Ensuring healthcare access for canal boat residents
Download (PDF 707.88 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Warwickshire wanted to understand access to healthcare for people who live on canal boats. They reached 57 people via an online survey.
Key findings
Nearly three in five liveaboard boaters had to continuously cruise the canal network because they didn't have a residential mooring.
People had a variety of reasons for living on a boat, including retirement, it being financially more viable, lifestyle choice, a change of circumstances and wanting to live a traditional boating life.
Most boaters shared neutral or factual comments about their healthcare experiences, while a smaller number expressed clear frustrations or praise, highlighting both positives and challenges in accessing care while living on the canal.
Nearly two in five preferred to care for themselves when they become ill.
Phone calls, the NHS App and text messages were their preferred methods of communicating with healthcare providers.
Over two in five said they experience difficulties in registering with a GP surgery as a temporary patient. They also expressed concerns about being deregistered before they had received their test results or completed treatment in the area.
There were a number of challenges in accessing healthcare services, particularly for continuous cruisers.
Most people said they received invitations for health checks.