The event brought together NHS teams, council services and local community groups, giving people the chance to get advice, support and health checks all in one place, on the same day.
Instead of focusing on just one issue, the day was built around “what matters to you”, helping clinicians understand people’s wider needs and offer support that fits their health, lifestyle and day-to-day life.
By bringing services together and focusing on those who may face barriers to care, the approach also aims to reduce health inequalities – the differences in health outcomes people experience depending on factors such as where they live, their income or access to support.
A great success, around 150 people attended on the day.
Heather Jackson, Head of Therapies at DBTH, said: “Community Appointment Days allow us to step away from traditional clinic-based appointments and focus on what really matters to people.
“By bringing everything into one venue, we were able to offer more personalised support which helps people get the right advice and care all on the same day. It’s a powerful example of how working in partnership can improve access, reduce delays, and give patients the confidence to better manage their own health.”
Patients attending the first event were invited from waiting lists for musculoskeletal conditions, such as back, knee and shoulder pain, and asked to complete a short questionnaire before arrival.
Throughout the day, patients arrived at set times and were guided through the event, starting with a one-to-one conversation with a clinician about what support would help them most. From there, they were directed to the right services, all under one roof.
As well as clinical areas for checks and referrals, there was practical advice, digital support and help for specific conditions, alongside personalised exercise guidance and the chance to book onto classes. A dedicated Community Health Hub also connected people to wider support, including talking therapies, help with jobs and housing, financial advice, stop smoking services and NHS Health Checks.
Feedback has been very positive, with many people saying they felt listened to and supported, while colleagues valued the chance to work together in a different environment.
With partners, the Trust is now looking at how it can build on this approach to improve access to services and bring care closer to home, particularly for those who may find it hardest to access traditional healthcare.
Zara Jones, Acting Chief Executive at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “I want to thank everyone involved with making this day a success. With initiatives like this, we can reduce health inequalities by making sure our most vulnerable patients get the support they need, so everyone has a fair chance to live a healthy life.”
Plans are in place to extend the offer of Community Appointment Days into more local venues around Doncaster. For further information about upcoming events and local health services, visit the Trust’s website www.dbth.nhs.uk or follow Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals on social media.
