At a Glance
- Nearly 1,500 people have already taken part in an NHS Essex survey.
- Feedback will help shape health and care services over the next five years.
- Key issues raised include access to healthcare, waiting times, communication and mental health.
- Residents have until 30 June to complete the survey.
- NHS Essex is encouraging people from all parts of the county to take part.
Nearly 1,500 Essex residents have already shared their views on local health and care services as part of an NHS Essex survey designed to help shape future priorities across the county.
So far, 1,450 people have taken part in the survey, providing valuable feedback that will help inform health and care planning over the next five years. Residents still have until 30 June to make their voices heard.
Early responses have highlighted several key themes, including:
- People’s ability to see a health professional and waiting times.
- The impact of lifestyles, the cost of living, mental health and stress on health and wellbeing.
- Communication between different services and with patients.
- People’s ability to navigate through different health and care services.
One resident shared their experience as a deaf person, highlighting ongoing communication challenges when dealing with healthcare providers.
They said: “From my point of view as a deaf person, I find the communication issues a real challenge when speaking to hospitals and doctors.
“Very often, the health service will phone me, say ‘I’ve got your results’ or ‘I’ve got your appointment’. And I have told them numerous times, can you put something around the system to say I’m deaf? Can you email me this information? And the system doesn’t work, does it.”
NHS Essex is encouraging more residents to share similar personal experiences through the survey, which is available online.
Tom Abell, Chief Executive for NHS Essex, said:
“Thank you to all the people that have shared their views to help shape health services locally. We have had a fantastic response to our survey so far.
“If you haven’t had a chance to respond yet, there’s still time. The survey is open until 30 June. Your views will help us to understand how people experience health care, give us insight into what is working well and reveal where we need to improve.”
NHS Essex says where people live can have a significant impact on their health, wellbeing and life expectancy. Current figures show:
- People could live up to 12 years longer in some parts of Essex than others.
- Essex has an older-than-average population, with around 20% of residents aged 65 and over.
- Basildon, Harlow and Thurrock have younger populations compared with other parts of the county.
- Castle Point, Maldon, Rochford and Tendring have older populations than many other Essex districts.
- Coastal communities, new towns and larger urban areas across Essex are among the 20% most deprived communities nationally.
As a result, NHS Essex is keen to hear from residents living across the county, including Tendring, Colchester, Harlow, Uttlesford, Thurrock, Brentwood, Basildon and Southend.
More information about the NHS Essex Population Health Improvement Plan is available here: