Long Term Plan North Cumbria Report
Download (PDF 641.56 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Cumbria engaged 224 people in the NHS Long Term Plan (LTP) investigation using surveys and focus groups for general service use and also for specific conditions.
The report found that there were challenges in accessing care due to geographical location, inconsistency of care, and lack of service provision. It was highlighted that the digitalisation of services, such as video calls to GPs, was beneficial. People highlighted that accessing cheaper exercise sessions and nutritional information would enable people to live a healthier life. People experienced a disconnect with their health care providers as there were reports a lack of clear and timely communication. Prevention and early intervention was identified by more than 50% of respondents as to the level of support the NHS could provide to help people stay healthy.
Healthwatch Cumbria made recommendations whereby they identified areas where the NHS could improve upon engagement with service users, areas were the NHS and Local Authority could work collaboratively, and preventative measures that could be taken to enable service users could make healthier choices.
North Cumbria Health and Care System (NCHCS) responded to the report.