Young people's experiences of NHS communication and appointments
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Healthwatch West Sussex drew on the experiences of 51 young people. Including 12 young people (aged 19–24) with disabilities (primarily ADHD, Autism, and learning difficulties), from Black and Black African backgrounds who access NHS services across primary and secondary care.
The aim of this work was to better understand the communication and access challenges, and how these can be improved by the NHS staff who engage with young people with additional needs.
Half said they benefitted from having someone with them to help them communicate with the NHS. Participants described the problems they experienced in terms of communicating, including being made to feel small.
Three quarters said they felt it was hard to get NHS care when they needed it. Over 60% said that they have been treated differently or unfairly due to their disability, illness or how they communicate.
To make them feel more included and understood during appointments, young people wanted continuity of care, having time to think and answer, a quiet place and being asked about their needs.