Why it matters: People across Suffolk and North East Essex can directly influence how urgent care services are commissioned and delivered in the future through the co-production of a new NHS Integrated Urgent Care Strategy.
The big picture: The consultation aims to make future services more accessible and ensure patients receive the most appropriate treatment and care. Service users, carers, health and care staff, community groups and any individual or group with an interest are encouraged to get involved.
What counts as urgent care: This includes services for illnesses or injuries that need treatment quickly but are not life-threatening, covering NHS 111, out-of-hours GP services, pharmacies, dentists and urgent treatment centres.
How to participate: The Let's Talk SNEE website contains all information, including an online survey form and a "Magic Wand Ideas Board" where people can publicly share ideas. There are two online surveys - one for individuals and one for recording face-to-face conversations in the community.
The details: All submissions are confidential and must be entered by Wednesday, 30 July. For those without computer access, hard copies can be requested by calling or texting 01473 770261.
What they're asking: People should consider ideas for new or improved urgent care services, including how to easily identify the most appropriate urgent care service and what could make urgent care more accessible.
What they're saying: Hannah Pont, Urgent & Emergency Care Programme Lead at NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: "Each year, over 400,000 people across Suffolk and north east Essex contact NHS 111. As this is often the gateway to urgent care, this service—and the pathways that follow—play a critical role in supporting the needs of our population.
"It is therefore essential that we continue to improve and refine these services to ensure they are as effective and responsive as possible. This co-production aims to gather meaningful insights to help shape those improvements."
Su Conquer, Co-production Lead at the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Partnership, who supports the inclusive involvement of people and communities, said: "I encourage everyone to reflect on their own experiences and share their views. The perspectives of family members and voices from different communities are just as important as those of patients and health and care professionals."
The bottom line: This consultation offers an opportunity for people to shape how urgent healthcare is delivered in our region, with the NHS actively seeking diverse perspectives to enhance services used by over 400,000 people annually.
