Paper 5

Redesigning Health Services for Children with Complex Needs

Formal Consultation Plan

As part of the involvement process, it has been agreed that a formal consultation will be carried out. The plan outlined below is in line with the national guidance:CEL 4 (2010) - Informing, Engaging and Consulting People in Developing Health and Community Care Services.The Board are asked to note the following extract from the guidance:

“Where a preferred option is indicated, it must also be clear that all responses to the consultation will be considered. In particular, the Board should give genuine consideration to any alternative suggestions that are put forward as a result of the consultation.

An inclusive process should encourage and stimulate discussion and debate. While it may not result in agreement and support for a proposal from all individuals and groups, it should demonstrate that the NHS listens, is supportive and genuinely takes account of views and suggestions. Ultimately, Boards should demonstrate that there has been a wide ranging consultation, which has taken all reasonable steps to take account of differences of view.”

Subject to Board approval, the proposed formal consultation period will be from 7 June to 3 September 2010, a period of 13 weeks.

Actions that will be carried out in preparation for and during the formal consultation are:

  • Produce a formal consultation paper that is understandable, accessible and fulfils the specific requirements for content outlined in the national guidance.
  • Produce a feedback formto enablequantitative and qualitative information to be gathered about the proposed model compared to the current service model.
  • Ensure supporting documentation is available on request and on the website e.g. NHS Board papers, health intelligence summary, workshop reports.
  • Issue a media release to raise awareness of the formal consultation.
  • Distribute the consultation paper and feedback form to all relevant stakeholders. Include details of how individuals and groups can feedback e.g. letter, email, hardcopy & online feedback form, other methods below.
  • Hold an open day (morning and evening sessions),after school summer holidays, for interested parties to find out about proposed model and to have opportunity to ask questions.
  • Provide offer to attend existing groups or meetings to discuss the consultation.
  • Have Voxur unit (laptop video booth) available at the Carers Centre to enable parents and families to give their views using a non-traditional method.

Support, feedback and evaluation will be built in at all stages of the formal consultation process as appropriate.