What you told us Monthly report October 2024

This short report summarises Healthwatch Northumberland's recent feedback from local residents on GP and hospital services. The report highlights the key issues affecting patients and areas for improvement across the region. Feedback was collected via phone, email, and social media, in-person conversations at community events, and responses to ongoing surveys. Detailed feedback was provided by 55 individuals, with insights also gathered from broader community engagement activities. In total, the experiences of 312 people were shared.

Key findings include:

• GP Practices: Online access was the most common concern, making up a third of all GP-related feedback. This issue has grown since September 2024.

• Hospitals: Poor communication—between patients, GPs, and hospitals—and long travel distances were highlighted as the most significant issues.

  Sentiment analysis showed 55% of total feedback was negative, with concerns about fragmented care for those accessing services across multiple trusts. Positive feedback included praise for the early intervention psychosis team, noted for their excellent communication and family support.

Insights from this feedback have influenced local service improvements, including updates to Adult Social Care’s website and Carers Assessment Training for Social Workers