Healthwatch responds to Adult Social Care and Children’s Services savings proposals
Over the last few weeks, East Sussex County Council has been undertaking consultations on proposed changes to services across Adult Social Care and Health and Children’s Services.
Today we are publishing our response to the consultation process. You can read our full submission here.
Healthwatch recognises the significant financial pressures being faced by East Sussex County in the next financial year and beyond, and the challenges in working to achieve a balanced budget.
We also see that opportunities may be generated by the reviews of services and consultation process to review existing delivery models and explore opportunities for service change and reconfiguration.
Healthwatch concerns
However, we possess and have communicated four significant concerns linked to the proposals:
Impact on the most vulnerable people – The proposed changes appear likely to significantly impact vulnerable individuals and communities, including older people, those with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and people with additional needs who may be least able to support themselves or access alternative services.
Impacts on health outcomes – The proposed changes may restrict access to essential prevention and support services from people who may already experience poorer health outcomes, which in turn may negatively impact their mental and physical wellbeing, place pressure on other services and potentially have cost implications in the longer-term.
Effects on workforce – Reductions in services may lead to the loss of experienced and specialist health and care staff in East Sussex, both in the public and voluntary sector. Proposed changes may also increase the pressures and workload of frontline staff in the services that remain.
Impacts on other services – Changes to East Sussex County Council funded services may have unintended but significant consequences for other organisations operating in East Sussex, including the NHS and voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, both of which are already experiencing significant financial and operational pressures.
Further detail on these is outlined in our consultation response document.
We look forward to receiving the consultation findings, and engaging with East Sussex County Council and other stakeholders on next steps.
Contact Us
For media enquiries, please contact Veronica Kirwan, Chief Executive, via veronica.kirwan@escv.org.uk or 07794 100 291.
If you need help or support related to health or care, then please contact our Information & Signposting Service via 0333 101 4007 or enquiries@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk
Please tell us your experiences of local health and care services via our Feedback Centre and let us know how this has been for you.
