Bracknell

Making sure Bracknell health services are adequately funded and meet the needs of the community will be top of the agenda if a new health and well-being strategy is approved.

The Bracknell Council has drafted the Health and Well-being Strategy as a guide for both the Council and local health providers, including Berkshire East Primary Care Trust (PCT), to ensure the right healthcare is available to meet the needs and expectations of the borough's residents.

Anyone living in Bracknell Forest will be able to comment on the strategy if the Council's Executive agrees at its meeting on Tuesday, June 5, that it should go out for public consultation this summer.

The strategy sets out Bracknell Council's ideas for action for health and well-being. In addition, it also responds to suggestions and comments made by residents during the PCT's Right Care, Right Place - Your Say survey carried out in January.

It looks at the health and care needs of the community for the next decade and also looks at the best locations for possible healthcare facilities in the borough.

It will also aim to cut duplication between health partners and Bracknell Council so more time can be spent on creating a better service for everyone.

Other objectives include showing residents what the Council is responsible for, what the PCT is responsible for, and where there is joint responsibility for services so people can quickly get to the right person for help; supporting communities to take responsibility for their own well-being; promoting health education in schools; reviewing where funding for services needs to be changed in the future; and promoting health and wellbeing opportunities within the borough.

If the Executive agrees to put the strategy out for public consultation all comments, suggestions and ideas from residents will be welcomed and considered. Health practitioners, health and care partners will also be asked for feedback before it is formally adopted later this year.

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "It is of utmost importance that all of our residents get the best possible healthcare and support possible.

"This strategy is essential so we can fund, plan and allocate resources for the healthcare facilities the people of Bracknell Forest want, need and deserve.

"It will help shape and tailor what healthcare and support services are available for our residents in the future so that any gaps in the system at the moment are closed and healthcare for all is top of the agenda."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council