Peoples experiences of accessing Bury GPs for mental health advice.pdf
Download (PDF 1.03 MB)Summary of report content
In December 2017, Healthwatch Bury gathered feedback from service users’ regarding their experiences of both before and after accessing their GP’s about their mental health. They received 118 survey responses and met with 8 mental health groups.
From the survey results 81% of respondents had approached their GP about their mental health concerns in the last 12-18 months, with just under 60% seeking help within 3 months of becoming concerned and 17% waiting for over a year before seeking help.
Feedback highlighted the following issues: Lack of access to childcare and travel costs often prevented women from going to their GP to discuss their mental health problems; The debilitating effect of having a mental health condition can make using public transport difficult and a block to accessing help; Mental health stigma and taking the first step to help is a particular issue in the BAME communities; Finding the courage to make that first step is so difficult without the help and support of family and friends; Group therapy at Healthy Minds isn’t for everyone - more alternative therapy options are needed; Physical health concerns are often overlooked when someone has a mental health condition; Local mental health groups are highly valued by service users for helping them to manage their condition; More information about mental health and what local services are available is needed in Bury and across the local health care services.
The report makes 10 recommendations which address the issues highlighted in the findings. The report does not contain a provider response.