Local community asked to help design future healthcare services

Staff, patients, and the local community are invited to share their thoughts on what they want future health services at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust to look like.

In 2020 West Suffolk was confirmed as one of the 40 new hospitals to be built by 2030 as part of the government’s Health Infrastructure Plan.

As plans progress for the new hospital project, supported by Healthwatch Suffolk, this next stage of feedback focuses on topics such as how to design the new hospital wards, how to improve the patient experience, and the use of technology to develop patient care.

Residents can take a quick online survey at wsh.nhs.uk/NewHealthcareSurvey to give their views. The Trust will also be holding focus groups to discuss specific clinical areas – anyone interested can sign up online.

It is really important that everyone has the opportunity to be involved. The survey is compatible with screen readers and has been written using aphasia friendly language. Easy read versions of the survey are available; please email futuresystemprogramme@wsh.nhs.uk to request one. The survey can also be converted to multiple languages by selecting your preference at the top right of the screen.

Mark Manning, chief nurse for the Future System programme, said: “We would like to hear from as many people as possible to understand what is important to our community.

“We want to know what elements of our service they like and the areas that we can improve, to ensure the new facilities are made for 21st century care.

“We want to hear from our future patients too – if you haven’t used our service, we want to know what you would like to see in a future health and care facility.”

More information can be found at wsh.nhs.uk/New-healthcare-facility where you can also register for the hospital development newsletter or to join the discussion groups.

Those wishing to access information in a non-digital format or to an express an interest in being involved can write to the project team at:

The Future System Team

Quince House Level 2

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Hardwick Lane,

Bury Saint Edmunds

IP33 2QZ