In simple terms, this means joining up different parts of health and care services so that they work seamlessly together. Work is being led by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), working with Northumberland County Council, local GPs, mental health services, the ambulance service and all partners of the Northumberland Integration Board.
Health and social care organisations across Northumberland have outlined an ambitious and collective vision for continuing to improve the quality of services for people living across the county.The Blonde was sent the link to a great new website outlining the vision for Northumberland (www.northumberland.nhs.uk) and a month long programme of public engagement activity has begun.
Patients and members of the public are being asked to share their experiences and give their views by completing an online survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NorthumberlandVanguard
The vision being outlined for Northumberland aims to improve experience for patients and carers in many ways:
• Better support for people to live healthily and stay well
• Better access to timely advice to help people use services appropriately
• Improved access to primary care and GP appointments
• Improved integration of mental health services
• More personalised and co-ordinated care for those with long-term conditions or complex needs
• Professionals across health and social care working in a joined-up way
• A shared health record so patients do not have to repeat their story
As more care is delivered in the right place and more people are able to access services in the right way, the vision for Northumberland will also see many wider benefits for the future efficiency and financial stability of the health and social care system as a whole. Health and care partners also want to give people more confidence to look after themselves well, take more accountability for their own health and wellbeing and focus on preventing people becoming ill.
Dr Alistair Blair, chief clinical officer at NHS Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: "Improving access to primary care services and support for those with complex medical needs in their own communities is an absolute priority. Involving local people is at the very heart of our vision and ambition for Northumberland and I would encourage everyone to get involved and tell us about their experiences and what they would like to see improved by completing our online survey over the coming weeks.”
Health and care organisations are working together with Healthwatch Northumberland to engage local people in this work and ensure as many people as possible share their views. Health and care staff across Northumberland are also being involved with a series of focus groups already underway to understand what frustrates staff and where processes and systems can be much more seamless.
You can find more information about the vision for Northumberland or to complete the online survey visit: www.northumberland.nhs.uk.
If you have any questions on this initiative please contact Liz Davies 07584 204715 / [email protected]