Joining up services in East and North Herts
Background
The East and North Hertfordshire Health and Care Partnership forms part of the new Integrated Care System with health, voluntary, community, faith and social care organisations working together to design, develop, and provide health and care services.
The purpose of the partnership is to improve the health and wellbeing of the people in East and North Hertfordshire by working together and joining-up the services we provide.
You can read our September 2021 article about the Health and Care Bill and the development of Integrated Care Systems here.
How does the partnership work?
The aim of the partnership is to take what’s called a ‘Population Health Management’ approach to providing health and care services. This means having a deep understanding of the health needs of our population, and working together with organisations to design, develop, and implement new ways of providing services.
How are Healthwatch Hertfordshire involved in the partnership?
Healthwatch Hertfordshire have an important role to play ensuring that people’s voices are heard.
In East and North Hertfordshire a Community Assembly model is being developed to inform the development of health and care services in the area.
The Community Assembly is chaired by Geoff Brown, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Hertfordshire who works alongside Sam Tappenden Development Director of the Health and Care Partnership.
Working together they aim to ensure that voices are heard and themes and issues are noted so that a focused programme can be developed and the partnership can deliver.
What is the purpose of the Community Assembly?
The Community Assembly sets out to be a forum for patients, carers, groups and members of the public from across our area who are informed and engaged and want to help shape and improve their local health and care services.
The purpose of the Community Assembly is to:
- understand the challenges, needs, and views of the 630,000 people in East and North Herts
- play a crucial role in the development of health and care services in the area
- act as a ‘one stop shop’ to enable the community to help the partnership achieve their objectives.
The first Community Assembly was launched in September 2021 and a second meeting took place in February 2022.
More than 40 people have already signed up including representatives from:
- the NHS
- patient groups
- local authorities
- voluntary, community and faith sectors
- carer groups and
- organisations addressing health inequalities
Attendance has been really encouraging with positive feedback.
What has the assembly achieved so far?
At the recent assembly Sam Tappenden talked about the model and shared progress about the developing partnership and how it will consolidate and align with new structures going forward. He also outlined the new strategy with the vision Working as one for healthier communities.
Participant feedback is being used for planning purposes and a supporting programme of guest speakers is being developed for each meeting.
Speakers so far have provided valuable insight into some very important areas of work:
- Sarah Wren talking about health, social care and the VCSFE sector, in the context of the Health and Care Partnership.
- Roma Mills sharing insight into the added challenges of the pandemic and lockdowns for carers.
- Dr. Sian Stanley discussing Primary Care Networks and integrated care in East and North Herts and some of the innovation that is taking place in her area.
All highlighting opportunities how we can work together in the future to address needs in our communities.
Some headlines
At the February meeting participants worked in groups to answer the question How do we maximise involvement in the Community Assembly?
Feedback included:
- The role of patients in the ICS, building on excellent work with the CCG, and enhancing the involvement of diverse communities
- Ensuring existing mechanisms are not lost
- Mapping how people are involved and how it all comes together
- Engagement around key themes and addressing fundamental issues such as health inequalities
- Hearing voices with lived experience – not to forget diverse communities including Gypsy Roma Travellers and rural communities
How can I get involved?
If you want to be part of the Community Assembly and help shape health and care priorities for the future there is still chance to get involved. Our next meeting takes place virtually by zoom on Friday 20th May 2022 from 10.00 am.
To express an interest and sign up please email:
