What we did

We engaged with residents of Kent and Medway over the summer to develop these plans.

The engagement was conducted using three different approaches to ensure coverage across the communities of Kent and Medway - an ICB online survey, an independent high-street survey and an independent selected demographic sample survey.  We also received responses from provider o rganisations, partners and Voluntary, Community, Social Enterprise and Faith sector ( VCSEF) organisations.

The strongest overall message is that people want an NHS that is easier to access, better connected, more local where appropriate , more preventative and more responsive to individual circumstances.  

Read our commissioning intentions for 2027/28.

What did we hear?

In total we received a total of 3,343 responses to a survey which was conducted using three different approaches to ensure coverage across the communities of Kent and Medway - an ICB online survey, an independent high-street survey and an independent selected demographic sample survey. 533 of those who responded work in health and care and/or for an NHS organisation.

In addition, we received 33 responses to the draft commissioning intentions from provider organisations, partners, VCSEF organisations and members of the public.

The strongest overall message is that people want an NHS that is easier to access, better connected, more local where appropriate, more preventative and more responsive to individual circumstances.

The strongest priorities identified were:

  • easier access to GP appointments
  • shorter hospital waiting times
  • improving urgent and emergency care
  • better mental health support.

When asked which areas they would most like the NHS to focus on improving over the coming year over 60per cent of respondents told us that we should prioritise easier access to GPs.

There is also strong support for several elements of system development:

  • 85per cent support greater investment in preventing ill health.
  • Over 90per cent support urgent treatment centres focusing on urgent injuries and illnesses provided alternatives to A&E are strengthened.
  • Over 70per cent express some willingness to receive appropriate care closer to home.
  • Nine in ten people are willing to have diagnostics such as scans and blood tests carried out at local centres away from major hospitals.
  • Over 50per cent want telephone, paper or face-to-face routes retained for people who need them.

However, the feedback introduces important conditions to all of this.

Respondents are not simply asking for services to be moved from hospitals into communities or from face-to-face to digital channels. They want those changes to be accompanied by sufficient workforce, capacity, continuity, communication, specialist support and clear ownership of the patient journey with open accountability and patient and public voice built into the changes.