As the St Alphege Councillor, my responsibility is to ensure the well-being and satisfaction of the residents within our community. Recently, during my regular Councillor’s Surgery sessions and door-to-door visits, numerous constituents have voiced their concerns about the quality of healthcare provided by Solihull Healthcare Partnership (SHP).
Residents have highlighted significant challenges they face with SHP, particularly in securing timely appointments and experiencing difficulties in the booking process. Many express a longing for the days when they could see a community doctor on the same day they needed care. The shift towards redirecting residents to pharmacists or enduring lengthy phone waits to secure appointments has understandably caused frustration, particularly among our elderly population, some of whom find themselves queuing as early as 7:30 AM in hopes of securing an appointment.
In response to these heartfelt grievances, I have taken steps to engage with SHP directly, advocating for the urgent need for improvements. Through sharing the frustrations and concerns of our residents, I have conveyed the pressing necessity for enhancements to SHP’s service delivery model. It's heartening to note that SHP has acknowledged the shortcomings within their current system and has assured me of their commitment to actively address these issues.
During discussions with SHP, it became apparent that they are not only aware of the challenges faced but are also diligently working towards implementing solutions. They have cited the rapid increase in patient numbers and employee headcount as contributing factors that have strained their current capacities. Moreover, they have expressed a keen understanding of the need for either an additional surgery or expansion of existing facilities to better accommodate our growing community.
In light of these discussions, it’s imperative that residents continue to actively engage with SHP, providing both positive feedback and constructive criticism through their complaints procedure. This feedback loop is crucial in shaping the future direction of healthcare services in our community. While it's important to highlight areas for improvement, it's equally essential to acknowledge and share positive experiences to provide a balanced perspective.
Beyond routine healthcare, SHP also plays a pivotal role in organizing events aimed at enhancing community health awareness. From organising events for carers to raising awareness about critical health issues such as prostate health, these initiatives serve as invaluable resources for our community. I wholeheartedly encourage residents to participate in these events, as they not only provide essential health information but also facilitate direct engagement with healthcare professionals.
Looking ahead, SHP remains committed to hosting more community health events and further improving service delivery. By actively participating in these initiatives and maintaining open communication with SHP, we can collectively ensure that our health services evolve to meet the needs of our community.
As your elected representative, I am deeply committed to serving the best interests of our community in St. Alphege. I want every resident to feel heard and valued, which is why I always welcome your feedback and concerns. If you have any issues or challenges you'd like me to address on your behalf, whether related to healthcare or any other aspect of community life, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.