GPs are taking to the streets

That’s one of the points GPs and health staff will be making as they take to the streets of east Suffolk next week as part of the annual Feet on the Street event.

The event is an opportunity for local people to have their say on healthcare issues and talk face to face with local GPs and staff members from NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). Feet on the Street is taking place on Tuesday 29 August in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Stowmarket, Hadleigh and Aldeburgh.

One of the themes of this year’s Feet on the Street is the importance of information sharing. People will be able to find out more about the benefits of agreeing to share their GP record with other health professionals who are involved with their direct care.  Signing a simple form at your GP practice will enable the records they hold on you to be seen by other health professionals such as an A&E doctor or paramedic.

People will also have the opportunity to learn more about the work that has taken place over the last year to help the NHS meet its financial challenges. Feedback will be sought on a proposed new campaign to encourage people to buy medicine over the counter from the pharmacy rather than on prescription.  

Pauline Quinn, the CCG’s lay member for patient and public involvement, said: “The NHS in east Suffolk has come a long way since last year’s Feet on the Street event, with the ideas and thoughts contributed offering real help and support.

“Face to face conversation is undoubtedly one of the most effective ways of getting people’s views on their NHS, and I hope people will take time to stop and talk with us. We really need your input to effectively shape local services over the coming years.

 “At this year’s event we also hope to encourage a greater understanding of how agreeing to share your GP record could be a lifesaving decision, as well as dispel any myth about a loss of confidentiality.”

If you want to know more about the event please click here.