GETTING a GP appointment and emergency care when needed is high on the district’s priority list, according to results of a Big Conversation.

There were 880 people who had their say about the future of health and social care as part of a watchdog project.

The public’s views were gathered via an online survey, focus groups and public events organised during July and August by Healthwatch Bradford and District.

The initiative to find out what was most important to the public was commissioned by the district’s three care commissioning groups to give local residents the chance to contribute their own ideas and thoughts which will now help shape services.

Initial findings will be discussed at the CCG’s Governing Body meeting this Tuesday and then be used to form the Bradford District and Craven Health and Wellbeing Plan.

Access to a GP and timely emergency care were high on the list for people who also got involved in discussions about the importance of people becoming more hands-on in their own health care, among other issues including awareness and education.

A spokesperson for the CCGs said: “The health and social care system is under pressure and we need to find smarter, more efficient ways of working to ensure people receive the right care, first time, every time.

“We cannot make decisions around how we approach this without the involvement of local people.

“So we’re grateful to everyone who took part to share their ideas on how we can develop services in the future.”

Councillor Val Slater who is Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing at Bradford Council said: “We’re looking forward to receiving a more detailed report later this year and to continuing our conversations with the people of our districts to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed as we build a sustainable health and social care system for the future.”

Victoria Simmons, Manager at Healthwatch Bradford and District added: “Local people have been really willing to share their views and talk to Healthwatch about what’s most important to them.

“This interim report is just the first step in reporting back on what people had to say and making sure these views help shape the decisions that are made about the future of health and care.

“This has been a good start to opening up the important, honest conversations between organisations and the public about the need for change.

“We hope there will be lots more to come.”

In July last year, the three CCG’s stated there was a combined shortfall of around £17.6 million between their annual budgets and the increasing cost of providing local services. Its chief officer Helen Hirst said some difficult decisions lay ahead but no major decisions would be made without consultation first to hear what really matters most.