What people in Sussex told Healthwatch about their views on the NHS Long Term Plan
The findings in this report have been drawn from responses to a country wide survey commissioned by Healthwatch England to stimulate public feedback on the NHS Long Term Plan.
It analyses local views gathered in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, West Sussex and a small contribution from East Surrey residents (not statistical data) that reflects public opinion on priorities for the future of the NHS in Sussex; known as the Sussex & East Surrey Partnership Sustainability & Transformation Partnership (STP).
A total of 648 responses were received across the three local Healthwatch areas on what matters most to people about their care and support needs and perceptions that would help them to:
- Manage their support
- Live a healthy life
- The choice of support and their independence; and
- Their interactions with the NHS
What people said:
Consistent themes include:
- People’s experiences accessing cancer services gave overwhelmingly positive responses
- People’s awareness of diet and exercise in leading a healthy life and the need to for individuals to take more responsibility of their own health
- People spoke about a ‘more holistic approach’ to care and good examples were given highlighting the need and desire for more personalised care going forward; and
- People sharing views on mental health support received most of the negative responses
Themes around current views on the NHS included:
- Availability and timeliness of appointments
- Being able to see any medically appropriate health professional, whilst recognising the need for continuity of care
- More joined up understanding between physical and mental health; and
- Communication, Communication, Communication with patients, staff and organisations
