Quarterly report: July - September 2018

Healthwatch Northumberland reported on the key themes that emerged from feedback and enquiries received between 1^st July and 30^th September 2018. Of the feedback received, 61% was negative and was most often about GP services. The positive feedback expressed appreciation across different services, including GP practices.

Themes identified in primary care included: GP service changes; uncertainty about where to go for urgent care; GP appointment booking systems causing concern; and availability of patient transport. Themes identified in secondary care included: proposed changes at Berwick Hospital; travelling to Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital; and positive experiences of care in local hospitals. A theme identified in mental health services related to the availability of information about support services or community services. In social care, concerns were reported about home care services being reliable, with consistent staffing and adequate time being allowed for appropriate care for people in more rural areas.