Long Term Plan Lincolnshire Report

Healthwatch Lincolshire took part in the NHS Long Term Plan (LTP) network-wide project. The purpose of our work was to provide information to the Lincolnshire Health System with regards to what Lincolnshire people feel about the NHS and the Long Term Plan. They engaged with 309 people via surveys and 95 people via focus groups. 

The report found that people want to be treated with a holistic approach to their care. Technology needs to be embraced and developed as a ‘world class’ facility but not assumed that everyone will participate. Transport links were often reported as a barrier to accessing health care. People want more information, guidance and advice about how to have better lifestyle choices with an affordable and supportive infrastructure. Waiting times for appointments need to be reduced. Diagnosis and test results needs to be much quicker. Services need to be much more visually joined up, this also includes ‘strategies’ from any of our statutory bodies that impact on the local population. People, families and carers have an important voice which must be included and acknowledged as an essential part of their health management. Where people don’t have a voice they don’t want to be disadvantaged, there is more need for advocacy and support to navigate the systems for all.

In response to the engagement work and the report, the STP have responded stating their plans for further research and the timelines for producing a local plan.