Voice of disability
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Healthwatch West Berkshire conducted a workshop with people with disabilities in November 2018. The aim of this was to find out what works well and what challenges there are for people with disabilities in West Berkshire health and social care.
People reported positive experiences with their GP services, but there were difficulties in booking appointments. People did not know what services were available to them as there is a lack of information about services resulting in isolation and loneliness. Some people felt that their assisted bin collection is good whilst for others this has been difficult to organise. Access to buses is problematic with little or no wheelchair provision and scheduling to rural areas often at inappropriate times, resulting in residents feeling cut off. The lack of support for people whose disability fluctuates is a problem as the support needs are only necessary when there is an episode. It is clear there are still many challenges for those with disabilities in West Berkshire though currently there is no co-ordianted response or if the Health and Well Being Board (H&WBB) even has sight of the disabled.
Responses have been collected from a number of service providers, including CCGs, NHS Foundations Trusts, and the council.