Local NHS Services in Sutton

Healthwatch Sutton surveyed 4,159 residents to gather views on the Government's NHS 10-Year Health Plan and its three proposed shifts: from hospital to community care, from analogue to digital services, and from sickness to prevention. Residents were broadly supportive of all three proposals, but consistently emphasised that improving access to appointments and healthcare services must remain the priority. Appointment availability was identified as the single biggest barrier to accessing care in Sutton.

Residents generally supported the development of neighbourhood health centres and the idea of more care being delivered closer to home. However, many stressed that new buildings alone would not solve existing problems unless accompanied by increased staffing, greater appointment capacity, better service integration and improved access to mental health support. Respondents also highlighted the importance of continuity of care, good communication between services, accessible locations and maintaining personalised, high-quality care.

Most respondents felt confident using digital technology and supported further digital innovation, but reported that digital systems had not improved access to appointments. Common concerns included limited appointment availability, difficulties using booking and triage systems, technical problems and the risk of digital exclusion for older people, disabled people and those with lower digital confidence. Residents strongly favoured retaining telephone and face-to-face options alongside digital services.

Residents were also supportive of a stronger focus on prevention and early intervention. Nearly three-quarters said they would attend or might attend future health and wellbeing events, with particular interest in diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and mental health. Overall, the report concluded that Sutton residents support the direction of NHS reform, but believe success will depend on increasing appointment availability, strengthening workforce capacity, improving service coordination and ensuring reforms lead to tangible improvements in access to care.