How residents view and use same day urgent care services - Taunton

The Somerset ICB asked Healthwatch Somerset to gather the views of people living across the county. Healthwatch did this by creating a countywide survey and by engaging with local people at community groups, libraries and other public spaces in Bridgwater, West Mendip, Frome, North Sedgemoor, Central Mendip, Taunton Dean, Yeovil, South Somerset West, South Somerset East, Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne. This report presents the views of 19 people Healthwatch spoke to in Taunton.

There was a lack of knowledge and awareness among participants of where to access same day urgent care services in Taunton. In particular, few could recall the NHS 111 call service to MIUs. 

The majority of participants said they think they would need to see a healthcare professional on the same day if they were experiencing life-threatening symptoms. 

Participants displayed mixed levels of confidence in terms of how they feel about sourcing same day urgent care-related information. 

Participants shared both positive and negative SDUC experiences. Negative experiences centred around a lack of face-to-face appointments, while positive experiences centred around the speediness of service. 

All but one participant said they feel confident using the wider healthcare team for a same-day concern, particularly pharmacists. 

It appears that the GP appointment booking system varies across practices in Taunton. 

All participants said that they feel good about the distances they need to travel to get their GP pactice/nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department.