Boscombe Voices: Shaping better health and social care in Dorset's local communities
During summer 2024, we engaged with people living in Boscombe (a suburb of Bournemouth). We wanted to find out about their experiences of local health, social and community care services and how they would like to see local services developed and delivered to better meet people’s needs. Feedback and insight from this community engagement project will help shape the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) across Dorset.
What are INTs?
A group of professionals and practitioners from primary care, community care, adult social care, children and young people services, and the voluntary sector who work closely together and have a high level of interaction with the local population. These integrated teams are being created around the existing Primary Care Network footprints, and they will co-ordinate, co-design and deliver services that meet local needs.
Recommendations
- Improve access to GPs and NHS dental services – INTs should enhance access to primary care and provide clear, understandable information about available services.
- Strengthen community mental health services – Greater collaboration with the local voluntary sector is needed to improve information and access and ensure continuity of care for mental health support.
- Ensure continuity in social care – Stability and continuity of Social Workers is essential to build relationships and provide better support for families.
- Commit to ongoing community engagement – Continuous involvement of residents in shaping local services will help deliver proactive and personalised care in the community.
Read our report
If you would like this report in a different format, email enquiries@healthwatchdorset.co.uk or call 0300 111 0102.
