Details have been released of plans for the new Hampshire Together programme, aimed at developing a better network of care.
Hampshire Together seeks to bring teams and services “closer together” in order to provide a joined-up system of health and social care. It is hoped that doing so will offer better results and experiences for patients, and a greater development of skills and improved pressure management for staff. Hampshire Together involves NHS and social care providers across “Alton, Andover, Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Winchester and the surrounding areas.”
The process of integrating services has already begun in north and mid Hampshire. The Hampshire Together: Modernising our Hospitals and Health Service programme offers a “rare” chance for providers to “accelerate that process of change” further, the plans state.
The move comes alongside plans for a new hospital to be built that would serve north and mid Hampshire. This is being developed as part of the government’s Health Infrastructure Plan, which aims to build 40 new hospitals by 2030.
Hampshire Together has explained that though initial focus of the programme may appear to be on provision of new facilities, behind the scenes the process already involves “GPs, mental health and social care teams and community services and charities.”
Dr Matt Nisbet, a local GP and a clinical lead at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership of CCGs, said, “In the past the NHS tended to ask patients to fit in with the system. Now our task is to design a system that fits around the needs of our patients.
“The Hampshire Together project is a rare and exciting opportunity for us all. It gives us the chance to look again at how our health and care services work together, and how we serve our patients.”
A public consultation is due to take place this year to hear back from people about their experiences, including what has worked for them and what hasn’t.
To find out more about the programme please see: https://www.hampshiretogether.nhs.uk
