NHS Long Term Plan - Barnsley Engagement Report

Healthwatch Barnsley undertook research on local priorities for the NHS Long Term Plan. The research involved 199 Barnsley residents who completed a survey between April and June 2019, alongside three focus groups involving 24 participants from the Barnsley Macular Support Group and local refugee and asylum seeker men's and women's groups. The work explored views on prevention, mental health, community care and the increasing use of digital technology within health services. 

The report found strong support for the NHS Long Term Plan's focus on prevention, self-care and personalised care, with 177 respondents agreeing these were the right priorities. People emphasised the importance of working in partnership with health professionals and highlighted the need for easier, quicker access to services, better communication, more information about available support, and greater availability of local services and activities. Respondents who had used community support services valued local provision, peer support and pharmacy services, but identified waiting times, access issues and a lack of funding as areas for improvement. 

Mental health was a major theme throughout the research. Most respondents supported increased investment in mental health services, particularly crisis support, school-based mental health provision and community services. Many felt that physical and mental health should be treated together, while those with experience of mental health services frequently reported long waiting times and difficulties accessing support. Participants called for shorter waits, more appointments, better communication and increased local provision. 

The report also found strong support for investment in neighbourhood-based care, easier access to primary care services and better coordination between organisations. Respondents wanted health and care services to communicate and work together more effectively, while views on digital healthcare were mixed. Although people valued quicker communication, online appointments and access to records, many expressed concerns about digital exclusion, lack of confidence with technology and the need to retain face-to-face alternatives.