NHS Cheshire and Merseyside August 2026 Blog
Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Last week the Government announced plans for new neighbourhood mental health centres and dedicated mental health emergency departments across England.
These services will make it easier for people to access timely, specialist support closer to home when they need it most.
We look forward to sharing more details about what this will mean for Cheshire and Merseyside as plans develop over the coming months.
There is also fantastic news to celebrate across the North West, which has become the highest-performing region in England for diagnostic services - with 80% of patients now receiving their diagnostic test within six weeks.
This achievement reflects the outstanding work of colleagues working across our provider collaborative to maximise productivity, reduce inappropriate referrals and increase access to tests via our community diagnostic centres.
Partnership working is also at the heart of the newly confirmed Regional Care Co-operative for Cheshire and Merseyside, which will be hosted by Sefton Council and bring together local authorities and partners from across the region.
This is a significant milestone that will strengthen support for children with complex needs, helping them to receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time, while also reducing the need for out-of-area placements.
Last month saw the launch of Baroness Casey’s Big Conversation on Care, giving the public an opportunity to help shape the future of adult social care in England.
Everyone with an interest in the future of care is invited to take part to ensure their voice is heard and help inform the development of a new National Care Service.
Separately, the NHS has issued an urgent appeal for blood and platelet donors as stocks remain critically low following increased demand, summer holidays and the recent hot weather.
If you’re eligible, please consider registering as a blood donor and booking an appointment at your nearest centre – it’s a simple act that could help save someone’s life.
Finally, I would like to encourage parents and carers to take up the offer of the new four-in-one MMR/V vaccine, which protects young children against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
Parents of children under six will be contacted by their local GP, while families with children aged between six and 11 will receive invitations via the NHS App, SMS, email or letter.
Vaccination remains the best way to protect children, families and our communities from these serious infections.
Liz Bishop
Chief Executive
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside