Covid, challenge and change – those are the themes of the latest “Meet Your NHS” event being held next week.
The online event will showcase the inside story of how the North and Mid Hampshire health system responded at speed to deliver the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history. It will also show how health services across the local area adapted during the pandemic – from new approaches to mental health care to the use of technology, and how some of those changes are temporary, some are here to stay.
At the free, virtual event people can hear the most senior local NHS leaders talk about the challenges facing the health system at the moment, and listen to local clinical leaders explaining some of the key changes of recent months. Those changes include:
- The inside story of the local vaccination programme
- New approaches to mental health care
- How the NHS learned – quickly – to better support people cope with Covid, at home
- Using technology such as telemedicine to improve care and give people more control over their illnesses
- Thinking about new ways to engage with local communities, to plan future services together
Ruth Colburn Jackson, managing director for North and Mid Hampshire at the Hampshire, Southampton, and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The last 18 months have been incredibly tough for everyone, including for my colleagues working so hard across the whole local health and care system. Staff have been flat out, but they have also been innovative, and responsive – sometimes they have delivered changes which normally would take years, in just weeks or even days.
“That has meant a lot of hard work, but a lot of smart work as well – I’m proud that all health and care partners are now working together more closely than ever, because that results in real improvements for patients. We are delighted to be able to show people just some of the amazing work that all of our teams are delivering.”
Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: “Our colleagues should be so proud of what they have achieved. The last 18 months have been extraordinary, and the response of our colleagues has been extraordinary as well. The sense of teamwork and partnership, the commitment, and the innovation have all been quite outstanding, and so we are delighted to be able to showcase some of that work.
“We are realistic, and know that times are still very tough for both patients and staff. Now, more than ever, we need to stop and recognise the amazing work that has gone on. We need to continue to learn from one another and keep working together to improve care for our population.”
The event takes place on Tuesday, 7 September between 6.30-8.30pm.
Booking your place is easy and everyone is welcome, simply click on this link. There will be a chance to talk to the people leading the projects, and ask any questions you may have.