affiliate membership scheme will build on our strength of representing the whole NHS family and will enable the public, independent and voluntary sectors to share information, understanding and innovation.
'The NHS Confederation has always played a key role in connecting NHS organisations, and now we want to strengthen our partnerships with all NHS service providers. The new affiliate scheme will help the Confederation to reflect the modernisation of the NHS. We can only do this by bringing all NHS providers into the fold and providing a catalyst for better joint working.'
The move follows a consultation with members launched in June last year. All voluntary and independent providers of NHS services and social care will be eligible to join.
Lord Victor Adebowale, Chief Executive of Turning Point, said: 'This is a progressive step that brings the voluntary sector into the mainstream. It's vital for the future of our health services that the voluntary sector is recognised as a key provider, with the opportunity to sit around the same table as partners and drive the future shape of service delivery.'
Justin Jewitt, Chief Executive of Nestor Healthcare Group, said: 'The ability to join the NHS Confederation sends a clear message that the independent sector is serious about providing frontline services that delivers effective care for patients. The NHS Confederation can enable Nestor to learn and innovate through partnership with the full range of NHS organisations, which can only lead to higher quality health care and more effective frontline service delivery.'
Affiliate members will be involved in the Confederation's work to influence policy and the public debate and connect NHS leaders.
For more information on affiliate membership, click here.

ENDS

Notes for editors

1. The NHS Confederation represents the organisations that make up the NHS. Our ordinary members include the majority of NHS trusts, primary care trusts and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; trusts and NHS boards in Scotland; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.
   

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