Public Consultation on Urgent Out of Hours GP Service

This report shares the findings of Healthwatch Herefordshire's public consultation on relocating the local out of hours urgent GP Service. They heard from 310 survey respondents, 295 focus group participants, and reached 70,524 people via social media.

43.87% of survey respondents and 77.3% of focus group participants felt the relocation would not impact service accessibility. Transportation emerged as the primary concern, particularly affecting elderly, disabled, and non-driving residents.

Key recommendations included:

• Modifying bus routes to include the new location
• Installing adequate disabled access equipment
• Ensuring clear signage and directions
• Establishing pharmacy coverage for out-of-hours care
• Providing sufficient accessible parking
• Implementing proper lighting
• Launching a communication campaign

The consultation revealed varying impacts by location, with Ledbury and Bromyard potentially most affected. Findings highlighted the need for better coordination between health and transport services, and improved communication about service provision.