Listening to you

Healthwatch Sheffield spoke with more than 350 residents, community groups and organisations to identify the issues they believed should shape Healthwatch’s work over the following two years. Although the research was completed before the full impact of the Covid-19 pandemic became apparent, respondents highlighted a range of ongoing challenges across health and social care. Five key themes emerged: difficulties accessing mental health services, poor coordination between services, services not being tailored to individual needs, the importance of wider social factors affecting health, and the need for Healthwatch to continue amplifying local voices and influencing change. 

Mental health was the most frequently raised issue. Participants described long waiting times, difficulties accessing support during crises and concerns that services were not meeting people’s needs. Many felt provision needed to be better adapted for different groups, including young people, older adults, women and people from minority ethnic communities. Concerns were also raised about GP services, including difficulties securing appointments, rushed consultations, poor continuity of care and experiences of not feeling listened to. Similar concerns about waiting times, communication and access were raised in relation to hospitals, dentistry and social care services. 

People also highlighted broader concerns about how services worked together. Respondents described poor communication between health and social care providers, difficulties navigating systems and a lack of joined-up support, particularly when moving between services. Social care users raised concerns about assessments, care home provision, domiciliary care and support for carers, while many respondents felt services did not adequately recognise individual circumstances, cultural backgrounds or specific support needs. There was a strong desire for more personalised care and greater involvement in decision-making. 

The report also emphasised the importance of prevention, wellbeing and wider social determinants of health. Residents highlighted the impact of public transport, safety, environment, housing, social support, education and employment on health outcomes. Many felt more should be done to promote healthy lifestyles, encourage early intervention and support community wellbeing initiatives. The findings informed Healthwatch Sheffield’s future priorities, including mental health, person-centred care, service coordination, communication and the promotion of health and wellbeing across the city.