Have your say on NHS future

RESIDENTS are being encouraged to have their say on the future of the NHS.
Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the NHS body responsible for planning and buying health services for the people of Warrington is calling on those who live in the area to share their ideas and opinions with the organisation’s decision-makers by completing an online questionnaire.
Dr Andy Davies, (pictured right) local GP and Chair of Warrington CCG, said: “We recognise that many challenges lie ahead for the NHS and in order to continue providing a high-quality yet free at the point of use health service, then it must change. We won’t make any major decisions without the support of our local population but we do need to know what changes you think should take place.”
More than 300 people recently shared their views with the CCG by talking face-to-face with the town’s health leaders at a series of drop-in events held across the area last month.
Some key public feedback themes that came from the events included ideas for ways to save money in the NHS including charging people who do not turn up for GP and hospital appointments; charging time-wasters and drunken people; reducing the amount of wasted prescriptions; and reducing the number of senior managers and directors in the NHS.
Another common feedback theme was calling for more health education to ensure that people take responsibility for their own health, live a better lifestyle and stay healthier for longer.
John Wicks, Interim Chief Officer of Warrington CCG, said: “The patients’ voice really is at the heart of everything we do so we are very keen to gather feedback from as many local people as possible.
“If you were unable to attend the drop-in events but would like to share your opinions with us about local health and social care services then please do fill out our online questionnaire before the end of the month. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and will help to inform our future plans.”
The questionnaire is available online until 31 December 2013 through https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Future_of_the_NHS.
Feedback received online along with the responses from the drop-in events will help to inform a health conference to be organised and hosted by Warrington CCG in early 2014, feeding into NHS England’s ‘Call to Action’ national campaign.
For a printed copy of the questionnaire or to register your interest in attending the health conference then contact Paul Steele on 01925 843 774 or [email protected]