Rural Access to Health and Care Services

Rural residents face distinct healthcare challenges, including limited access to transport, longer distances to medical facilities, an aging demographic, housing inadequacies, digital connectivity gaps, and recruitment hurdles for healthcare workers.

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10 Jun 2024

Next Government Urged to Prioritise Community Transport to Cut Local NHS Waiting lists

The Rural Services Network is backing the Community Transport Association’s call for the next UK government to utilise community solutions in a hard-hitting manifesto on the state of accessible transport...

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03 Jun 2024

Securing Rural Futures: Engaging PPCs in the Winning the Rural Vote Campaign

As members of the Rural Services Network (RSN), our collective commitment to advocating for the needs of rural communities remains unwavering. With the deadline for Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) to submit...

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28 May 2024

Join Our Digital Telephone Line Switchover Awareness Event

The Rural Services Network, in partnership with BT, is pleased to announce an important event designed specifically for Local Authority Councillors to raise awareness about the upcoming digital telephone line...

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20 May 2024

BT’s Digital Switchover Programme Adjustments: A Rural Perspective

BT Group has announced significant adjustments to its digital switchover programme, which aims to transition the UK’s traditional analogue landlines to digital Voice over IP (VoIP) technology by January 2027....

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20 May 2024

Empowering Rural Communities with Digital Connectivity

In the tranquil settings of rural Britain, there exists a significant challenge that often goes unnoticed—digital connectivity. Ensuring equitable digital access across all areas is a pressing issue, affecting the...

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20 May 2024

The Impact of Local Area Coordination

The recent multi-site evaluation of Local Area Coordination (LAC) in England and Wales, funded by the National Institute for Health and Social Care Research and conducted in collaboration with leading...

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13 May 2024

Enhancing Rural Health Access: Focus on Mental Health During Awareness Week

During this Mental Health Awareness Week, it is crucial to spotlight the unique challenges faced by rural communities in accessing health and care services. These challenges, ranging from limited transport...

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07 May 2024

The Impact of Rural Pharmacy Closures

Rural communities in England are currently facing significant challenges due to the closures of community pharmacies, a vital resource for healthcare access in less densely populated areas. The recent peak...

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07 May 2024

Bridging the Digital Divide: Enhancing Rural Digital Inclusion

In an increasingly digital world, rural areas in England still face significant barriers to digital access and inclusion. “The Economic Impact of Digital Inclusion in the UK“, a report recently...

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07 May 2024

Addressing the Future of Supported Housing Needs

The latest research commissioned by the National Housing Federation (NHF) reveals critical insights into the future demand for supported housing in England by 2040. With an aging population and increasing...

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