THE contract for providing child and adolescent mental health services across Bolton has been awarded to two specialist providers.

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) will deliver the service in partnership with North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

The partners will work together with a range of services for children, young people and their families to ensure appropriate care is provided.

It replaces the service delivered by Royal Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.

Wirin Bhatiani, chairman of NHS Bolton CCG, said: “This is a very positive step in delivering children’s mental health services in Bolton.

“We have brought in GMMH and North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust because they have the specialist knowledge, expertise and successful track-record in treating children and young people who suffer from mental health problems.

“We are looking forward to working together to provide the best service possible for Bolton.”

The new service will improve waiting times by focusing on early intervention.

And other measures include providing additional funds in a bid to attract more skilled practitioners to work in Bolton.

Bev Humphrey, Chief Executive of GMMH, said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to shape mental health services for children and young people in Bolton. Having delivered mental health care to young people in a variety of settings, we have a wealth of experience to bring to Bolton, as well as a strong partnership with North West Boroughs Healthcare.

“It will be our aim to put in place the best mental health services we can – by helping children and young people as soon as they need support means we give them the best start in life. We also see it as vital that we support the whole family and those who care for children or young people living with a mental health issue.

Simon Barber, Chief Executive at North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, added: “We are proud to have been given the opportunity to deliver mental health services for children and young people in Bolton in partnership with Greater Manchester Mental Health.

“These services will sit alongside the children and young people’s eating disorder service we already deliver in Bolton and we look forward to building on our knowledge and experience of delivering similar child and adolescent mental health services across Wigan, Warrington, St Helens, Knowsley and Halton to benefit children and families in Bolton."