How residents view and use same day urgent care services -West Mendip
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The Somerset ICB asked Healthwatch Somerset to gather the views of people living across the county on same day urgent care services. 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 32 people Healthwatch spoke to in West Mendip.
There is a lack of knowledge and awareness among participants of where to access same day urgent care services in West Mendip.
Participants have a good understanding of what conditions/ailments should be classed as urgent.
Participants gave mixed responses regarding how confident they feel finding information related to same day urgent care services.
The MIU in Shepton Mallet is very well regarded, but there are concerns over its limited opening hours and fears of a potential closure. There are concerns over a potential closure of St Andrew’s Mental Health Unit, and the impact this could have on residents.
Some people don’t use healthcare services because they don’t trust the NHS or pharmaceutical companies.
The majority of participants feel confident seeing the wider healthcare team for same day urgent care conditions.
There is a positive attitude towards the GP appointment booking systems across West Mendip, which tend to offer routine appointments.
Participants gave mixed responses to how they feel about the distance to travel to SDUC services. Complaints centred on accessing Yeovil and Musgrove A&Es using public transport.