Earlier this summer, Healthwatch Dorset reached out to communities asking for their views on the NHS Long Term Plan.
Over 300 residents, patients and families responded with their thoughts on how local services could be improved.
Responding to the report, Dorset ICS leader Tim Goodson said:
“Healthwatch Dorset has done a great job reaching out to our communities and asking them for their views. I would like to thank them and everyone who took part because it’s really important we hear what’s important to local people, where they think we need to do better and where they think we should focus our efforts for the future.
“This report and the views that it shares will influence and help to shape the health and wellbeing plan for the next few years in Dorset, which is being developed now by our local councils and NHS services.”
The top things local people wanted to see included: quicker and easier access to GPs; speedier diagnosis and treatment options; annual health checks and more regular support for those with long-term conditions.
The report also revealed people would like more services based in communities and easier access to good quality information. Full details can be found in the report NHS Long Term Plan: The Views of Dorset Residents.
Tim added:
“The findings from Healthwatch Dorset make an important contribution to the engagement work already taking place and highlights where we can focus our future engagement activities, such as on preventing ill health and staying healthy.”
NHS services and local authorities are now carrying on these conversations with local people through a next phase of engagement.
