You told us: July to September 2026

Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness undertook research on local people’s experiences of health and social care services between July and September 2026. During this period, Healthwatch engaged with 385 people, reached 2,363 people through social media, surveys and newsletters, and received 44 pieces of feedback about health and care services. The most common topics raised were GP services, emergency departments, access to services, communication with patients and waiting times for appointments and treatment.

The feedback showed that access to services was the most common concern, alongside communication, waiting lists and the way services were organised. Emergency departments and GP services generated the largest volume of feedback. While patients shared positive experiences of supportive healthcare professionals and good GP care, others described long waits in A&E, difficulties accessing specialist treatment, poor communication and concerns about referrals and appointment availability.

Healthwatch also undertook engagement activities across the area, including care home consultations in Windermere and Alston, community events and outreach work. A total of 57 people shared their views on the Applethwaite Green and Grisedale Croft care home consultations. In addition, Healthwatch carried out a major engagement project on the Kendal Urgent Treatment Centre, with 2,045 people completing a survey about their awareness, use and experiences of the service.

Healthwatch used the feedback to identify emerging themes and inform future work, while signposting people to support and escalating concerns where appropriate. The report highlights the importance of improving access to services, reducing waiting times, strengthening communication with patients and ensuring that people’s experiences continue to influence local health and social care services.