What local people said about access to services and their health and wellbeing
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Healthwatch Coventry undertook research on local people’s experiences of accessing NHS services and their health and wellbeing. Between July and November 2023, Healthwatch gathered feedback from 123 people through community outreach activities, alongside focused engagement with 53 members of the Hong Kong Chinese community and eight people living on canal boats. The research explored access to healthcare, digital inclusion, mental health, cost of living pressures and experiences of GP services.
The research found that many people felt access to healthcare was becoming more difficult, with 40% reporting that access to services had worsened. GP services remained a significant concern, with 38% finding it difficult to get through on the phone and 46% finding it difficult to secure an appointment. Participants described lengthy waiting times, difficulties booking appointments in advance, a preference for more face-to-face consultations, and communication challenges, particularly for people whose first language was not English.
Cost of living pressures were having a direct impact on health and wellbeing. Participants reported difficulties affording dental treatment, over-the-counter medication, internet access and travel to appointments. The study also found that 21% felt their mental health had worsened, yet relatively few people had sought professional support. Long waits for hospital tests and appointments were another common issue, with many participants reporting poor communication while waiting for care.
Healthwatch concluded that access to GP services, communication with healthcare providers and the impact of the cost of living crisis remained key concerns for local people. Particular challenges were identified for communities facing language barriers and people without a permanent address. Healthwatch recommended that NHS managers use the findings to address inequalities in access, improve communication, and tackle wider health inequalities across Coventry.