Dorset Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly

News

Working in Partnership with People and Communities – NHS Dorset Annual Report

17th July 2025

NHS Dorset’s latest annual report, Working in Partnership with People and Communities, highlights a year of strengthened collaboration with local communities. By listening deeply and building trust, NHS Dorset has made tangible progress in tackling health inequalities and improving service quality.

The launch of the Listening Better in Dorset platform and campaigns like Every Drop Counts showcase the growing role of public voice in shaping care that is inclusive, responsive, and effective.

Alongside this, NHS England has released a major independent review led by Dr Penny Dash, calling for a streamlined approach to patient safety across health and care. With over 40 safety bodies currently in play, the review outlines nine key recommendations—including a renewed national quality strategy and better use of digital tools—to boost accountability, transparency, and real-time learning.

These insights, aligned with Chapter 6 of the newly published Fit for the Future health plan, signal a shared commitment to more joined-up and person-centred care.

The full report highlights how NHS Dorset has strengthened collaboration with local communities, including VCS partners. The Assembly itself is a VCS network, and its involvement signals that NHS Dorset is actively engaging with voluntary and community organisations to shape inclusive and responsive care.

Please read the full NHS Dorset latest news summary in full here.

You may also find useful NHS Dorset’s annual report on working in partnership with people and communities which can be viewed and download here >> Working-with-people-and-communities-2025.pdf

<