University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust and The Walton Centre for Neurology & Neurosurgery NHS Trust have appointed the agency’s specialist health team in a press office role and also to guide each organisation through the public consultation process, which is key to gaining Foundation Trust status.
East Lancashire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has engaged Bell Pottinger North to provide PR support for its health inequalities programme, while Ashton Leigh & Wigan PCT has appointed the agency to develop its external and internal communications strategy for the next three years. Working alongside Bell Pottinger North at Ashton Leigh & Wigan PCT is integrated marketing consultancy, BMT, part of Chime Communications plc, which has been appointed to develop a brand identity for the clinical services division of the PCT.
Vicki Baxter, who leads the Bell Pottinger North health team, commented: “NHS organisations are adopting a far more professional approach to the communications function. Hospital trusts are increasingly in the media spotlight and, with the introduction of patient choice, reputation management has now become a critical issue. PCTs, which are faced with tackling the big public health issues including increasing obesity, alcohol and drug abuse and smoking, have now realised that they need to use co-ordinated communications strategies in order to reach their target audiences. ”
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For further information please contact Vicki Baxter on 01625 506413 or by e-mail at vbaxter@bellpottingernorth.co.uk
