Local NHS organisations are offering members of the public a chance to get involved in deciding how health and care services in the area are provided in the future.
Bay Health and Care Partners, which is a group of local NHS organisations and councils, is looking for people to join a Public Assembly – a group of people who will be asked for their views on health and care issues. Feedback provided by the assembly will be used to shape our future plans.
Jerry Hawker, Chief Officer at Morecambe Bay CCG, said: “As we develop our plans, it’s really important that we take into account what our public think, so we can ensure they align not just with the long term plan for the NHS, but also the needs of our local population. As the assembly develops, there will also be opportunities for people to have their say via digital means, as well as in person.”
Aaron Cummins, Chief Executive at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Although we have a strategy for the future, it’s vital to keep our priorities under review. We want our communities and neighbourhoods to help us as we plan for the future. The Public Assembly is a new and important opportunity for people to get involved and have their voices heard. I would encourage anyone who is interested in health and care provision to join the assembly.”
Over 300 people have already signed up to become members of the assembly, and the first meetings will be held at:
- Barrow in Furness on Thursday 29 August – 5:30pm, Grasmere Suite, The Forum, 28 Duke Street, Barrow in Furness, LA14 1HH
- Lancaster on Saturday 7 September – 1:00pm, Banqueting Room, Lancaster Town Hall, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ
- Kendal on Wednesday 11 September – 5:30pm, Assembly Room, Kendal Town Hall, Lowther Street, Kendal, LA9 4DQ
At the meetings, there will be discussions on the challenges facing health and care services in our local area.
If people want to join and attend one of the meetings, they should register at www.bettercaretogther.co.uk/assembly.
Sue Stevenson, Chief Operating Officer, Healthwatch Cumbria, added: “I’m delighted to have been invited to host the first public sessions for the Bay Health and Care Partners Public Assembly. Healthwatch act as the voice of the public and this is a fantastic opportunity for people to have their voices heard.”
Current members of the assembly have been sent invitations to the events; if you are a member and have not received your invitation please email contact@bettercaretogether.co.uk
Please be aware that assembly members need to be 18 or over, but there will be opportunities for younger residents to take part in similar discussions in future.