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Summary of report content

South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group developed a consultation process regarding re-shaping Community-based Health Services and then asked Healthwatch Torbay to give focus to the voice of the public to involve them. Healthwatch Torbay was asked to collect and collate the public's opinions regarding the new model of community care ("Closer to home"), experiences, expertise and suggestions at all consultation events and from the consultation questionnaire. Alternative models and suggestions were documented and were shared with the transformation team for evaluation. They also provided observations and reflections of the consultation process. The report collates common themes raised by 1704 members of the public at consultation events and reviews feedback from 1392 completed questionnaires. The consultation lasted 12 weeks, and Healthwatch Torbay used staff and volunteers over this period to gather feedback at events. It was noted that, of the population of Torbay and South Devon, fewer than 1 person in 200 of school age and older completed the questionnaire and attended the open meetings. Three quarters of these were in the 55 years and above age groups. It was also mentioned that petitions against the proposed closure of some community hospitals with their existing minor injuries unit polarised discussions, prompting media attention. The resulting high attendance at public meetings in these localities generated powerful opinions on this single topic. The report does not contain recommendations or a response from any of the organisations commented upon within it.

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