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CareWatch – the independent community forum acting as an intermediary on health policy - has today launched a digital survey seeking the views of islanders in accessing primary care services.
The forum, which was formed in 2017, has been involved with the health service review as a key stakeholder. It plays a consulting and advisory role as HSC develops the future of heath and care services in the Bailiwick.
CareWatch has recently been through a process of rebuilding with a new leadership team, after a tumultuous period following its set-up.
The group has decided to launch the survey to ensure members of the community can have their voices heard and represented in policy and service development.
The results will contribute to an objective body of evidence focusing primarily on how and when residents access primary care, as well as their personal experiences of the service.
This will ultimately be used to inform an ongoing review by the States of Guernsey of the funding and model of Primary Care. The work commenced last year with proposals due to be presented to the States’ Assembly this Autumn.
Pictured: The survey is being led by CareWatch, an independent panel of individuals from across the community who advise the Committee for Health & Social Care on Guernsey's health services.
David Le Poidevin, Interim Chairman of CareWatch, stressed the importance of primary care services to the community within the local healthcare system.
“It is our first port of call when unwell, but more fundamentally, the relationships that we build with primary care is what supports our health and wellbeing over the longer term,” said Mr Le Poidevin.
“Whether GPs, community pharmacies, physiotherapists as well as the Emergency Department, we access primary care in different ways and at different times, and we want to find out more about islanders’ experiences.
“As an independent panel designed to ensure diverse perspectives are heard and included in the development of health and care policy and services, we’re keen to hear from as many islanders as possible about their views on primary care.”
Mr Le Poidevin recognised that whilst CareWatch already reflects a broad section of the community, further contributions from locals will only assist in helping to shape the future model of health services.
Pictured: HSC President, Deputy Al Brouard, hopes the survey will provide useful information to inform his Committee's final recommendations to the States.
Deputy Al Brouard, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, thanked CareWatch for initiating this important public consultation.
“Speaking to CareWatch was one of the first actions coming out of the Review’s Working Group, recognising the important role that they can fulfil in engaging with all parties to ensure the final results are a useful addition to our understanding,” said Deputy Brouard.
“How, when and at what cost, people can access health care is an important consideration for any community. The information gathered through this Survey will be one consideration in shaping our final recommendations.”
The Survey has been commissioned through Island Global Research and is open until 25 March.
It can be completed online HERE, or alternatively, a paper copy is available on request from the States of Guernsey.
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