What we heard about healthcare in 2024

This report summarises the key themes and findings from the feedback that North Yorkshire received in 2024. This report provides a summary of feedback from over 1,000 people, who they heard from via phone, website, social media, email and events, alongside research projects, including their review into community postnatal care.

They found that access, communication, cost of living and quality of care continues to be the key issues for many across all services:

• GP Services:
  • Long phone wait times and difficulty booking appointments.
  • Delays in receiving phone call appointments.
  • Concerns over triage questioning by reception staff. Patients dislike explaining personal details to receptionists.
  • Many praised GP care but continuity of care was an issue.
  • Risk: Increased A&E visits due to poor GP access.
  • Continence Products: Some forced to ration usage due to high costs.
• Hospitals:
  • Long waits for outpatient appointments (e.g. cardiology, ophthalmology).
  • A&E felt chaotic with long waits for assessment.
  • Transport and parking issues, especially for disabled patients.
  • Staff praised for their care and compassion.
  • Some patients felt ignored or left uninformed about their diagnosis.
  • Risk: Delayed treatment worsens health outcomes and impacts daily life.
  • Energy costs make running essential medical devices unaffordable.
• NHS Dentists:
  • Extremely difficult to register with an NHS dentist.
  • Long waits or no access, leading to serious oral health issues.
  • Those registered were generally happy with care.
  • Risk: Poor oral health, worsening overall well-being.
• Mental Health Services:
  • Long waiting times, especially for CAMHS. Lack of follow-up support after referrals.
  • Limited NHS therapy sessions; some turn to private care.
  • Missed and rescheduled phone appointments cause distress.
  • First Contact Mental Health practitioners at GP surgeries praised.

  • Risk: People losing hope and not seeking needed support. 

    Conclusions:

• Persistent issues with access, communication, and cost are impacting healthcare in North Yorkshire. Many praise the quality of care, but barriers to accessing services remain.
• If unaddressed, these challenges could lead to worse health outcomes and increased pressure on emergency services.