Get Involved

We want to ensure that the delivery of health and care in Surrey Downs is shaped around the needs of our residents and patients. To do this, we will be presenting different opportunities for everyone to join conversations around what the future of SDHCP will look like and what role they have to play in achieving this. 

Pulling Together Programme

The Pulling Together Programme brought together staff, volunteers and residents from across the Surrey Downs Health and Care Partnership to discuss their experiences with health and care and what the future should look like. On Thursday 7 October 2021, we heard from a range of keynote speakers, including national and local figures such as Lord Crisp, Prof Donna Hall CBE, Sir Chris Ham, Imelda Redmond, Professor Claire Fuller and Thirza Sawtell. 

Listen to the podcasts to hear from our keynote speakers.

Lord Nigel Crisp: “Building a Healthy and Health Creating Society“

Lord Nigel Crisp, former CEO of the NHS, opened the conference with words of encouragement for what we trying to do. He acknowledged the very difficult time everyone had been through and congratulated us for coming together to look to the future. Nigel spoke about creating health in our communities, shared examples and tips.

Thirza Sawtell: “What we are trying to achieve together”

Thirza is the Place-based Leader of Surrey Downs Health and Care Partnership, responsible to the Partnership Boards of Surrey Downs and Sutton. Thirza spoke about the spontaneous mobilisation of communities during the COVID-19 pandemic; neighbours helping one another, volunteering in vaccination centres and aid to 200 Afghan refugees

Dr Hilary Floyd and Dr Russell Hills: “Population Health at a Community Level“

Hilary, drawing on 30 years of experience as a GP in Epsom, discussed why we need to look at the wider determinants of health and build supportive communities improving the lives of people. Now, Hilary asks different questions; “What do people need to improve their lives?”

Russell, also a GP in Epsom and co-chair of Surrey Downs Health and Care, has been thinking about what can be done in each of the six PCNs to focus on the issues that matter to their populations and looking at what the data tells us.

Professor Donna Hall CBE: “How to Improve Health Through Community Engagement”

Professor Donna Hall  has been described as a “public service pioneer” by the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. She was awarded a CBE in 2009 for innovation in public service and was Transformational Leader in the Northern Powerwomen Awards 2017. Donna spoke about how data insights can help understand the needs of different communities.

Professor Claire Fuller: “Reflections on the Power of local Communities” plus Q&A

Professor Claire Fuller is a practicing GP and the Senior Responsible Officer for the Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System. Claire shared her personal experience with healthcare which made her understand what needs to be done to help people live better lives and be less frightened by the prospect of getting help.

Imelda Redmond: “Making the Voice of Patients Count” plus Q&A

Imelda a Redmond CBE is the National Director of Healthwatch England. She has 20 years’ experience working in senior roles in the not-for-profit sector. She received a CBE for her services to disadvantaged people in 2009. She spoke about the value of understanding communities and making their voices count.

If you would like to be involved in future discussions, register your interest using this link.