NORTHAMPTONSHIRE’S SUSTAINABILITY AND TRANSFORMATION PLAN - REPORT OF THE ‘REVOLUTIONISING ENGAGEMENT AND INVOLVEMENT PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT EVENT

Healthwatch Northamptonshire undertook research on public views about Northamptonshire’s Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP). They spoke to more than 65 people at a public engagement event in May 2016, with additional feedback gathered through workshops exploring patient activation, self-care and the future of health and social care services in the county.

Participants agreed that the health and care system faced significant challenges, including health inequalities, increasing numbers of people living with multiple long-term conditions, growing pressure on services and the need to improve mental health support. They felt that future services should place greater emphasis on self-care, prevention, social prescribing, community support, volunteering and better access to clear, jargon-free information. People also supported greater use of digital technology, including online appointment booking and improved access to information, provided this remained accessible to all.

The main barriers identified were financial pressures, shortages of GPs, fragmented information systems, poor integration between organisations and the failure to address wider social factors affecting health, such as housing, employment, transport, debt and social isolation. Participants also highlighted the challenges faced by rural communities and concerns about digital exclusion.

Healthwatch Northamptonshire concluded that successful transformation would require stronger partnership working between health, social care, voluntary organisations and local communities. Participants recommended involving the public in service design, expanding community and volunteer support, promoting health checks and prevention, improving communication and information sharing, and ensuring that care is provided as close to home as possible whenever appropriate.