CHILDREN’S healthcare in South Gloucestershire has been centralised with services in Bristol.

The new partnership, which will be run by North Bristol NHS Trust, will be one of the largest in the country with more than 700 staff working with young patients.

The move will see health visitors, school nurses, physiotherapists, community doctors and psychiatrists and family therapists from the Bristol NHS Foundation Trust join forces with NHS South Gloucestershire, NHS Bristol and North Bristol NHS Trust.

The partnership is being run in conjunction with children’s charity Barnardos.

Sonia Mills, chief executive of North Bristol NHS Trust, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved and the trust is absolutely delighted to be providing the leadership for this new creation.

"By bringing healthcare professionals together, the new partnership will provide a more joined-up service, equal access for all irrespective of geography or need and will benefit vulnerable young people in our community.

"There will be a key focus of early prevention, and a commitment to involving children and young people in the planning and delivery of the services which are designed for them."

Anne Goymer, acting director for Barnardo's South West, said: "It is not often when working with vulnerable children and families that we experience a breakthrough in organisational structures that give you a real sense that it will lead to a significant improvement in the way vulnerable children and families experience health services. "This launch of the new Children's Community Health Partnership is that experience. "What makes it so special is the opportunity to build on evidence-based practice and a real drive to personalise health services so that our most vulnerable children and families feel valued and reassured that their voices will be heard and respected at every level of the partnership. We are very proud to be part of it."