Enhanced joint strategic needs assessment
Published November 2012
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Access to services Needs Ageing population This is expected to have a big impact on social and health care needs, and an increase in people living with long term conditions (see reference 1). Malnutrition Based on national prevalence statistics and applied to local population data, it is estimated that there are currently over 2,900 people aged over 65 in Lichfield District who are malnourished or at risk of being malnourished. This results in increased use of primary care, poorer recovery from illness, increased admissions to hospital with more complications, increased length of stay and increased readmission (see reference 2). Increase in dementia It is estimated that the number of people in the district with dementia will increase by 115% by 2030—the second highest increase in Staffordshire (see reference 3). Nursing costs Anecdotal reports on high ‘imported’ nursing costs being picked up by original self funders accessing residential nursing care in Lichfield from Birmingham and then dropping below £ threshold so service demand placed on Staffordshire – needs further investigation. Changes to stroke services Stroke services are being centralised to Birmingham which will make services more remote for local residents. GP practices Fazeley and the surrounding areas residents are registered at GP practices in Tamworth town or Wilnecote & surrounds. There is no main surgery in Fazeley, only a branch surgery of a town practice (Laurel House). Armitage with Handsacre is covered by a branch surgery of a Rugeley practice. This means that patients in these areas do not have access to the full range of primary care services in their local areas and have to travel to the main practice (these are two of the more deprived areas in the district). Alrewas is part of the East Staffs CCG and aligns itself with the Burton on Trent practices as a group. The residents living in the wards on the edge of Birmingham, such as Little Aston, Shenstone & Stonnall, are generally registered with Birmingham or Walsall practices. There have been incidents recently of Birmingham practices de-registering Staffordshire residents as part of their list reconciliation. These patients find themselves travelling to Lichfield practices, in the main. One Lichfield practice has a branch surgery in Shenstone, with limited services and access. One GP practice in Lichfield District has some of the lowest results from the patient survey for any practice in Staffordshire and has been required to develop an action plan to improve.(see reference 4) Access to broadband (digital divide) Older age groups are particularly at risk of digital exclusion, also more deprived / lower educational levels. Nationally 70% of people in social housing are not online (see reference 5) Lichfield city and most of Burntwood served by fibre optic cable (superfast broadband) but many rural areas served by old copper wire – variable speed and quality. ‘Slow spots’ are identified in parts of Boley Park, Whittington, Fradley, Alrewas, Shenstone Wood End, Parts of Chase Terrace and more rural areas(6). Access to broadband can impact on access to online services and information, education, work opportunities and need for travel.
Assets Alzheimer’s society Lichfield and Burntwood live at home schemes Age UK Community hubs like JIGSAW Let’s Work Together Pathway and Family Justice Centre COGS project Bipolar group Carers association Midlands Psychology (services for ASD) LDC Community Transport LDCVS voluntary car scheme Open Door of Hope, Lichfield Methodist Church Changes Mental Health
Message to commissioners Services need to be accessible for local residents in the district, to meet their needs and take account of their circumstances. Commissioners need to take account of the rural areas in Lichfield as well as the more urban, this includes the provision of primary care services. The needs of particular groups should be taken into account specifically when planning and commissioning services eg carers, LGB&T. There should be better integration when commissioning services to include the voluntary as well as the statutory sector. This will help to meet the needs of local residents. The internet is not always the answer for information on services.
Community voice GPs need to be more proactive in identifying carers so that they have more opportunity to access support. Need improved patient and public engagement Encourage people to seek help earlier – enhance access points. Need to identify the needs of Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transsexual (LGB&T) people and ensure inclusion. Live Data needed to commission services for Autism Spectrum Disorder future diagnosis / intervention and whole range of issues (including education / housing / employment). Need to provide accessible services around mental health agenda – greater awareness of the support needs of carers. Mental health needs are not fully being met – thresholds too high for statutory services means pressure is added to voluntary sector services. Consider the rural nature of the District, expectation that people will come to Lichfield for services. Need better integration of statutory and voluntary sector services. Referral to support groups from e.g. hospital. Access to good quality food through local accessible shops. More community based health outreach and workplace. More awareness and community support for men’s health services. See reference 7 for more information.
References 1.
2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7.
Health and Well-being Profile for Lichfield District Council May 2012 (Staffordshire Public Health) www.bapen.org.uk Staffordshire Observatory Information from Staffordshire Cluster Primary Care Team Royal Geographic Society www.21stcenturychallenges.org/focus/digitaldivide-in-britain The Broadband Not Spot Project www.broadband-notspot.org.uk/about.html Voluntary Voice event October 2012
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