Bucks' older population happier with virtual health appointments
A project is underway to reshape health & social care services
Two thirds of people asked in Buckinghamshire say they'd like healthier lifestyles.
Bucks Council's looking at how it can look after a growing, older population and that was one finding in a recent survey.
The population of Buckinghamshire is growing, from nearly 530,000 today to 630,000 by 2033, which will mean more over-65s living with long-term conditions.
So the Council's looking at reshaping health and social care services.
Their survey found people are more willing to have virtual appointments and book urgent care services, rather than turn up at A&E.
62% of people stated they would be willing to travel to neighbouring county for a planned hospital procedure if it meant they had a shorter wait.
People are generally satisfied with their experiences of urgent care services.
Over half (55%) said they would be happy to book an urgent care appointment with 26% unsure and 19% said no.
The report says there is work to clearly articulate the distinction between urgent and emergency services and to assure people about the clinical credibility of the system to get people to the right place and avoid long waits in hospital A&E.
This survey was Phase 1 of the project, with the second part now underway involving focus-groups of people who would be impacted the most by any changes.
We should start to see a plan for health and social care services emerge early next year.
Read more about what the council are doing here.