There is still time for you to shape plans by local NHS organisations to improve health services over the next five years.
A survey inviting people living and working in Hertfordshire and west Essex to share their views runs until Wednesday 15 March.
The new five-year plan must set out how NHS services in Hertfordshire and west Essex will meet the health needs of our 1.6 million residents, delivering national NHS improvement targets on important issues like how quickly we diagnose illnesses, and how long people have to wait to be treated.
So that we reflect local views in the initial development of the plan, the survey invites people to share their personal views or experiences on the following topics:
- GP appointments
- your views on travelling to get planned surgery more quickly
- the support you would like from the NHS to live more healthily
- mental health services
- using technology to improve healthcare
- your experience of being an unpaid carer
- whether you have the information you need about your prescribed medicines
- how the NHS can ensure that disadvantaged people get better healthcare.
This confidential survey will take around ten minutes to complete, As a thank you for taking part in the survey, everyone who would like to can choose to enter a prize draw, with the chance to win one of ten shopping vouchers.
Dr Jane Halpin, Chief Executive of the NHS Integrated Care Board for Hertfordshire and west Essex, appealed to everyone who lives in our area to play a part in developing the plan, saying:
“We want to make sure that high quality NHS services are available when you need them, and to make sure that those services are designed around your needs, so that you have joined-up care. We also want to do more to support people to lead healthy lifestyles, so that fewer people become ill and more people can enjoy good health and wellbeing.
“It is important that we put resources and effort into improving the areas where you tell us they are most needed. This is your opportunity to shape local NHS plans and priorities and we would love to hear your views.”
Healthwatch Hertfordshire and Healthwatch Essex, the independent organisations that champion people who use health and care services, are supporting the survey. If anyone needs any help filling out the survey, or can’t access it online, they can call Healthwatch on 0300 500 1895. With permission, Healthwatch staff will be able to complete and return the survey on their behalf.
To take the survey or find out more, go to https://hertsandwestessexics.org.uk/homepage/21/have-your-say-on-the-future-of-nhs-services. The survey runs until midnight on Wednesday 15 March.