Quarterly report to Systems Quality Group:What's important to the people of West Yorkshire? June 2026

Healthwatch organisations across West Yorkshire undertook research on local people's experiences of health and care services between February and April 2026. The report draws on feedback collected through local Healthwatch enquiry services, advocacy work, outreach activities and West Yorkshire Voice engagement. Access to care remained the strongest theme, with people reporting difficulties obtaining GP appointments, accessing NHS dentistry, securing mental health support and navigating booking systems. Many respondents described long waiting times for specialist referrals, diagnostics, autism assessments and surgery, while transport, parking and the location of services also created barriers to care.

Communication and coordination between services were recurring concerns. People frequently reported having to chase referrals, repeat their story to multiple professionals and manage their own care across different organisations. Carers were not always included in communication, and some people said key information about their needs was not shared between services. However, when services worked well together, patients reported much more positive experiences and appreciated coordinated care that reduced the need for multiple appointments and journeys.

The report also highlighted concerns about inequalities in access and quality of care. Older people, people with disabilities, autistic people, people living with dementia, carers, trans people and those with communication needs were among the groups reporting poorer experiences. Digital systems were helping some people but creating barriers for others, particularly those with low digital confidence, limited internet access or accessibility needs. Respondents valued flexibility and wanted non-digital routes to care to remain available.

Despite these challenges, many people praised staff for being kind, compassionate and professional. The report concluded that key risks include worsening barriers to accessing care, inequalities between different areas of West Yorkshire, digital exclusion, fragmented care for people with complex needs and increasing pressure on unpaid carers. Healthwatch called on health and care leaders to address these risks and demonstrate how patient experiences are being used to improve services.