Summary
Strategic Issue 1
There is a high burden of emergency admissions, this is exacerbated by difficulties in arranging GP appointments and higher rates of deprivation and poor health in the population.
What needs to be done
Improve access to GP appointments to reduce the consequential burden on emergency services.
There needs to be consultation with GP patients in the Borough to determine the barriers faced when attempting to access and arrange GP appointments.
There needs to be consultation with GP practices in the Borough to determine barriers faced in providing sufficient numbers of GP appointments.
Within this GPs should be supported to expand the use of the NHS App for easier patient access and streamlining of processes within surgeries. GPs should be encouraged to utilise pharmacy services and promote community services, navigating care appropriately.
Strategic Issue 2
There is a need to address health literacy in vulnerable groups (such as over 65s and children).
What needs to be done
Targeted outreach with strategic focus in areas of high deprivation are needed to provide inclusive health services with the aim to reduce disparities in health literacy and emergency hospital admissions.
Integrated care models that link primary care, community outreach and hospital services are needed to support this group in accessing services.
Interventions should include health coaching to improve health literacy and self-management, apps and digital tools for self-monitoring and education and provision of community support from other residents and professionals.
Residents should be informed of services through advertisement of alternative services such as community pharmacies for non-emergency cases. Residents should be provided advice, education and behavioural support to encourage uptake through community-hubs and through signposting by GPs and NHS 111.
Throughout the process there should be data-driven monitoring and evaluation of interventions with health equity in mind.
Strategic Issue 3
There are rising emergency admissions for intentional self-harm suggesting mental health crises.
What needs to be done
Investment in mental health and social care to reduce avoidable admissions. Investment should be directed to services that prevent mental health crises and support those with mental health conditions with management.
Services should be community-based and placed in areas of highest need (areas of high deprivation, which is linked to mental health need). Services should include community mental health teams, community-based crisis teams and crisis alternatives such as crisis cafes and safe havens.
This would provide a mental health equity initiative which aims to tackle disparities and should use data-driven planning to monitor trends and need and evaluate interventions.