Community services
NHS Somerset is committed to understanding the needs of the local population. This is to ensure we can continue to deliver the best possible healthcare services in Somerset.
December 2021
Engagement took place from April 2021 to October 2021.
The purpose was to develop a single vision for all thirteen community hospitals in Somerset.
The goal of the first stage of engagement was to understand what was important to people when they think about using community hospitals in the future. Then we discussed and agreed the steps we’ll take to get there. These conversations helped us write the draft vision statement and aims.
The final stage of engagement allowed people to discuss whether the vision statement and aims made sense. They looked at the words and language used and checked for any gaps. It was also important to understand how satisfied people were with the vision and aims to finalise them.
Engagement for community services ended on the 12th of April. The information below is for reference only.
Update: Sept 2022
On Monday 27 September 2021, we invited people to attend an online session led by Maria Heard and Dr. Alex Murray. This session took a look at the engagement feedback from 2020.
In January 2020, we began inviting Somerset residents to consider an emerging model of community and same day urgent care. The engagement took place as part of the Fit for my Future programme - Somerset’s Health and Care Strategy that aims to support health and wellbeing, by changing the way we plan, buy and provide services.
Your valuable input, ideas and suggestions were a vital first step in helping us to understand what may work for you. During this engagement period, COVID-19 required us to shift our focus. This meant we were unable to share the outcome of this engagement as planned.
We have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure we are in a position to continue having meaningful conversations with our communities again, when the time is right. The initial engagement work has now been independently analysed and reported upon.
Read the engagement feedback report summary.
Find out more about the engagement feedback from the 2020 engagement that took place.
We want to create a community health and care system which works for the people of Somerset. In January 2020, we began inviting Somerset residents to input on an emerging model of community and same day urgent care.
What you said -
- Supporting care at home can mean better patient outcomes, as well as less travel
- Could access services via Urgent Treatment Centres, to take pressure off of A&E
- Community hospitals being closed is a worry, with perceived loss of services
- Increased travel could have a significant impact on carers, the elderly, and those with a disability.
What we did -
Your valuable input, ideas, and suggestion were a vital first step in helping us understand the needs of Somerset. During this engagement period, COVID-19 required the NHS to shift it's focus. We have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure we are in a position to continue having a meaningful conversation with our communities, and an online update session was held in September 2021
Engagement: January 2020
We have a real opportunity to improve our community health and care services for you and your loved ones.
We invite you to join us in thinking about and shaping a new way of providing services which are, where practical, closer to where you live, supports independence and helps you maintain your own health. Your input, ideas and suggestions are vital to help us get the right services in the right place so that they are available when you need them.
Why we need to change
Our health and care services in Somerset are not currently organised in the best way to support people to live independent, healthier lives.
Our vision
The shared vision for Somerset is that people can live healthy and independent lives, within thriving communities.
Our early thinking explained
Community health and care services will be provided as close to home as practical, providing support based on individual needs to enable people to live their best life – supporting them to live well, recover well and stay well.
Talk before you walk
When you need urgent ‘same day’ help for something that is not a medical emergency but for which you need rapid support, we will make sure you have access to ‘Talk before you walk’ guidance to help you access the most appropriate service as close to home as practical. This may be at a local pharmacy, an appointment at a GP surgery or an appointment at an Urgent Treatment Centre.
Q&As Community health and care services
Q&As Community health and care services
