How we make a difference | Healthwatch Northyorkshire

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Your feedback is helping to improve the NHS and social care

You might think, 'What's the point? Nothing changes.' But every story shared with us matters. Thanks to thousands of people, just like you, speaking up, we've been able to champion some big healthcare changes.

Helping people get the right aids and equipment on time

Delays and unclear processes left many struggling without essential equipment. By raising these concerns, we helped drive improvements that mean faster support and better communication for those who need it most.

Learn what's changed with equipment services

A young person with a visual impairment say at a laptop.

Improving accessible information for people needing healthcare

 Many people are not getting information from doctors (GP practices), hospitals, dentists, care providers and others in formats that meet their needs. But thanks to your feedback, you have helped services make some big changes that promote inclusivity and better communication practices.

Read our full story on accessible information

Woman doctor in a GP practice room watching a laptop screen while stretching her hand and typing on it

Making it easier to get help from your GP online

Social care is in desperate need of reform and we have successfully moved this issue up the political agenda both locally and nationally to help bring about improvements in workforce, funding and services.  

See the improvements being made

Improving delivery of NHS letters

Thanks to your feedback we have been working with Royal Mail and Healthwatch England to ensure vital NHS communications are delivered to patients on time.

Read the new changes

A son comforting his father.

Improving mental health support by listening to experiences

People shared their experiences of local mental health services, including gaps in support and how they were treated. We raised these issues with decision-makers, leading to more timely help through trained mental health staff in GP practices, better support for people with complex emotional needs, and wider use of trauma-informed care to ensure people feel understood and respected.

Read how mental health care has improved

A young man hunched over, struggling whilst sat on the toilet.

Making continence care more compassionate and consistent

We’ve listened to people’s experiences of continence care and raised concerns about the gaps in support, leading to improvements that ensure everyone receives the respectful, timely, and dignified care they deserve.

See how continence care is improving

A doctor talking to a patient in a GP waiting area.

Our annual report

Our annual report summarises the experiences people have shared with us and highlights our actions in response. Take a look to see how people’s views are impacting decisions made by NHS and social care leaders.

Find out more

Our impact this year - in numbers

3,626

People reached and who we spoke with and raised awareness about who Healthwatch are and how we can help them.

2,468

People shared their feedback about health and social care by phone, email, letter, at events and through interviews