Local MP Marcus Fysh has welcomed the news in the Sustainability and Transformation Plan published today. Somerset CCG’s STP is a plan for the next five years aiming to build on the 2014 NHS Five Year Forward View which sets out leading clinicians’ plans to integrate health and social care. Although more money is spent on the NHS than ever before, an ageing population and families living further apart present unprecedented challenges. There are also opportunities to improve and reconfigure care such as allowing more patients to be treated in their own homes. The plan has encouraged a more cohesive approach to healthcare across the region. Marcus is calling for the CCG to ensure its consultations on any changes are extensive and meaningful.
Marcus explains, ‘The NHS has real challenges to address and it’s great that Somerset is leading the way in some of the forward thinking. Funding is important but it’s not the only issue. The central theme of integration, putting the experience of the patient above departmental or institutional differences is key, as is putting more resource into mental health issues. Generally I’m completely in favour of doctors at a local level making the decisions in the NHS. However I’ve been hearing a number of concerns about these plans being drawn up in secret and national press reports about A&E and Maternity Unit closures have worried a few people so I am pleased to see that A&E and Maternity services at Yeovil District Hospital are confirmed as central to future plans locally. I am urging the CCG to make sure it runs a full consultation on all proposals particularly on some of the new ways of doing things, to make sure patients and key stakeholders have their say and a chance to influence them.’
Note to editors – more details on STPs here https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/futurenhs/deliver-forward-view/stp/