Ten clinical commissioning groups needed to transform acute stroke services across Kent and Medway to improve outcomes and reduce death and disability from stroke. The proposal was to establish three hyper acute stroke units, consolidating the current acute services which were being delivered across six hospital sites. Our brief was to lead, plan and deliver the communications and engagement support in the pre-consultation, assurance, consultation, and decision-making phases of the review, covering a population of 2.2 million.
What we did
We developed and delivered a communications and engagement strategy and delivery plans aligned to the transformation programme in each phase. As part of the programme team we worked closely with multiple partner organisations, and with and through local Kent and Medway acute stroke services review Public consultation and major change programme communications and engagement colleagues. We also trained and supported clinical and organisational leaders to stand on public platforms with a compelling case for change, a clearly articulated vision and lines to take on key issues.
Outcome
We delivered the consultation activity to plan and within budget and exceeded the reach and response targets for the public consultation. Our work was highly praised by the client, held up as best-practice by national regulators, and in an unprecedented move was commended by the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (comprised across four local authority areas).
“The best consultation I have seen by a long way, the result is incredible and the amount of work phenomenal…I hope all consultations in the future can be as thorough.”
Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee councillor