Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group invite residents to have their say on community he

A survey has been set up for Southport and Formby residents to have their say on the services

Chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, Dr Rob Caudwell and chief officer for both CCGs in Sefton, Fiona Clark

Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group has invited residents to have their say on a range of NHS treatments.

A survey has been set up as part of a review and re-procurement of these services, and covers blood testing, care for feet and leg ulcers, district nursing, pain control and community matrons – known collectively as community health services.

The survey can be taken by CLICKING HERE.

Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group is looking for a bidder to fill the current £50m NHS Community Care contract.

It is an open opportunity - meaning the contract is currently unfulfilled but active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications.

The S & F CCG covers 19 surgeries from Ince Blundell to Churchtown , and is made up of local doctors, nurses, and practice staff as well as members of the public.

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “After their GP, community services are often the most commonly used healthcare that our residents will come into contact with, which is why it’s important we hear what they think about them.

“We constantly review and monitor the services we commission so they are the best they can be, and so we can be assured that they are capable of meeting the changing needs of our residents in the future.

"Southport and Formby residents are getting older and their health problems are growing more complex."

Across the NHS, commissioners have contracts with organisations like community health trusts and hospitals, which set out standards for the services they provide.

Commissioners also have a legal duty to carry out re-procurement exercises for these contracts from time to time, and this helps to ensure that healthcare constantly meets expected levels of quality.

“We already know from speaking to people over the past couple of years that they want more care provided closer to home and for all the services they use to work better together," said Dr Rob Caudwell.

"This has helped us to shape our vision for all future healthcare, including community health services, that is more joined up and therefore more effective in meeting our local needs.

“Hearing more from our residents about what currently works well and what needs to be improved is an important part of our ongoing review of community services, and I’d ask as many Southport and Formby residents as possible to complete our quick questionnaire and tell us what they think.”

The short survey offers an additional way for Southport and Formby residents to give their views about their local community services and it can also be found on the CCG’s website.

Story and photo source: Southport Visiter by FRANCESCA FITZSIMMONS