What Wirral told us: July - August 2026

Healthwatch Wirral undertook research on local people’s experiences of health and social care services during July and August 2026. They heard from 90 people who shared feedback about services and provided information and advice to a further 164 people. The most common themes were communication, access to services and experiences of staff, with feedback covering GP practices, hospital care and mental health services. 

The report found concerns about GP services, particularly around medication changes made without clear explanations, delays in receiving test and referral results, short appointment times for people with complex health needs and frustration with digital-first booking systems. Access to NHS dentistry remained a significant issue, with residents and care homes reporting difficulties registering with NHS dentists and arranging routine dental care, although some people reported positive experiences of timely appointments and caring dental staff. 

Feedback about hospital services was mixed. Many people praised hospital staff as caring, professional and reassuring and reported receiving specialist appointments and diagnostic tests quickly. However, concerns were raised about confusion over hospital communications, difficulties contacting departments, long waits for some test results, uncertainty around discharge arrangements and confusion following the introduction of new hospital parking systems. Some people also reported long waits for ENT appointments and frustrations obtaining medical records. 

The report also highlighted positive experiences of Talking Therapies and employment support services, while some people raised concerns about mental health discharge planning and continuity of care. Healthwatch Wirral used the feedback received to work with local providers, including raising concerns about hospital parking arrangements and developing new information and signposting resources to help residents access NHS dental services.