What Healthwatch heard about healthcare
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 health and social care.
Between July and September, we heard from 204 people, who shared their honest stories with us. This helps us build a clearer picture of what’s working well, what needs to change and how.
What people told Healthwatch
Across this period, people shared many positive experiences, especially when staff offered kindness, reassurance and clear communication. Prompt care at GP practices, hospitals and minor injury units was praised, as well as the support offered by mental health services in some areas.
However, there were also challenges. We heard that waiting times, difficulty reaching appointments, pressure on dental care and changes to local services continue to affect how people access the treatment they need. For those in rural areas, transport remains a significant concern.
People also shared that when systems are rigid or support is not tailored to individual needs, it can become stressful or confusing. This was particularly true for people with mobility needs, older residents, and families supporting someone with a disability or mental health condition.
Key themes in the feedback
Five main themes appeared throughout the period:
- Access to services
- Caring, kindness, respect and dignity
- Service organisation, delivery, change and closure
- Accessibility and reasonable adjustments
- Quality of treatment
These themes reflect what we have heard in previous quarters, showing that many of the same pressures are still being felt across North Yorkshire.
The impact on local people
When delays, transport barriers or gaps in communication occur, people may feel anxious, isolated or unable to continue their treatment. This can lead to worsening health and greater pressure on emergency services.
When staff show compassion and take time to listen, people tell us they feel understood, respected and more confident in the care they receive.
Why your feedback matters
Sharing what you have gone through (or are going through) helps identify improvement opportunities and highlight examples of excellent practice. It also gives insight into how changes to local services affect residents.
We will continue to share what we hear directly with service providers, commissioners and other decision makers.
What happens next?
NHS staff and services are doing their best in incredibly challenging circumstances. But they need more support.
Healthwatch will continue to call on the Government and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (the local Mayor) to support local services and help give them what they need to improve.
We will continue to encourage:
- clearer information about changes to local services
- easier access to appointments and treatment
- flexible support for people with additional needs
- continued focus on staff wellbeing to support safe care
Healthwatch will share what we hear - good and bad - with those responsible for planning and delivering services and continue to speak up for our people.
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.
