The NHS in mid and south Essex is changing – and we want you to know how and why.
We know services can feel stretched. Waiting times are too long, and it’s sometimes hard to get the care you need when you need it.
NHS workers are overstretched and under supported by poor technology, systems and facilities.
That’s why we’ve developed a Medium-Term Plan – a five-year roadmap to improve care, make services more efficient and build a healthier future for everyone. It is a response to the very urgent challenges we face now, and the demographic changes we will see over the next six years.
Why do we need to change?
Our NHS is under pressure. We know that demand is set to rise and if we don’t act now, these challenges will get worse, as people live longer and more of us require increasingly complex care and treatment.
Budgets are tight and costs continue to spiral as we are diagnosing ill health too late and not doing enough to prevent it in the first place.
To make the NHS work better for you, we’re focusing on three key shifts:
- From Treatment to Prevention: Helping people stay well, manage long-term conditions early, and live healthier lives.
- From Hospital to Community: Providing more care closer to home, reducing the need for hospital visits.
- From Analogue to Digital: Using technology to improve care, save time, and make services easier to access.
What will change for you?
We’re transforming how services are designed and delivered. That includes:
Care that’s personal and local
We’re expanding Integrated Neighbourhood Teams—bringing together doctors, nurses, social care, and community support—so you get joined-up care that works for you, right in your local area.
Better urgent and emergency care
We’re improving urgent care and reducing hospital delays. That means faster help in a crisis, and better support to return home safely after a hospital stay.
Stronger mental health and support for Autism and Learning Disabilities
We’re redesigning mental health services to make it easier to get help earlier, closer to home. We’re also improving services for people with autism and learning disabilities—reducing waiting times and avoiding unnecessary hospital stays.
Smarter use of hospitals
We’re working to make our hospitals more efficient and sustainable, so you can access the right care at the right time. We’re also tackling long waiting lists and improving cancer care.
Better access to health support in the community
We’re investing in GP services, improving access to dental and pharmacy support, and making it easier to manage long-term conditions in your local surgery.
Will this mean cuts?
This is about reshaping a health service that is fit for the future.
By reducing duplication, using digital tools, and supporting people earlier, we can make every pound count while improving care.
We’ll still be working hard to deliver national NHS priorities like improving cancer treatment and tackling waiting times—while investing more in prevention, communities, and innovation.
How can I get involved?
Your voice matters. The local NHS can’t deliver meaningful and sustainable change without the help of the people who use it and work in it. We need to learn from your experiences and perspectives and hear your ideas.
Thank you to those that have already fed into our local engagement activities to help shape both local and national plans. Look out for local engagement events and have your say or join our Virtual Views community.
Share your experiences through patient groups and surveys.
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We’re also working closely with local councils, voluntary organisations, and community groups to shape services together.
What happens next?
The first year of the plan (2025/26) is about laying the groundwork – getting teams and services aligned and making sure we’re ready to deliver lasting change. You’ll start to see changes that help make your care simpler, faster, more joined-up – and closer to home.
Our promise to you
We’re building an NHS that works better – not just for today, but for the future. We’ll be open and transparent. We’ll listen to your feedback. And we’ll always put your care first.
Because together, we can create an NHS that works – for you, your family, and your community.