Long Term Plan Frimley Health and Care Report

Healthwatch in the Frimley Health and Care area used a bespoke survey to gather 1477 local people’s views on how they looked after their own health and wellbeing, what community assets they utilised, where they obtained health and wellbeing information and advice, and what the barriers were that prevented people from living a healthy lifestyle. This work formed part of Healthwatch’s engagement activity about the NHS Long Term Plan (LTP).

Key findings included: 76% of people rated themselves as very confident or confident in terms of knowing where to find helpful information for themselves when unwell, however there were lower levels of confidence reported when looking for information for an unwell child or family member they cared for; the top three barriers that prevented people from leading a healthy lifestyle were a lack of time, conflicting advice and information about healthy lifestyles, and a lack of support from GPs and health professionals; the top three topics people were seeking information and advice on were health and wellbeing, long term physical conditions, and minor illnesses/injuries; the top three things people felt could help them live a healthy life were easier/better access to GPs/primary care, affordable/free gym and leisure facilities, and more time; survey results indicated a negative impact of work on health and wellbeing.

Frimley Health and Care Integrated Care System responded positively to the report, stating that the results of this work were now being used to help shape their strategy for the next five years.