A PATIENT is urging others to take the future of care in Swindon in their own hands as a large-scale revamp of the health service gets under way.

Tony Kendall is a member of various patient groups run by Clinical Commissioning Group that are carrying out a review of diabetes, eye care, transport and mental health, among other things. He is calling on residents using hospital or community services to help shape the NHS in their town and ensure it caters to their specific needs.

As the town’s healthcare commissioners attempt to improve provision and standards, boost efficiency and tackle levels of diabetes, obesity and the rise in mental health referrals, the face of health in Swindon is undergoing a major overhaul.

Despite some visible changes already, according to Tony more patients like him must come forward and help inform crucial decisions which could impact their own care.

He said: “The redesign started about a year ago and a lot has happened in a year. But people don’t get involved; they don’t know about it. People all have their opinions of what they want. They can make a difference.

“We want to get the point of view of Swindon across.

“The CCG needs to be told what patients require. That’s the way forward.”

The diabetes redesign group has already been instrumental in introducing a new procedure to save patients from unnecessary amputation by restoring blood flow into the limbs.

Eye clinics have also been introduced at the heart of the community to ease pressure on the services at the Great Western Hospital.

Another push to improve dementia services is also in the works, with the introduction of dementia champions at the Swindon Intermediate Care Centre.

After a tentative start, which saw patients stranded or forced to wait hours to be taken home when Arriva took over transport services, health chiefs took a strong stance to put an end to unnecessary delays – a move which has turned patient transportation around, Tony said.

Patients should not be concerned about sharing negative experiences of the health service in Swindon, as problems must be first brought to the NHS’s attention before they can be solved.

“I’ve noticed the improvement made by the mental health service along with the other redesign groups,” said the 64-year-old from Westlea.

“They have taken major steps forward. But others issues need to be brought to a head.

“We need to make sure the CCG are aware of them. The CCG is spot-on with what they are trying to achieve; the redesign is brilliant. But they need patients with positive attitudes to keep things moving.”