NHS teams in talks to move to council headquarters

Some NHS teams could move to County Hall, Dorset Council's headquarters

Some NHS teams could end up sharing offices in a council headquarters.

The NHS has already taken over Dorset Council's former premises, South Walks House, and made it the base for outpatient services.

Now, the NHS and the local council are involved in talks about moving some of its other health teams to County Hall.

Dorset councillors on the audit and governance committee heard this week that, although nothing had yet been agreed, the teams sharing a building was a real possibility.

Desk occupancy has been relatively low for council staff since Covid caused an increase in people working from home.

NHS teams that could be moved to County Hall included the newly-established Integrated Care Board.

The exploratory talks are also looking at finding space for NHS office staff currently working in rented accommodation at Vespasian House, off Bridport Road, less than a quarter of a mile from County Hall.

In other parts of the country, council staff, especially those from adult and children's services and public health, have been working alongside each other in the same offices for years.

There are claims it has improved relationships and produced better outcomes for those who use public services.