Health and care partners start Oxfordshire community services review

Health partners and local councils across Oxfordshire are working together with voluntary and community groups to modernise community services. 

The Oxfordshire Community Services project aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for everyone in the county and increase independence for older people.

This major work programme will work collaboratively with the local population of Oxfordshire.

Diane Hedges, deputy chief executive of Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "The partners in this major project have looked at what people have already told us, patients and staff to develop 12 principles to help to steer the work and shape the design and development of services for our ageing population.

"These principles are still in draft and the first stage is to hear what people who live or work in Oxfordshire think about them. You can find out how to tell us what you think before they are finalised."

The improvements to community services will be made through: 

• more focus on prevention 
• provision of more care closer to home and different use of community hospitals
• more use of digital technology
• introduction of new services
• work across organisations to meet demand

Over the next few months services to be reviewed include:

• those which help people live independently and prevent isolation

• services to strengthen help in people’s own homes

• short stay and community hospital beds

• services we can deliver in community settings, including how we can ensure a vibrant future for our community hospitals

Dr Ben Riley, Managing Director for Oxford Health NHS FT, which provides community services in the county, said: "We will be developing this work with the full engagement of local people including those who currently use services, carers of those who use services, our staff, the people who work and volunteer in community and voluntary organisations and the general public and their representatives. 

"We understand that this is a complex project, and many people will have an interest, which is why we want to hear from as many people as possible."