A new NHS trust has launched, uniting community, mental health, and learning disability services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The 'Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust' was formed on Tuesday, October 3, by merging Solent NHS Trust, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, and services previously provided by Isle of Wight NHS Trust.

Child and adolescent mental health services previously provided in Hampshire by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust have also been included in the merger.

The new trust aims to improve local patient care by enhancing access, reducing duplication, and standardising practices. The development of the organisation has been a two-year effort involving staff and various community partners and stakeholders.

The trust is now inviting local communities to help shape its five-year strategy. Although the trust was officially launched on October 3, staff from the four organisations have been collaborating for some time.

Ron Shields, chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: "This is an exciting day for the NHS in Hampshire and Isle of Wight and the culmination of many years of hard work. Taking the best from all of the organisations involved provides a stronger foundation from which to deliver better, more joined up care for local people, wherever they live.

"As our new organisation comes into being we are already focused on what comes next. That is why we want to hear from local people about what we should be focusing on- what is most important to them and what improvements they want to see in the care they receive. This will directly influence the work we do and the changes we seek to make to help Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents lead their healthiest lives possible."