Berkshire healthcare survey launched
You're being asked to help shape the future of health provision following the pandemic
A major new survey has been launched looking at where people go to seek medical care for urgent, but not life threatening health problems. It comes as the health service across Berkshire West resumes more ‘business as usual’ ways of working following the huge pressures put on it during the height of Covid.
The survey aims to find out how people want to be treated in the future so that healthcare services can be adapted accordingly.
For example, the use of on-line and virtual consultations with a GP or healthcare professionals like Physician Associates, has made it easier and quicker for many people to seek reassurance and advice for a wide range of ailments from the most appropriate person. This way of working compliments the traditional face to face appointments with a healthcare professional which are still available where necessary.
The survey outlines, and aims to raise awareness of, the wide range of healthcare options available including GP surgeries, NHS 111 Online, NHS 111 Helpline, the hospital Emergency Department (A&E), minor injuries unit, pharmacists and the walk in facility.
Dr Andy Ciecierski, GP Clinical Lead for Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, said:
“Covid meant we had to bring in some very quick and wide ranging changes to our services and in many cases patients have been understanding and supportive of this. They find virtual consultations are quicker and easier and eliminate the need for taking time off work, or arranging child care, to attend the surgery. People have also welcomed the fact they can get advice and treatment from a whole host of healthcare professionals who are now based in local surgeries. We need to capture the changes that have worked and embed them into our local healthcare system.
“At the same time, we also need to re-assess the services on offer, how people access them and whether they meet and match the needs of our local communities. By learning more about how people use the whole range of healthcare services that are available locally we can make sure we deliver on-the-day health care in the best way possible,” he added.
The survey will also seek to find out what demand there is for a walk-in centre at the Broad Street Mall, it closed due to covid and dependent on the results of the survey may not re-open.
The survey is online at www.berkshirewestccg.nhs.uk and here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/samedayaccesssurvey . It runs for four weeks.