The relationships between community-based charities and local health bodies have improved since last year, according to a report published last week.
The State of Local Infrastructure 2015 survey, conducted by local infrastructure body Navca, found relationships between its members and local health bodies have improved since last year.
Navca asked its members several questions about how the organisations’ relationship with local health bodies had changed. They also asked how well the voluntary sector is represented on their Health and Wellbeing Board, and if they feel able to influence local NHS bodies.
Key findings
- A significant number of NAVCA members (55 per cent) reported an improvement in their relationships with local health bodies. Only 9 per cent said that their relationship for worse.
- Local infrastructure has more influence over local NHS decision making compared to last year – 11 per cent said they had a genuine partnership compared to 7 per cent last year.
- A small minority of local Health and Wellbeing Boards still do not have voluntary sector representation – 14.3 per cent, compared to 21 per cent last year.
- Overall relationships are good with local CCGs, JSNAs and local healthwatch but there remains a minority of areas where relationships are poor or non-existent.
Neil Cleeveley, chief executive of Navca, said: “It is good to see that relationships between local health systems and the local voluntary sector are improving. The Five Year Forward View recognises how vital it is for the NHS to work with local charities and community groups and I am pleased that so many of NAVCA members are making it happen.”
“There is a growing evidence base that building relationships with local charities and community groups improves local health and care. We need to encourage the majority to maintain this improvement. We also need to put pressure on local health bodies that do not engage properly with the voluntary sector; their failure to do so lets down the communities and people they serve.”
Methodology
The survey was taken by 94 chief officers, representing approximately 40 per cent of Navca’s membership.
