Online workshops give public more ways to help shape a healthier future

People living across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are being invited to join leaders of local health and care organisations in shaping a healthier future for the region at two upcoming virtual events.

Taking place at 6.30pm on Wednesday 8 December and at 1.30pm the following day, the two online sessions will give local people the chance to have their say on the region’s new health and care model, which outlines how services will be provided over the next ten years.

Almost 500 people have already shared their thoughts on the new model, with feedback ranging from praise around how services from different providers will be more joined up to concerns about conflicting priorities between organisations.

All feedback, whether collected through the online survey, for which print copies are also available, or at one of the many in-person and online community events, will be listened to and used to shape the final version of the plans.

Dr Ruth Grabham, Medical Director, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The response we’ve had to the proposed new model has so far been fantastic, and I’d like to thank all of those who took the time to share their feedback with us.

“With these two virtual events happening at the beginning of next month, we’re really hoping to continue to build a productive dialogue with the very people who work in and use local health and care services, as well as tap into their unique insight and experience.

“The emergence of Covid-19 nearly two years ago forced us to review and refresh our original plans and, although the continued threat of the pandemic has limited the amount of face-to-face engagement we have been able to do, we want to use all available resources to give members of the public the opportunity to have their voices heard.

“I hope as many people as possible will be able to join us in December, to not only share their opinions but also contribute to our plans for a healthier future.”

Feedback on the new health and care model has been coming in since the beginning of this month, and people have until Tuesday 14 December to have their say in this stage of the process.

Detailed within the model are plans for improving personalised care, supporting healthier communities, establishing more integrated local teams, prioritising local specialist services and introducing new specialist centres.

The model’s production, as well as its corresponding engagement activity, is being carried out by the BSW Partnership, which is an integrated care system made up of NHS providers, local authorities and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector working together.

More information on the BSW Partnership, as well as details of how people can sign up for the virtual sessions or complete the survey and leave feedback on the new health and care model, can be found online at www.bswpartnership.nhs.uk/about-us/shaping-a-healthier-future.