Report on the baseline evaluation of North Somerset’s integrated care services

Healthwatch North Somerset was asked to undertake a baseline survey of integrated health and social care services, using the Integrated Care Services (ICS) pilot area in Weston super Mare. This baseline survey will provide a snapshot of service user and carers views of the service as it stands, in advance of the ICS being rolled out across the North Somerset area.

360 hard copies of the survey were sent out between July and September 2013. Participants were offered the possibility of a Healthwatch team member helping them to complete the survey, and participants recruited via North Somerset People First were aided by a staff member. 28 responses were received from service users and 13 from carers.

Overall, approximately 75% of service users appear to be satisfied with the service they receive. The responses that were less positive were mainly from those with learning difficulties which could suggest that this user group may feel less involved in decision making around their care. Again, approximately half of the respondents agreed that they had been involved and that the team had all talked to each other. Overall, approximately half of the respondents’ felt that they are involved or in control of their care plan and know what to do if things change or go wrong.