Portsmouth’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is inviting local people to have their say over the future of health services.
The CCG tells us the health system in this area faces a combination of pressures – rising need for care, rising costs of treatments, fewer staff in key roles, and funding levels which will not keep pace with demand.
At the same time there are new opportunities offered by better medicines, new technology, and closer relationships between NHS and social care teams.
The NHS across the local area – Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport, and South Eastern Hampshire – have put together a ‘sustainability and transformation plan’ (STP) to try and bring about change in the health system and tackle the challenges it will face.
The plan shows how much funding the area’s NHS will receive over the next five years. The estimated shortfall is £577m.
In launching the consultation the CCG said:
“So now is the right time for us to hear your views about how health services could and should change. Your views can influence the way that the local NHS will aim to make changes as we seek to meet the challenges and opportunities set out in the STP.
In time, the questions we ask may become more specific – looking at how a particular service may work, or where it may be based. If that is the case, then specific arrangements will be made to ensure that everyone has a chance to contribute”.
Cllr Stephen Morgan, Portsmouth’s Labour leader said:
“I have been asking health decision-makers for some time when the public will get to have their say on these important proposals for our health services.
The ‘Big Health Conversation’ is a step in the right direction. Now it is important everyone shares their views on these vital public services we all rely on”.
For more on the area’s plan click here: Sustainability and Transformation Plan
To complete the survey visit: Your Big Health Conversation – talk to us
