Shape NHS Devon’s future with local health champion

A local community health champion is supporting the NHS in Devon through a series of special public events.

Residents are invited to share their experiences, views, and ideas for improving the NHS as part of a new local engagement initiative chaired by Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay.

Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay serves as the independent advocate for people using health and social care services.

They listen to people’s views and experiences of local services like GPs, hospitals, dentists, and care homes and encourage those in charge to incorporate this feedback in decisions that affect local people.

In November last year, the NHS in Devon launched local engagement around the 10 Year Health Plan, which runs in parallel with the national Change NHS campaign.

All Devon residents are being invited to share their experiences, views, and ideas for improving the NHS.

People are being encouraged to fill in the local survey even if they have already completed the national one to ensure that local insights are used to improve local services.

A dedicated webpage, www.onedevon.org.uk/10-year-plan, provides access to the survey, further information, and details about engagement events happening across the county and online this month.

These events offer residents an opportunity to engage directly with NHS staff about the 10-Year Health Plan and ensure their voices are heard as part of its development, with the national plan set to launch in spring 2025.

Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay will be independently chairing these engagement days across Devon on the following dates:

Paignton Library – 17 January 2025

Ivybridge Library – 24 January 2025

Exeter Library – 28 January 2025

Barnstable Library – 30 January 2025

Plymouth Methodist Church – 31 January 2025

Workshops during these events will focus on understanding residents’ experiences with NHS services, identifying what works well, addressing challenges, and setting priorities for the future. Workshops are available both in person at the listed venues and online. To book a place or check availability, visit www.onedevon.org.uk/10-year-plan.

Dr Kevin Dixon, Chair of Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay, said: “Healthwatch is really pleased to have supported the development of this engagement programme for Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay, and we are excited to be collaborating with NHS Devon on such an important conversation.

“I urge the Devon population to get involved in this engagement and have their voice heard as part of the national 10-year health plan development.

“Please fill out a local survey online or over the phone with us, and we look forward to seeing some of you at the engagement days we are chairing with NHS Devon. It really could make a huge difference to the way your future healthcare is delivered.”

For those unable to submit feedback online, Healthwatch is offering a freephone service. Residents can call Healthwatch on 0800 520 0640 to provide their input.

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