Listening to Coventry residents - August update 2026

Healthwatch Coventry undertook research on local residents’ experiences of health and care services in August 2026. They gathered feedback through surveys, outreach activities, telephone engagement, regular visits to Coventry City Health Centre and Central Library, and community events. The services most frequently discussed were GP services, hospital outpatient services and dentistry, and pharmacies. 

The most common themes were appointment and booking systems, access to services, and communication. Many people reported difficulties obtaining appointments, long waiting times for referrals and treatment, delays in receiving results, and the need to repeatedly chase services for updates. Concerns were also raised about poor communication between services, referrals not being processed as expected, and limited flexibility in appointment booking. 

Residents suggested a range of improvements, including the ability to pre-book appointments through the NHS App, faster referral processes, better communication about test results, improved support for people who do not speak English, and more helpful and approachable reception staff. Some respondents also highlighted concerns about services not following current clinical guidance and difficulties accessing specialist services such as gender clinics. 

Despite these challenges, 17% of the feedback received was positive. People praised friendly and knowledgeable staff, good communication, accessible GP services, supportive pharmacy teams and compassionate care from hospital and dental staff. Many respondents described individual professionals as patient, understanding and helpful, and reported feeling confident in the care they received.