Phase two of engagement took place between October and December 2021 and consisted of 16 focus group discussions held with staff, partners in health (Community Planning, Local Authorities’ Councillors and Officers as well as our colleagues in Health and Social Care Partnerships), local communities and identified priority groups based on our activities in phase one.

We were able to have a more in-depth conversation in these sessions, in a safe space and heard real stories and experiences.  This allowed us to confirm what we heard in phase one, while also hearing more about the barriers and challenges that the people of Grampian are facing.

We also heard suggestions for moving on from our current situation during the pandemic and what is important for the future in planning, developing and delivering health services, both in the short and long term.

Key Themes

Using the notes from the focus group sessions, our approach allowed us to focus the analysis into 12 themes covering high level priorities, key health service areas of focus and mechanisms to strengthen our relationship with our people, communities, partners and health service providers.

In the more detailed report, the themes were split into ‘what is important’ and, if covered through discussions, ‘suggestions and ideas for the future’. There was some of the same themes from the feedback we heard in Phase 1, particularly about the health service areas of focus.

We continued to work with our partners to engage with and support participants and, by doing this, we continued to build on existing good working relationships to keep moving towards longer term engagement and involvement on health service planning.