Changes you've asked for

Changes you asked for

As a result of the feedback we receive from the public and patients we are able to listen to your views and these help to shape future services.

We’ve listened

As part of our wish to become World Class Commissioners, and an integral part of our five year strategic plan, we have been developing ways to improve customer experience and patient care: Here are just some improvements we’ve made:

We know through PALS and complaints that it is difficult to get an NHS Dentist

Accessing a dentist within Cambridgeshire has steadily been improving due to additional investment in dental practices in Wisbech, March, Ely, Yaxley, Huntingdon, St. Neots, Cambourne, Melbourn, Bassingbourn, Histon, Longstanton and in some part of Cambridge city. In partnership with Cambridgeshire Community Services and Addenbrooke’s hospital patients will be able to receive treatment for minor oral surgery, such as extractions, within various community clinics across the county and will help reduce the need for patients to be treated within a hospital setting.

It is difficult to find out how to access NHS Services and there is confusion between social care and NHS care

NHS Cambridgeshire continues to inform the public about how to get access to its services through its annual guide to health which details local services and is published each year in March and sent to all households in Cambridgeshire including GP and dental surgeries. NHS Cambridgeshire launched its new website in 2010 which includes more signposting to local services and is easier to use. A widespread bus advertising campaign across the county has helped to promote how people can find a dentist in their area. A handbook for older people at retirement age plus is to be distributed to over 40,000 residents in Summer 2010 providing useful health advice and local contacts for getting support.

Through the National GP Access Survey it is important to be able to get through on the telephone, gain access to a GP within 48 hours and book ahead for an appointment

We have improved out of hours services across the county so everyone now receives the same service wherever they live. Urgent Care Cambridgeshire provide out of hours GP advice and treatment. To get treatment or help out of normal working hours, call your local doctor’s surgery and you will be directed to Urgent Care Cambridgeshire and they will be able to help you. To help improve access to primary care, a GP led health centre is now open 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday,
9am - 4pm Saturday & Sunday (Closed on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday).

Due to patient feedback we were able to amend our services to the preferred option three which was to include intermediate beds and extra care facilities at Doddington Community Hospital. See the improving services section for updates on what’s happening at Doddington.

See public consultations to have your say on the planning and delivery of future services.