Healthcare sector set for growth in region

Sep 12 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

HUNDREDS of new jobs and not-for-profit businesses could be created across the region to help deliver vital services in the health sector.

Both the Government and the Conservative Party are committed to putting more health services into the hands of social enterprises – companies owned and run by the workforce – as part of a radical shake-up in the health and social sectors.

And top health service experts will set out this bold vision at a major health conference to be held in Sunderland, organised by social enterprise experts SES.

Speakers from the Department of Health, including Rebecca Chaloner, head of the social enterprise unit and Bob Ricketts, director of systems management and new enterprise, will explore the opportunities and challenges.

Representatives from successful social enterprises in the health sector across the North East, including Sunderland Home Care Associates, Sit n’ b’ Fit and Sunderland Dance, will also share their expertise.

Margaret Elliott OBE, chief executive of the award-winning Sunderland Home Care Associates, will explain how social enterprise is delivering cost-effective services for the NHS, while boosting job prospects and training at a grass roots level.

SES director Mark Heskett-Saddington said: “SES has been delivering social enterprise activity in the North East for over 25 years and I believe the region is well ahead of the game in this sector. Social enterprise has delivered thousands of secure jobs across the North East and we believe it could deliver thousands more at a time when the economy is struggling.”

The conference is at the National Glass Centre, Sunderland, on September 18, noon to 3.45pm. To register call (0191) 565-0476 or email charlotte@ses.coop