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People have just days to respond to a consultation that could transform the way that comments and complaints from across Staffordshire’s NHS, health and social care sector are dealt with.
The deadline for residents to put their views forward on the proposals is January 16.
The high profile initiative would revolutionise the way the health service works by providing a single place for people to direct comments and complaints instead of the numerous different organisations and systems currently in place.
It would make it easier for residents to make their voice heard as well as providing the greater independence many are calling for. Independence would boost public confidence around issues relating to health trusts, GPs and social care services.
County Councillor Matthew Ellis, Cabinet Member for Adult Wellbeing, said: “The response to the consultation has been tremendous so far with around 1,700 people putting their views forward. This overwhelming level of feedback shows that residents are incredibly passionate about this issue and want the opportunity to have their voices heard.
“Under the present system, hospitals, GPs and health and social care services deal with complaints against themselves which just doesn’t seem right. The proposed system would take this responsibility away from the service and hand it over to an independent organisation. This simple change would play a vital role in increasing people’s faith in the NHS which, as recent history has shown, has been waning.
“There is now just one week left for people to have their say on this proposal which would transform a fundamental aspect of the NHS. We will all use the health service at some point – this is the ideal time to make an impact and help to shape its future.”
You can take part in the consultation by filling in a survey on-line at http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/healthandsocialcareconsultation|, or emailing your comments to healthandsocialcareconsultation@staffordshire.gov.uk| or posting it to Health and Social Care Consultation, Policy and Performance, Wedgwood Building, Tipping Street, Stafford, ST16 2DH.
There will also be face to face consultations with engagement groups across Staffordshire to ensure their views are captured. If you would like a hard copy of the survey or a copy of the survey in any other formats, please telephone 01785 276820.
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