A committee which has helped pump £30 million into projects to improve Bradfordians' health and welfare over the past three decades has been wound up.

But the Bradford Joint Consultative Committee on Health (JCC) went out with a bang with its final meeting doubling up as a celebration of its achievements over the past 25 years.

The JCC was set up in 1974 to co-ordinate the work of Bradford Health Authority and Bradford Council on health and social services-related issues to avoid duplication and confusion.

The National Health Service Act 1999 removes the requirement for a JCC but its work is to continue through multi-agency initiatives such as the Health Action Zone and Health Improvement Programme, as well as new Primary Care Groups.

Speaking at the final meeting, Councillor John Godward, vice-chairman of the JCC and Bradford Council's executive member for health and social care, said: "In a way, it's a day of sadness because it was the vehicle which helped bring the health service and Bradford Council together.

"It's the patients who've benefited from the fact the two worked together despite any differences and whoever has been in control of the Council, there's always been co-operation.

"It's also been a very important vehicle for funding - there's been some extremely good schemes funded by the JCC. We've also developed good practise policies such as the one concerned with the discharge of patients from hospital to make sure the hospitals and social services are working together on it.''

He added: "Over the years we've given more than £30 million of Government money to hundreds of projects in the health service, social services and the voluntary sector.

"We've been an example of good practise because there are other places where there hasn't been the same level of co-operation and that must have affected patients.

"I regard the relationship between the health authority and local authority as being vital for the progress of social services and health and long may it continue through these new partnerships.''

Among the schemes helped by the JCC over the years have been the Bridge Project, Cyrenian Night Shelter, the Horton Housing Association, Homestart Shipley and the Clockhouse Project.

Ian Donnachie, chief executive of Bradford Health Authority, said: "One of the most obvious benefits has been that it's helped bring £30 million into the infrastructure of Bradford but it's also helped set a standard of excellence for partnership working.''

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