Being healthy - ideas and reflections from Selby

Healthwatch North Yorkshire worked with Up for Yorkshire to gather the views of people in Selby about good health, keeping themselves healthy and their interactions with health services.  They carried out a survey to which 135 people responded.

They asked respondents to identify what they believe to be the current top issues for accessing and using health services in Selby. Of the six areas listed, seeing a GP or nurse was the top issue, followed by mental health support and seeing an NHS dentist.

The issues about seeing a GP or nurse mostly centred on access, appointments and delayed diagnoses.

Many respondents highlighted poor mental health services and felt that Selby is very poorly served from the NHS and local charities. One of the key issues raised was the very long waiting times to access support which means some people access private treatment where they can afford it.

Difficulties registering with an NHS dentist is an ongoing national issue. Many respondents stated that they have been trying to register with an NHS dentist for years with no success.

Healthwatch asked people if they felt their access to healthcare services was affected by who they are. The majority (60%) who answered said no. However, other people felt that access to health services is affected by who they are. The most common reason given was age, particularly (but not exclusively) older age.

Other things that people mentioned which they felt affected their access to services or treatment include being a previous drug user, being a care leaver, physical or mental health conditions, being transgender or having body dysmorphia and women’s health issues.

Just under two thirds (61%) of people said that having good health is the most important or one of the most important things to them. Around 70% of respondents said they could be a bit or a lot healthier or fitter and 28% said they were as fit and healthy as they can be given the circumstances or are as healthy as they want to be.

When asked about what good health and wellbeing means to them, people’s responses grouped around six main themes:

• The ability to carry out daily tasks with ease and live a full life
• Being happy and enjoying life
• Looking after yourself
• Not being restricted by illness or disease
• Confidence in health and care services
• Being able to care for others and spend quality time with them

When asked what three things would help them to be healthier/do the things they want to do, a large majority of respondents said they would like more time, closely followed by help with motivation.

When asked about barriers to being healthy, the top responses were mental stresses, lack of confidence/motivation and time.

Four in five respondents said they are currently doing something to try to be healthier, with many trying to do more exercise, eat well and get out into nature.

Many respondents were keen for more options for exercise, cheaper access to gyms and classes or locally led exercise groups or clubs.

People commented on access in a range of ways. This included physical access, access to facilities for people living in rural areas and access for people who can’t afford existing services.

Some respondents would like more information on how to be healthy or information about the services currently on offer.

Some respondents expressed the desire to join exercise/sport groups but feel facilities or services need to more accessible or available.