STP conversations - the view from the people of South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw

Healthwatch organisations and voluntary sector partners across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw held a series of community conversations about the Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP), engaging 872 people through focus groups, public meetings and existing community networks. Most participants had little or no prior knowledge of the STP, but welcomed the opportunity to discuss the future of health and social care services. A recurring theme was the need for more meaningful communication, transparency and public involvement in decision-making, with many people expressing concern that plans were too vague and lacked sufficient detail for informed feedback. 

Participants broadly accepted that health and social care services needed to change and become better integrated, but raised concerns about how changes would be funded and implemented. There were worries about potential service closures, privatisation, workforce shortages and the pace of change. Transport emerged as a major issue, particularly concerns that concentrating specialist services in fewer locations could create longer journeys and disadvantage people without access to a car. Many also felt social care and mental health were not given enough prominence within the plans. 

When discussing what mattered most, people consistently highlighted access to local, high-quality services, quicker access to GPs and specialists, better communication between services, compassionate care and improved support for mental health. Participants supported greater integration of health and social care and a stronger focus on prevention, including healthier lifestyles, community support and health education from an early age. There was also widespread recognition that individuals should be supported to take greater responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. 

Overall, the conversations found broad support for the ambitions behind the STP but significant concern about delivery, funding and engagement. Participants wanted ongoing involvement in shaping future plans, clearer information about proposed changes, and reassurance that local services would remain accessible. The report concluded that future engagement should be more inclusive, transparent and easier for the public to understand, including the production of accessible and easy-read materials.