A few weeks ago, Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group (LCHG) announced the intention to formally merge its hospital and community NHS Trusts in Lincolnshire, with the intention of creating one organisation built around the needs of diverse communities and to address the challenges it is facing now and transform how care is delivered for the future.
LCHG is now inviting staff, residents, stakeholders and the public of Lincolnshire to share their views on the planned merger, and more broadly, on how health and care services could be delivered differently in the future. This engagement does not propose any changes to services.
Why change is needed
Over the past year, many shared their views on the future of the NHS as part of engagement on the development of the 10 Year Health Plan for England, and it was clear that people understand the need for change, but want services that are easier to access, better connected and focused on what matters most to patients, families, and communities.
The proposed merger of United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (ULTH) and Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS), with effect from April 2027, will help make this vision a reality. Importantly, it will enable them to go further and faster to deliver the changes we know our staff, residents, communities and stakeholders want to see.
Since the two legal organisations (ULTH and LCHS) became a Group in April 2024, they have already made good progress in delivering care differently, shaped by public feedback. This includes bringing waiting lists down, seeing more patients in virtual wards and expanding the use of Community Diagnostic Centres. These changes are working well in communities, and this next stage builds on what people have already told the Group.
This engagement exercise is about listening, understanding what matters most to you, and exploring priorities and opportunities together.
It will run from Monday 7 September to Monday 30 November 2026, and anyone can take part. You do not need specialist knowledge – your experiences and views are what matter.
There are no limits on ideas. LCHG wants to understand what would help you, your family, and your community access the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
How to get involved
To get involved please fill in this survey or invite LCHG to come and talk to you by contacting (01522) 573986 or emailing ulth.lchscommunications@nhs.net
If you need this information in a different format or language, or need help completing the survey, please contact LCHG via its website Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group :: Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust