This week we were joined by Dianne and Lauren from NHS Lincolnshire’s Integrated Care Board (ICB) who were consulting the public in order to help develop the services’ next 5 year strategy.
The feedback given by our members aligned closely with the areas the ICB had already identified as problematic, and largely reiterated the problems that have been widely discussed nationally for the last twenty years. It was explained that the fundamental problem of accessing the service at all is made particularly difficult in Lincolnshire, with hiring hindered by the rural location and relatively ‘unglamorous’ nature of the work carried out in our limited facilities.
One positive development is a planned Community Diagnostics Team in Skegness which will be able to carry out various tests and treatments (including Chemotherapy) currently only available in Boston, Lincoln or Grimsby – each of which is an hour away for those fortunate enough to be in a position to drive.