Devon Residents Invited to Shape Community Health Services

Devon Residents Invited to Shape Community Health Services

Residents across Devon are being asked to help shape how health and care services are delivered in their local areas.

A new county-wide engagement programme called "Let's talk Neighbourhood health" has launched. It aims to involve people in decisions about care that is provided closer to home.

The plan brings together GPs, community services, mental health teams, social care, voluntary organisations and other partners. The goal is more joined-up, community-focused care.

Dr Chris Reid, chief place and transformation officer for NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said: "Neighbourhood health is about helping more people stay well, providing more care closer to home and making it easier to access joined-up support in our local communities.

"This engagement programme is an opportunity for people across Devon to help shape the future of health and care.

"We want to hear what is working well and what matters most to you and your community."

The neighbourhood health model supports the national vision set out in the 10-year Health Plan for England and the national Neighbourhood Health Framework.

The programme is backed by health, care and community leaders across Devon, as well as voluntary and community organisations.

Kevin Dixon, chair of Healthwatch Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said: "People are the experts in their own experiences of health and care.

"This engagement programme is the next part of the conversation following on from the NHS 10-year plan engagement programme that took place across Devon to find out what works well, what could be improved and what matters most to them and their families."

Residents can take part by completing a survey, attending events, joining local feedback groups, or participating in the new Devon People Panel.

The programme also includes a small grants scheme to help community groups involve those whose voices are less often heard.

Frank O'Kelly, a local GP, said: "As a GP, I see every day how much better outcomes are when services work together around the patient, not just when someone is already unwell, but in supporting them to stay healthy.

"Neighbourhood health is about making that joined-up care the norm, not the exception."

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