People in the South Hams are invited to find out more and help shape the delivery of neighbourhood health across the county.

The national vision for neighbourhood health, set out in the 10 Year Health Plan for England and national Neighbourhood health framework, is to bring together GPs, community services, mental health, social care, voluntary organisations and local partners to provide more joined-up support in local communities.

This aims to help people stay healthier for longer, access more care closer to home, reduce the need for hospital treatment where appropriate, and ensure services are shaped around the needs of local communities.

Hospitals will always play a vital role in caring for people when they are seriously ill, need urgent treatment or require specialist expertise. Neighbourhood health is not about reducing the importance of hospitals. It is about ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Residents can take part in the ‘Let’s talk Neighbourhood health’ engagement programme by completing a survey, going along to an event, or joining a local feedback group or the new Devon People Panel, among other opportunities, to make sure their voice, previous experiences and opinions are heard.

Kevin Dixon, Chair of Healthwatch Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said: “People are the experts in their own experiences of health and care.

“This engagement programme is the next part of the conversation following on from the NHS 10 Year Plan engagement programme that took place across Devon to find out what works well, what could be improved and what matters most to them and their families.

“Healthwatch is proud to support this programme by helping ensure that everyone’s voice can be heard, including those who may not normally have the opportunity to get involved.

“The views shared through this engagement will help shape decisions about how health and care services develop in the future.”

Neil Macdonald, Chief Executive of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said: “Delivering neighbourhood health across Devon is an opportunity for all of us across health, care and community services to build on the great work already happening locally, bringing services and teams together so people can access joined-up care closer to home when it is appropriate for them.

“By strengthening the health, wellbeing and care support available in local communities, we can help more people stay well, receive support earlier and recover more quickly in the settings that work best for them. “

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said: “Public health is about creating the conditions that help people live healthy, fulfilling lives.

“Most of what shapes our health happens beyond the walls of hospitals and GP surgeries, in our homes, communities, relationships and environment.

“Neighbourhood health gives us the opportunity to build on the strengths already within our communities and put prevention at the heart of how we support people to stay well. “

All activities are open to residents, patients, carers, NHS staff, community groups, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations.

Complete the 15 minute Neighbourhood health Survey, open until October 2.

Anyone who is unable to complete the survey online can call Healthwatch on 0800 520 0640, to complete it over the phone.