Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has unveiled an ambitious ten-year strategy that will see a new hospital developed alongside more care delivered closer to home for local communities.

The strategy, A Healthier Future for Mid Cheshire, sets out how health and care services will evolve over the next decade to help people stay healthier for longer, access support more quickly and receive care in the communities where they live.

Central to the vision is the development of a new Leighton Hospital through the Government's New Hospital Programme, alongside a greater focus on prevention, neighbourhood-based care and stronger partnerships across health and care organisations.

Together, these changes aim to create a more connected health and care system, improving access to services, reducing health inequalities and ensuring hospital care is available for those who need it most.

Megan Nurse, Chair of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The launch of A Healthier Future for Mid Cheshire marks an important moment for the future of health and care across our communities.

"Our vision is simple: helping people live healthier lives, improving access to care and ensuring services work around the needs of patients and communities.

"A key part of that future is the development of a new Leighton Hospital. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create modern, sustainable facilities that support outstanding care and provide an excellent environment for patients, families and staff.

"But our ambition extends beyond our hospital walls. We want more care delivered closer to home, stronger neighbourhood partnerships and earlier support that helps people stay well for longer.

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"By combining investment in community-based care with a new hospital at the heart of our health and care system, we are creating a model of care that is fit for the future."

The strategy has been shaped by staff, patients, partners and local communities, whose ideas and experiences will continue to help shape the future of services across Mid Cheshire.

The full strategy and summary document are available on the Trust website (www.mcht.nhs.uk/strategy), alongside further information about the new Leighton Hospital.