Eastbourne Listening Tour - Commuter Survey

Healthwatch East Sussex spoke to Eastbourne commuters as part of their 2022 Listening Tour.  They spoke to 35 people.

The most common response received was people’s appreciation for the NHS being free at the point of access [except for prescriptions/dentistry for some people]. The range of services offered via the NHS was highlighted as one of its strengths, with the ability to move between them, but to remain in the same system. People gave positive examples of how the NHS had helped them with support, advice treatment and procedures, and they commented on their appreciation for these. A good quality of care was frequently mentioned.

Waiting times and delays were the most common themes in the weaknesses of the NHS. Comments highlighted long waits for many NHS services, and this was a major source of frustration, as well as having a negative impact on people’s physical/mental wellbeing. Some respondents highlighted that they had resorted to using private healthcare in a bid to overcome the delays and waiting times.

The most common change people identified was an increase in funding and resources, and this was linked to the recruitment and retention of staff, improvements to pay and conditions, and upgrading of facilities. Specific improvements were sought in mental health, access to GP appointments, CAMHS, NHS dentistry, improved facilities, and a greater focus on improved education and self-help.