Give your views on possible changes to NHS walk-in services in North West Surrey
Local doctors and healthcare professionals are asking for feedback on proposals to change and develop urgent care and walk-in services in North West Surrey.
Residents can attend a series of public events to give their views on a shortlist of options for future services and discuss how a greater range of support could also be offered in the community.
NHS North West Surrey Clinical Commissioning Group, alongside partner organisations that make up North West Surrey Integrated Care Partnership, have been reviewing out of hospital services as part of The Big Picture programme. This looks at how to address the pressure on health and care services from a growing and aging population, the changing needs of people with long term conditions like diabetes and heart disease and the ever increasing challenge of recruiting the right health and care staff.
In addition to other recent improvements in out-of-hospital care in North West Surrey, a new set of national standards have been introduced for Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs – the new name for all walk-in centre type facilities). These centres will all offer the same level of service so patients know where to go for urgent care wherever they are in the country. There are significant differences between existing walk-in facilities and the new specification and decisions need to be made on the best way to bridge this gap.
Following a period of public engagement last year, a shortlist of seven possible options have been developed working with local clinicians. It includes different configurations for UTCs across Woking, Weybridge and Ashford as well as how best to provide timely, high quality urgent care at St Peter’s hospital, working with their established Emergency Department.
This shortlist has been reached following a detailed process involving clinicians, health and social care organisations, voluntary and community sector organisations and members of the public.
At this stage no decisions on these options have been made.
The public events are a chance for people to have their say on the future design of urgent care services, where key centres should be and what other services might be needed in the community to support local people in the best way.
Public feedback will be used to shape the clinical model for urgent care services and to reach a preferred option or options. If that leads to a substantial change to any services that are currently provided, a full public consultation would take place before any final decisions are made.
They are inviting local people to participate in a range of activities and discussions, which you’ll need to register for in advance.
Community workshops 2020
Wednesday 22 January, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Whiteley Village Hall
3A Octagon Road, Hersham, KT12 4EG
Wednesday 29 January, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
H.G. Wells Conference Centre
Church Street East, Woking, GU21 6HJ
Wednesday 5 February, 10am – 12pm
The Hythe Centre
36 Thorpe Road, Staines-upon-Thames, TW18 3HD
The NHS is seeking views from all members of the community including minority groups whose voices are often not heard.
If you have any information, communications or accessibility needs please confirm these in advance by emailing nwsccg.bigpictureprogramme@nhs.net or call 01372 232450.
If you cannot attend an event but want to share your views, or if you would like them to attend a local meeting of an individual group or association, please also contact them using the details below.
Email nwsccg.bigpictureprogramme@nhs.net
Call 01372 232450
Text 07880 091328