Living well in Surrey

The Council, in partnership with the North West Surrey Alliance consulted on the health and wellbeing of residents. The consultation ran in April 2022. 

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During the consultation period, we received 421 responses from residents, 99% of whom are registered with a GP's practice, and a summary of their responses can be read below.

• the overwhelming majority, 80%, of residents would go to their GP or doctor's surgery with just under half either consulting 111 or visiting the pharmacy. If using the internet to access non-emergency healthcare services, two thirds would use the NHS website and half would do a general search
• concerns were raised about accessibility to GP services with 55% scoring it three out of 10 or lower. 16% found access to their services to be completely accessible; scoring it at least eight out of 10.
• travelling by car was the most common form of transportation, with four out of five saying it was their main mode of getting around. Public transport and walking were the other most popular options
• residents considered money, exercise, diet, access to the outdoors, sleep, healthy self-esteem, feeling part of the community and happy relationships to be priority areas for themselves and their families
• 58% of respondents felt they got enough exercise a week
• while 43% of residents said they did not have any concerns at home, 44% of respondents said they were worried about heating their home.
• two thirds of respondents said they felt safe in their local area, providing scores of eight out of 10 or higher. Two thirds also responded with a score of 7 out of 10 or higher when asked to assess their mental health.
• better access to GP services was highlighted as one area that would play a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the respondent and their family with 62% ranking that at 10/10.
• access to mental health support services and leisure facilities also ranked highly with the majority scoring it seven or higher
• the Council is due to consult with residents over the redevelopment of the Oast House, which is proposed to comprise a community health and wellbeing centre, cultural facilities and 182 affordable homes

Cllr Maureen Attewell, Chair of the Community Wellbeing and Housing Committee, said: "This is a Council that listens to residents, and I would like to thank those who submitted their views to us. The Council, along with our NHS partners, will be looking at the results of this survey in great detail to pinpoint where services can be improved in the future."

Notes to Editors

The North West Surrey Health and Care Alliance is a partnership comprising local health, social care, voluntary sector and Council professionals who have come together to help improve the health, wellbeing and life chances of local people