Insight into health and social care

Healthwatch North Yorkshire has published its quarterly report summarising public feedback on NHS and social care services. This report highlights the key issues faced by people between October and December 2024, based on insights from 149 individuals. The feedback spanned GP services, hospitals, A&E, dentistry, and mental health support.

Key findings

1. General Practitioners (GPs)
   • 43% of feedback focused on GP services, with 56% being negative.
   • Issues included difficulty accessing appointments, poor communication, and system inefficiencies. Positive feedback praised staff professionalism and care.
2. Hospital care
   • 53% of feedback was negative, mainly regarding accessibility challenges and poor communication between departments.
   • Positive experiences highlighted staff kindness and professionalism.
3. Accident and emergency (A&E)
   • Mixed feedback was received, with long waiting times and feelings of neglect being common complaints. However, the kindness and efficiency of staff were frequently praised.
4. Dentistry
   • All feedback on NHS dentistry was negative, citing difficulties finding NHS dentists and the high cost of private care.
5. Mental health support
   • Feedback was unanimously negative, with concerns about lengthy waiting times, inadequate support, and lack of empathy from providers.
6. Pharmacies
   • Positive reviews emphasised the convenience of online systems for vaccinations and efficient prescription handling, while negative feedback focused on delays in receiving essential medications.

Access to healthcare remains a significant issue across North Yorkshire. While many appreciate the care they eventually receive, barriers such as appointment delays, communication breakdowns, and staffing shortages create frustrations. This feedback provides actionable insights for service providers to improve patient experiences.

Read the full report