Engaging our communities on Warrington trust's integration plans

News - 27 January 2026

Healthwatch Halton and Healthwatch Warrington are working with Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCH) and Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to make sure the voice of patients and the public shapes our plans to bring these organisations together and integrate clinical services.
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The first meeting of the Patient and Public Reference Group (PPRG), chaired by Lydia Hughes, CEO of Healthwatch Warrington, took place in December 2025. The meeting introduced our plans for bringing Bridgewater Community Healthcare (BCH) and Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals (WHH) together.

In January 2026, the group met at Warrington’s Living Well Hub and online. Attendees were invited to share feedback on the draft Behavioural Framework for when we become one organisation – North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust.

This meeting also provided an opportunity to gather input on plans being developed by BCH Infant Feeding leads and WHH Maternity and Neonatal services. These plans aim to improve the experience of families making infant feeding choices and facing challenges during the first months and years of their babies’ lives.

Get involved 

The PPRG will meet throughout 2026. We are pleased that our local Healthwatch organisations have jointly recruited Michelle Downes as PPRG Co-ordinator to support this important engagement as we progress with our integration plans.

Anyone wishing to get involved in this group should please contact

 michelle.downes@healthwatchwarrington.co.uk.

Patient and Public Reference Group

Healthwatch Warrington and Healthwatch Halton have come together to create a Patient and Public Reference Group to support the integration of Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WHH) and Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust (BCH) under the Better Care Together Programme. 

Find out more 

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