What we heard about your health and social care
That’s why, every three months, we listen to local people and share what we hear with the NHS and North Yorkshire Council - the people who organise, fund and provide your care. Between January and March this year, 184 people shared their honest stories with us — helping us build a clearer picture of what’s working and what needs to change.
We heard a mix of experiences. Some people told us about delays, confusion, and difficulty accessing care. Others shared praise for the dedicated staff who went above and beyond to make them feel supported during tough times.
What Healthwatch heard - read the full report
Take a look at what people across North Yorkshire told us about their recent experiences with health and social care — and what needs to change:
Why we ask and listen for your views and experiences
We know it can be frustrating being repeatedly asked for feedback — especially when it feels like nothing changes. But your voice really does matter.
Your stories help NHS and North Yorkshire Council decision-makers understand what’s happening on the ground. They show where services need to improve — and where great care is being delivered.
Your experiences help us push for better access, clearer communication, and more joined-up support.
And the more people tell us, the more evidence we have to let them know that people are still unsatisfied. It strengthens our position to be able to ask them what they are doing about it, or what more resource they need from the Government to help them.
What people told Healthwatch most about
The services we heard most about this quarter were:
- GP practices ("the doctors")
- Dentists
- Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments
Many people described long waits, confusing systems, and not always feeling involved in decisions about their care. But we also heard about kind, professional staff who made people feel seen and supported.
These stories matter — because they show both the pressure the system is under and how important it is to keep compassion at the heart of care.
The bigger picture
Health and care services are facing real challenges. Staffing shortages, rising demand, and budget pressures are affecting how care is delivered. GPs and hospitals are doing more with less, and patient needs are becoming more complex.
We know most staff are doing their very best under difficult circumstances — and we make sure to reflect that in what we share.
Healthwatch recommendations
NHS staff and services are doing their best in incredibly challenging circumstances. But they need more support. In addition to services improving accessible information and communication with patients (and between staff/services), we are calling on the Government and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (the local Mayor) to help:
- Increase funding for GP, hospital, dental, and mental health services so that waiting times are reduced and staff are properly resourced.
- Improve access to NHS dentists by reviewing contracts and making it more viable for dentists to offer NHS treatment.
- Expand mental health services, particularly for children and young people, ensuring timely and appropriate care is available.
- Support rural communities by improving healthcare transport links and ensuring people aren’t left behind due to poor connectivity, feeling isolated or unable to travel.
- Ensure digital services do not exclude those who are less tech-savvy by maintaining alternative ways to access care.
With the right investment and policy changes, we can ensure that patients, families, and carers receive the best healthcare possible.
Why your story counts
Every time someone speaks up — like the 184 people who did this quarter — it strengthens the call for better care.
Whether you’re sharing praise or raising a concern, your voice helps us build a better picture and push for change.
Want to share your story?
We want to hear from you. However big or small your experience, your voice matters.
Call us: 01423 788 128
Email us: hello@hwny.co.uk
Write to us (no stamp needed):
Freepost HEALTHWATCHNORTHYORKSHIRE
Leave your thoughts with us: https://www.healthwatchnorthyorkshire.co.uk/have-your-say
Together, we can help improve health and care for everyone in North Yorkshire.
