Timely access to health services in Craven

Craven Communities Together, supported by Healthwatch North Yorkshire, carried out a survey in 2022 to understand people’s experiences of accessing health and wellbeing services across the Craven district. The survey received 571 responses, around half of which came from people living with long-term health conditions. The findings highlighted long waiting times, transport difficulties and challenges accessing primary care, mental health services and NHS dentistry. The three most commonly reported barriers were inconvenient appointment times, transport issues and difficulties accessing face-to-face appointments or seeing the same healthcare professional. 

Access to NHS dentistry emerged as a major concern, with many respondents experiencing long waits or being unable to access NHS treatment at all. Significant waiting times were also reported for mental health services, outpatient appointments, operations and specialist assessments. People frequently said they were not kept informed while waiting and would have appreciated better communication. Difficulties accessing GP appointments, particularly face-to-face appointments, were also a recurring issue, with respondents reporting long telephone queues, limited appointment availability and frustration with appointment booking systems. 

Transport was identified as a major issue, especially in the most rural parts of Craven. Respondents described problems travelling to appointments, poor public transport links and concerns about how they would continue accessing services if they were no longer able to drive. Cost of living pressures were also affecting people’s health and wellbeing, with respondents reporting difficulties affording heating, healthy food, prescription charges and travel to appointments. Loneliness, isolation and the impact of winter on mental health were additional concerns, particularly for older people, unpaid carers and those living alone.

The report concluded that improving access to services in rural communities requires action across health, transport and community sectors. Recommendations included improving communication about available services, reducing barriers to GP access, increasing support for people who are digitally excluded, improving transport options, strengthening support for carers, ensuring discharge planning is person-centred and improving awareness of voluntary and community services that can support health and wellbeing. The Craven Communities Together partnership subsequently held a dedicated workshop on transport and began exploring community-based and telemedicine solutions to improve access to care.