Junction 3 community health fair event

Bristol Learning City in collaboration with Junction 3 Library hosted a Health Fair on Wednesday 10 May from 2-4pm in aid of promoting and creating awareness of mental health conditions in relation to Mental Health Awareness Week. Healthwatch Bristol was invited to participate.

Healthwatch Bristol’s quarterly topic for April, May and June 2017 was Primary Care, health and wellbeing. Healthwatch Bristol was keen to find out people’s experiences of accessing Primary Care (such as GPs, pharmacies, dentists, minor injury units/ accident and Emergency walk in centres), including any barriers they might face, so they can make service providers aware of any issues. Healthwatch Bristol devised a questionnaire to help capture people experiences of health and social care concentrating on Primary Care.

Healthwatch Bristol received 22 responses to the questionnaire at this event.

The key themes in relation to primary care were as follows: The majority of comments collated from service users were happy with the quality of care was highlighted and the behaviour and communication from staff were stated as key aspects of a positive experience; waiting times and difficulties accessing appointments were key concerns and issues for people; a minority said that they felt that their voices had not be heard when they were concerned about an health issue for themselves and their child; positive feedback regarding pharmacies and their provisions.

The key themes in relation to secondary care were as follows: feedback from accident and emergency services about the quality of treatment in hospital settings, was positive; Comments highlighted the importance of health staff explaining diagnoses, treatment and waiting times in a clear and compassionate manner.

Healthwatch Bristol made one recommendation within the report.