A network of hubs is set to be opened in Plymouth to give residents easier access to care and mental health services.
Joint plans drawn up by the city council and the Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will go before councillors on 16 January to open three different types of wellbeing hub, with the aim of helping people get the right type of help as early as possible.
Under the plans, libraries, GO surgeries, children’s centres and job centres will be part of a network of universal hubs, where trained staff will offer advice and information.
Easy access to advice
This type of hub will also offer people easy access to online information and advice.
A series of “targeted hubs” will also be set up in other locations and will offer a further level of support to patients, as well as a range of activities to combat loneliness and volunteering opportunities.
In addition, there will also be a series of “specialist hubs”, which will offer a full range of clinical health and social care support.
According to a council statement, once up and running the hub networks will also be cost-neutral.
The aim is to have the first targeted hub and some of the universal hubs open by March.
‘Right type of support’
“The aim of introducing wellbeing hubs is to provide the right type of support where and when people need it,” said Plymouth City Council’s cabinet member for health, Cllr Lynda Bowyer.
“By getting help and support earlier, people can live healthier lives and this will ultimately reduce the growing pressure on health and social care services.
“This is part of our on-going drive to take a more joined-up approach with health and social care services to ensure people get the right help, in the right place at the right time.”
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