#SpeakUp

Over the last year, we have hosted engagement events in local libraries and shopping centres, as well as visiting local hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes to hear what people have to say about their experiences of health and social care services. 

We are supporting the campaign launched by Healthwatch England to get more people to share their views about these and other issues. We are calling people to contact us and #SpeakUp about their ideas and experiences.

If you have an idea that could help improve health and social care for you, a loved one or your community, contact us on the Healthwatch North Somerset website and #SpeakUp.

Nationally, the top five priorities people said that they would like Healthwatch England to look into further are:

• Mental health services (99 of 152 – 65%), with specific reoccurring issues notably Mental Health in Children and Young People
• Adult social care, including residential care homes or care at home – 77 of 152 (51%)
• Service changes, especially Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs) – 52 of 152 (34%)
• Hospital care, including discharge and A&E services – 48 of 152 (32%)
• Access to GP and dental services – 42 of 152 (28%)

Mental health was the top priority for the third year running. People raised this as an issue in 65% of areas nationally. Care and support available to children and young people was the most notable concern. The lack of mental health awareness, early intervention and difficulty accessing effective and appropriate support were key themes.

Adult social care, particularly support for the elderly and their carers, has come a close second with local Healthwatch covering half of the country planning to do work on this issue in the next 12 months. This follows reports by Healthwatch into care homes and being cared for at home.

Third on the list are service changes, especially Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs), which aim to help make health and social care services more integrated and better at delivering tailored support.

With hospital care people told us that emergency care – getting to appointments and leaving hospital – can vary greatly. Specific reoccurring themes include discharge and emergency care.

With GP services, specific themes include access and extended hours. Poor access to primary care services has a knock-on effect, as long waits to be seen by a doctor or dentist can prevent people from receiving the right diagnosis, treatment or referral to specialist services.