Service User Feedback on Access to Hospitals within Lancashire: Reports for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

This report presents findings from a Healthwatch Lancashire survey conducted between February and May 2016 to gather patient and visitor experiences of accessing hospitals across Lancashire, including those within Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 

The study involved face-to-face surveys with 1,596 people across 17 hospitals, focusing on how individuals travel to appointments, the convenience and cost of journeys, parking availability, and the quality of information provided to help them attend appointments. 

Overall, most respondents travelled to hospital by car (around 65%), and the majority were able to reach hospital within 30 minutes. While most people were not concerned about travel costs, parking was a common issue, with only about two-thirds of drivers reporting that they could easily find a parking space. 

Public transport was generally considered convenient by those who used it, although fewer people relied on it compared with private cars. Most patients allowed extra time to attend appointments, reflecting concerns about potential delays or difficulties in reaching the hospital. 

In terms of communication, most respondents received appointment letters, but fewer received reminders. While a majority found the information helpful for planning their journeys, a notable proportion felt the details were unclear or insufficient. 

A minority of patients reported being late (around 19%) or missing appointments (around 8%) due to travel-related problems. The most common causes included traffic, difficulty finding parking, issues with public transport, illness, and confusion about appointment locations. 

Findings specific to Blackpool Victoria Hospital showed similar patterns, with most people arriving by car and reporting generally positive travel experiences, although some highlighted issues with parking, traffic congestion, and public transport convenience. Patients also raised concerns about long waits for patient transport, the cost of parking, and the distance from car parks to departments. 

Feedback from Clifton and Fleetwood hospitals was largely positive, particularly regarding public transport convenience at Clifton and short travel times overall. However, some concerns remained about parking availability and accessibility, especially for people with mobility difficulties. 

The report concludes that, although most patients experience relatively smooth journeys to hospital, there are recurring issues with parking, transport coordination, and communication about appointments. It highlights the importance of improving parking provision, enhancing public transport links, and ensuring that patients receive clear and timely information about their appointments.