Thankyou for telling us what would make the NHS better
Over 140 people local people shared their views about how they want local health services to improve.
We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has shared their feedback with us about the local implementation of the NHS Long Term Plan.
We’ve been speaking to people throughout North Tyneside about how they would like to see the changes set out in the NHS Long Term Plan implemented. The plan sets out a number of ways in which NHS care needs to improve, so local communities took the opportunity to have their say about what those changes should look like – both in person and by completing our #WhatWouldYouDo? online survey.
We talked to people at Wallsend Library, Linskill Centre Easter Fair, sheltered housing coffee mornings, Balliol Youth and Community Centre and PROPS CRAFT group. We will now share this feedback with local services to inform how the Long Term Plan is implemented locally and regionally.
What did people say?
We asked people to share their views about how the NHS can better support their overall health, and how it can improve care for specific conditions too.
People spoke to us about how the NHS can give them more control of their care, help them to stay healthy, and provide better support. They also shared their views about how the NHS can better support people affected by cancer, dementia, mental health, heart and lung conditions, learning disabilities and autism. We held two focus groups for people who have used mental health services and cancer services.
These are a few of things we heard:
“I had increasing hip pain and my doctor referred me to a specialist and I had a hip replacement. This helped a great deal but the hospital was very understaffed whilst I was in and although everyone worked hard at night it felt like you didn’t want to ask for help as they were so stretched.” (Person with long term condition)
“Getting hospital appointments to see my consultant is difficult, even though I see him every 6 months it would be helpful if when I am having a flare up that an emergency appointment could be obtained” (Person with long term condition)
“Healthcare was OK, time was OK, but admin was terrible, including me chasing appointments and being told at one stage – that no further action was on my file (in error).” (Cancer services)
What helped? “Now I’m in therapy I am getting twice weekly sessions and there is no set limit of sessions” (Mental health services)
Over 18,000 people across England contributed their views through their local Healthwatch and Healthwatch England.
Want to have your say?
We want to hear views on accessing GP services – is it easy to get an appointment? Can you see the doctor or nurse you want to see? Go to our online survey and give your views.
If you have something to say about another health or social care service in North Tyneside please go to our feedback centre where you can rate the service and give your comments.