Access to health and social care services in Sheffield - Key issues from October 2021

This report summarises what Healthwatch Sheffield have heard during the month of October 2021 about accessing health and social care services in Sheffield.

• They mostly heard positive feedback about patients’ experiences with their GP and staff in the Northern General Hospital and Royal Hallamshire Hospital.
• Some said that their GP practices are busy, but they are still getting the right support, and that staff are friendly and helpful. Similarly, people found that although the Emergency Department at the Northern General Hospital was really busy, they still felt cared for and supported.
• Some people struggled to book timely appointments with their GP and access repeat prescriptions. Others commented about the impact of delayed appointments following COVID-19, including very long waits for scans.
• People also commented on the lack of staff awareness on how to support people with different types of disabilities. They felt that more training in these areas would mean staff could better understand patients who have these needs and would be able to provide more suitable support.
• Healthwatch reported that they are still hearing from people who can’t access a dentist for a routine appointment. People aren’t clear what is classed as urgent dental treatment, and what is considered routine. They want better communication about what treatment they should be able to access.
• People have found it difficult to get through to the community mental health services and lack of communication from staff.