THE NHS and the council have been developing exciting new plans for shaping the new Thurrock health and social care landscape for the next five years. Local people are now being invited to have their say about the plans that have been developed by NHS Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Thurrock Council.
A public event is being held at Orsett Hall on Tuesday, 29 April to discuss the plans, highlight what is going to change and how the plans will affect Thurrock people. Registration will start at 9am and the event is expected to close at 4pm.
Thurrock Health and Care: Working Together for a Better Future – the first in what will be a series of events over the coming year – aims to give local people a chance to make their views known and ask questions about the key proposals.
The ambitious new strategy involves using some existing funding to offer a more holistic all-round care approach centred on five main principles:
• Empowering people to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing;
• Providing health and care services closer to home; • High quality services to match needs; • Helping people stay healthy and live independent lives for as long as
possible; and • Getting rid of the barriers between people and their healthcare.
The information-filled event will also include a session on how GP, dental and other primary care services are being developed in Thurrock.
Everybody uses these services, so it is an excellent opportunity for people to share their views with local health leaders, as well as learning about the proposals and being involved in the decision-making process.
The event is jointly organised by Thurrock CCG, Thurrock Council, Thurrock Healthwatch, Thurrock CVS and Thurrock Coalition.
It is open to anyone living or working in the borough and special arrangements can be made for transport for those who need it.
Lunch will be provided and refreshments will be available throughout the day.
Dr Anand Deshpande, Chair NHS Thurrock CCG, said: “We hope Thurrock residents will take advantage of our invitation as this is a real opportunity to be involved in the health and social care conversation in Thurrock.
“We want you to be involved in service redesign and we need you, the people who use the services to tell us your experience of what currently works well and what areas must be improved for better patient experience in Thurrock.”
Roger Harris, the council’s director of adult social care, added: “It makes perfect sense for social care and health teams to work together. It saves time, effort and money as well as being more effective and efficient from the client’s viewpoint.
“However it is imperative local people have a close look at the plans and let us know what they think so we can make sure those views are reflected in what we do.”
Kim James, Healthwatch Thurrock’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Healthwatch Thurrock is an independent consumer champion for Health and Social care in Thurrock. We give children, young people and adults a powerful voice, making sure their views and experiences are heard by those who run, plan and regulate health and social care services.
Every voice counts when it comes to shaping the future of health and social care. Whether it’s improving them today or helping to shape them for tomorrow. We can provide you with support, information and advice about health and social care services. We will gather your experiences and views on the way services are delivered. We are an open organisation and want to make it easy for you to talk to us.”
Local voluntary groups and organisations will also be represented at the event and some will have stands with information about their services and how they are involved in discussions. Thurrock Vitality service will also be available to offer NHS Health
To book your place, go to http://29thapril2014.eventbrite.co.uk or email: Thurrock.ccg@nhs.net or call 01375 365 810.
