Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP)

Submitted by Web Admin on 28 Nov 2016 - 5:19pm

NHS organisations across Durham, Darlington, Tees, Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby have published the Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) that was submitted to NHS England in October.  The STP sets out the future direction of travel for NHS bodies and to a certain extent local authorities - specifically in terms of integration of health and social care.  All STPs nationally (for which there are 44 in total) are required to focus on three areas where there are continuing challenges:

1. health and wellbeing of the local population;
2. the quality of care that is provided;
3. the finance and efficiency of NHS services.

For the STP covering Middlesbrough, there are four priority areas:

1. Preventing ill health and increasing self care;
2. Health and care in communities and neighbourhoods;
3. Quality of care in our hospitals (the Better Health Programme);
4. Use of technology in healthcare.

Our Chief Executive, Mark Davis said "To date there has been limited, if any, local VCS involvement in the development of the Sustainability and Transformation Plan.  We are disappointed this is the case as we know local voluntary organisations have an enormous contribution to make, holding unique evidence about local community needs. They engage with marginalised and disadvantaged groups and are well placed to discuss how services could be delivered better as well as suggesting and taking forward local solutions to address local issues.  However, we are very pleased the STP covering our area has a clear focus on prevention and the provision of health and care in our communities and neighbourhoods.  MVDA will be pressing for full VCS involvement in taking these priorities forward."

Further information:

• To read the local STP, click here to go to the NHS South Tees CCG website.
• The Kings Fund have published numerous reports, click here to go to their website.
• The People and Communities Board have issued guidance, outlining six principles for the engagement of people and communities.  Click here to read it.