Rural reflections and access to health and social care

If you live in a rural area of North Yorkshire you will know that it is not always just about the views. For many people, getting support for your health or social care needs can mean long drives, public transport that does not always arrive, and broadband that is too slow to book an appointment online. These challenges can feel even harder if you are older, caring for someone, or do not drive.

This is something we hear about regularly. People tell us they want to stay healthy and well in their own communities, but distance, lack of or limited public transport, fewer people qualifying for non-urgent patient transport to hospital, and fewer local services closer to home can make that difficult.

That is why we joined local partners at the North Yorkshire Rural Health and Care Summit at the Galtres Centre in Easingwold. The event brought together NHS leaders, council teams, voluntary groups, and rural support organisations to talk openly about the realities of supporting rural communities and, just as importantly, what we can do to improve things.

What we heard on the day

Speakers shared the challenges they see every day. Dena Dalton, Head of Health Collaboration at Community First Yorkshire, said:

“Rurality is a real challenge for health inequalities. Today is about what is in our sphere and influence to enact change to build healthy and thriving communities across North Yorkshire.”

Community First Yorkshire is a charity that supports charities, social enterprises, and rural communities across the region.

We also heard how isolation can affect health. People who are unable to travel can struggle to reach appointments, connect socially, and get timely advice. This can lead to delays in seeking help and greater pressure on services.

From a national perspective, Ashley Green, Chief Executive of Healthwatch North Yorkshire, added:

“Living rurally can mean greater health inequalities. We want to make sure people’s voices are heard and that concerns are addressed. The voluntary sector is vital to addressing rural health issues.”

We also heard contributions from:

• David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (the regional authority supporting transport, skills, and economic growth)
• Richard Webb, Corporate Director of Health and Adult Services at North Yorkshire Council (responsible for adult social care and public health in the county)
• Debbie Swales, Chief Executive Officer of Revival North Yorkshire (supporting older residents to live independently)
• The Very Reverend John Dobson, Dean of Ripon (supporting community wellbeing through faith based networks)
• Dr Simon Stockhill, Chairperson of Humber and North Yorkshire Primary Care Collaborative (supporting GPs and primary care teams)
• Helen Flynn, Chief Executive of Nidderdale Plus (a rural support charity offering transport and community services)
• Ivan Annibal, National Centre for Rural Health and Care (a national organisation focused on rural health research and improvement)
• Councillor Michael Harrison, Chair of the North Yorkshire Health and Wellbeing Board (bringing local leaders together to improve health outcomes)

Speakers highlighted pressures around distance, cost, ageing populations, and limited transport,

Digital access came up too. Not everyone has strong broadband or confidence using online services, so it is important that face to face and phone support remain available.

Innovation close to home

A few practical ideas shared on the day stood out:

• Hambleton Community Action (a local charity providing community transport and support services) is arranging medical appointments in clusters, so fewer journeys are needed. This can save time and money for both services and patients.
• Airedale Hospital (a local NHS trust providing hospital and community care across the region) is offering a hospital at home service. This means some patients can be cared for in their own home through a mix of visits and technology, rather than travelling long distances.
• Local voluntary organisations (including those run by charities and community organisations) are offering more support in their communities, helping people feel less isolated and getting them information they might otherwise miss.
• MyCare24 (a service offering remote clinical support) helps people receive advice at home, reducing unnecessary travel.
• Living Well, Dying Well (a community support initiative) is helping people stay healthy and connected during later stages of life.
• Field Nurse (a rural wellbeing service supporting farming communities that is run by nurses) provides practical health advice close to home - for example, going out to auction marts and places where farmers gather.

These ideas are not perfect solutions, but they are small steps that can make a real difference to people living in rural areas.

Transport, digital access, and confidence

Transport came up again and again. For many, if you cannot drive, or public transport is unreliable, accessing care becomes extremely difficult. Some patients told us they rely on neighbours or family members, which can cause stress and limit independence.

Digital access is also a challenge. Not everyone has the confidence, equipment, or broadband needed to use online services. While digital tools can be helpful, they must be supported by clear information, simple processes, and alternatives for those who need them.

We also heard about the importance of clear information. People want to know what support is available, how to reach it, and who to speak to if they have questions.

People want to stay independent

Many people told us they want to stay healthy in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. To do that, they need services that are flexible, joined up, and easy to reach. Support from your local pharmacy, timely advice from your GP, and reliable transport links can all play a part in preventing problems from becoming more serious.

Carers raised important points too. Caring in a rural setting can feel particularly demanding, especially when respite and support services are far away.

We want to hear from you

Real change happens when voices across our county are heard. If you have struggled to access health or social care because of where you live, we would like to hear your experience. Your feedback helps shape services and make them better for everyone.

You can share your story with us through our website, over the phone, or at one of our local drop ins.

Together we can help make sure that wherever you live in North Yorkshire, you can get the support you need.