Changes to healthcare in North East Lincolnshire

Healthwatch North East Lincolnshire surveyed 104 people, primarily from seldom-heard groups, to understand awareness of proposed healthcare changes under the Humber, Coast and Vale Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP). The findings showed that while people were generally positive about the quality of care they received from GP practices and hospitals, concerns remained around access to GP appointments, hospital waiting times, communication and the pressures facing frontline staff. 

Awareness of the STP was very low. More than three-quarters of respondents had not heard about plans to change healthcare services, and almost 90% had not attended any public event discussing future health and care proposals. Many respondents were therefore unable to comment on proposed changes and felt opportunities for involvement had been limited. 

When asked about priorities, respondents placed the greatest importance on helping people stay well through prevention, improving care closer to home, creating high-quality hospital services, supporting mental health, and improving cancer care. Common suggestions for improvement included better listening and communication, increased frontline staffing, easier access to GP appointments, more joined-up care and improved support for vulnerable groups. 

Overall, Healthwatch concluded that public engagement around healthcare transformation had been insufficient, particularly among seldom-heard communities. It recommended that STP leaders strengthen communication and engagement, make greater use of community networks, ensure public involvement is embedded in future planning, and work more closely with organisations such as Healthwatch to engage people who are often excluded from decision-making.