The My Life A Full Life programme will be hosting a series of public events in May as part of a redesign of health and care services on the Island.
Whether it is an increasingly elderly population, the rise in numbers of people with long-term conditions, or the struggle to recruit and retain staff – a number of challenges facing the Island have reached a critical point and will only get worse as pressure increases. Services are under increasing strain and the system as it currently works is simply not sustainable. Recent stories about the spike in waiting times at St Mary’s emergency department demonstrate how the system is under increasing demand.
The partners in the My Life a Full Life programme believe that the Island cannot create a healthy, thriving population if we continue to do what we’ve always done. The next step is to agree what services will make the most difference on the Island and how and where they should be delivered.
As the redesign begins to examine the health and care system in more detail, a number of themed events will be held across the Island to discuss the different options for what services should look like in the future. These will focus on critical healthcare areas including Urgent & Emergency Care, Planned Care, Frailty, Long-term conditions, Mental Health and Women and Children’s healthcare services.
The events are open to anyone, whether they have experience of services first-hand, or through a family member or friend, or whether they are a carer or volunteer, or if they have just heard other people’s stories and want to get involved. Those attending will be able to have their say and help develop solutions to the challenges alongside voluntary sector partners and professionals.
People who are interested in attending an event or would like to find out more can contact [email protected] or call 01983 822099 ext. 3085.
Anyone who cannot make it to an event but would like to take part can also visit www.mylifeafulllife.com/timetoact to share their views about what might need to change for the better with our health and care services. The deadline for responses is 27th May.
As well as additional events across the Island, a formal consultation setting out proposals for change is expected later this year.
David Newton, chair of the health and care redesign, said:
“This is a chance for people to have a real say in the future of health and care on the Island, so we’re encouraging everyone who can attend a session to go along and contribute to the redesign process. Whether you want to attend an event yourself, or if you know someone else that will have a view, we want as many people as possible to get involved and spread the word.”
Amy Milford, communication and engagement officer at Community Action Isle of Wight, said:
“We really want to get people’s input on how health and care services can work best and now is the time for people to help shape this important debate for the coming year. It’s great that the voluntary community will be at the heart of the redesign process and I’m looking forward to working with our partners across the Island. If groups or organisations are unable to attend these events, the redesign team would be happy to come and speak to them.”
