Community Conversations about the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Sustainability and Transformation Plan

Healthwatch Doncaster wanted to understand local people’s perceptions of and feelings towards the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Sustainability and Transformation Plan.  They engaged 180 people.

The key themes that came out of the conversations were:

Service change – recognition that change is need and that change to the NHS could be a good thing if people are listened to. There are concerns that the proposed changes are the first sign of closing down services and privatisation.

Finance – there were many points raised around waste in the NHS and that this should be rectified to minimise the efficiency gap required. Conversations highlighted that there was £571million shortfall and that this would have a significant impact on service provision.

Leadership – Young people expressed a desire to be more actively involved with the leaders of the NHS and the changes proposed. People in some groups stated that ‘Leaders need to lead’.

Integration – Integration of health and social care services was recognised as a key area for development but there was also recognition that this has 5 been talked about for nearly a decade and nothing has happened as yet. The journey between health and social care services needs to be made more easy and straightforward.

Engagement – There were concerns about the lack of engagement in the development of the Sustainability and Transformation Plan and the local Place Plans. The online survey and questionnaire were criticised for being too leading in the questioning style. People who attended the conversations and focus groups appreciated being involved and engaged but wanted more involvement as the Plans are put into place.