What matters to you - The NHS at 70

Healthwatch Bolton undertook research on what matters most to local people about the NHS as it marked its 70th anniversary. They spoke to 203 people at an NHS 70 event in Bolton town centre and recorded 321 comments about their experiences of health services and priorities for the future. 

Many respondents praised NHS staff and services, describing care as compassionate, high quality and lifesaving. However, the most common concern was access to services, particularly difficulties obtaining GP appointments and long waiting times. People also highlighted problems accessing A&E promptly, difficulties with transport to healthcare services and concerns that referrals could take too long. 

Funding emerged as a major theme, with many people calling for greater investment in the NHS, more doctors and nurses, less waste and continued public ownership of services. Respondents also wanted better support for NHS staff, improved mental health services, easier access to NHS dentists, more community-based services and greater focus on prevention. Many expressed concern that both younger and older people faced specific challenges that should not be overlooked. 

The report concluded that local people valued the care they received from the NHS but wanted services to become easier to access, better funded and more responsive to individual needs. There was strong support for local care provision, community services and preventative approaches, alongside a desire to maintain high-quality care and support for the NHS workforce.