A new health-focused group has been launched to bring together Hayling’s two medical practices with representatives from local and regional NHS bodies and other stakeholders including Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.
The new Hayling Island Health Forum is organised and chaired by local MP Alan Mak, and includes representatives from the Island’s two GP practices – the Elms and Waterside – and senior figures from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB), the Hayling & Emsworth Primary Care Network (PCN), Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.
The new Forum will enable members to more easily share ideas and information around health provision on the Island; ensure the Island’s medical practices are well connected to NHS bodies, local government and other stakeholders; and provide a platform for publicising and amplifying health and wellbeing initiatives and projects. The group will also lead the planning for future provision of healthcare on the Island.
Alan Mak MP said, “Health and wellbeing are on everyone’s minds after the pandemic. That’s why I’ve brought together Hayling’s two GP surgeries, NHS bodies and our local councils to work more closely together which benefits everyone living on the Island. I work closely with all these groups and bringing them together will make our work more effective and co-ordinated so Hayling residents benefit.”
Dr Laura Bryant from The Waterside Medical Practice said, “We all want to deliver the best possible patient care so bringing together the two surgeries, local NHS bodies and community representatives to share ideas and work more closely together through the Forum is a positive step.”
Dr Hannah Morgan from the Emsworth Medical Practice and local Primary Care Network said, “The new Hayling Health Forum will improve communication and partnership working amongst the key players involved in delivering primary healthcare on the Island, and we look forward to sharing ideas and contributing fully.”
