Report on Children and Young people’s feedback on the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Sustainability and Transformation Plan
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Healthwatch Barnsley undertook research on children and young people's views of the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP). They spoke to 51 young people through small group sessions in a secondary school setting to understand their views on proposed changes to health and social care services.
Most participants agreed that changes to health and social care services were needed, although some were unsure. Young people highlighted concerns about staff pressures, communication between services, waiting times and a lack of involvement of young people in decisions about healthcare. Many felt that services should do more to listen to both staff and patients, improve information sharing and make healthcare environments more welcoming and accessible for young people.
Mental health support and prevention were recurring themes. Young people felt that schools should play a greater role in promoting health and wellbeing through better access to information, drop-in sessions and visible support services. They also stressed the importance of professionals communicating clearly with young people and avoiding overly technical language that can make healthcare experiences intimidating.
Participants said that good healthcare means receiving the right treatment, being cared for with compassion, having access to knowledgeable professionals and experiencing shorter waiting times. They felt people could be encouraged to stay healthy through initiatives such as free exercise classes, affordable healthy food, healthy cooking sessions and family-based activities, while recognising that barriers including cost, confidence, mental health problems, childcare, transport and lack of motivation can make it difficult for people to maintain healthy lifestyles.