Much Wenlock and Shipton LJC hears about health measures and the redesign of Shropshire Council

On 28 January 2015 over 40 local residents packed Priory Hall for the Much Wenlock and Shipton Local Joint Committee (LJC) meeting.  They came to hear from local GPs about how they are keeping us healthy, and from Clive Wright, the Chief Executive of Shropshire Council, who spoke about the redesign of services.

Dr Wentel and Dr Stanford gave an overview of the many services they offer to patients at Much Wenlock and Cressage Medical Practice that all contribute to keeping patients healthy.  The doctors also spoke about other projects they are involved in outside of the practice in order to gain more knowledge and experience that can be used to continually improve their service.  They also highlighted some of the challenges they face.

Residents had the opportunity to ask questions and the main area of concern was around the current appointment booking system, and the difficulty that residents feel they experience in getting a same day appointment.

Dr Stanford reassured residents that if they are not able to offer a same day appointment, then the patient can speak to a triage nurse who will assess the situation and offer advice.

Clive Wright, Chief Executive of Shropshire Council, spoke about its current financial position, council priorities, and how it intends to make the best use of limited resources.  He said that the council is changing how it works to become a commissioner rather than direct deliverer of services.

One member of the audience was keen to know how Shropshire Council will maintain quality when it commissions services out.

Clive Wright said that customer feedback will be more important than ever, as well as continual monitoring.   If the service provider does not meet the standards then the council will quickly switch to one that does.

During public question time a number of issues were raised regarding on-street parking and enforcement, and it was agreed to invite officers from Shropshire Council’s highways team to the next meeting.

Chairman of the LJC David Turner, Shropshire Councillor for Much Wenlock, said:

“It was really encouraging to see so many people turn out on a cold night to talk about topical issues.  I was pleased that folk asked so many searching questions and that our speakers were willing to answer them so openly.”

The council’s business plan can be found at shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-council/shropshire-council-business-plan-and-financial-strategy-2014-17.

For more information about Local Joint Committees, visit Shropshire Council’s website at shropshire.gov.uk.

For further information on the committee, call Kerry Rogers, community enablement officer (south), on 07990 085206.