Consultation on sensitive and complex changes to health services
What was this about?
The Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust commissioned Public Perspectives to support a complex and sensitive consultation about proposed changes to mental health service provision, in part, due to rising service demand and changes in the type of support required.
How did we do it?
We began by co-designing with the Trust a consultation plan, which then informed subsequent consultation methods, materials (including a formal on-line and off-line consultation document and associated communications/promotional material) and messaging. The consultation engaged with a variety of key stakeholders, including staff, patients and their families. A variety of quantitative and qualitative methods were used for this purpose allowing different ways for interested parties to get involved, including an open-access consultation questionnaire, targeted surveys of staff and patients, and staff, patient and family forums.
What were the outcomes?
The consultation and associated independent report, while complex and sensitive, was well received by both the Trust and participants. It gave the Trust a clear impression of the views of different stakeholders to the proposals. While the proposals were not universally popular, the consultation did indicate a level of support for change, alongside a series of mitigation measures and changes to help reduce the potential impact of the proposals.