Real voice, real impact in January, February, and March

Between January and March 2026, we heard 348 pieces of feedback from people using local services. This included conversations at community groups, phone calls, and messages through our website and social media. Each story helps us understand what’s working well – and where change is needed.

Four key themes stood out this quarter: difficulty accessing GP care, barriers caused by digital systems, pressure in hospitals, and a lack of coordination between services. Many people told us how hard it can be to navigate the system, particularly when dealing with ongoing or complex health needs.

We also heard about the real impact of these challenges. Some people described long waits in A&E without basic care, while others shared frustration at being unable to get GP appointments or follow-up support. Digital systems, while helpful for some, were a barrier for others who felt excluded or unsure how to access care.

But it’s not just about what we hear – it’s about what happens next.

We’ve been working with local services and decision-makers to share this feedback and push for improvements. This includes influencing discussions at key NHS and council meetings, supporting people to raise concerns through advocacy, and helping individuals access the services they need.

This quarter, our work has contributed to changes such as improved communication in GP practices, increased capacity for surgical treatment, and new actions to address hospital pressures. We also published a report on stroke services, helping to make this a priority area for local improvement.

Every piece of feedback makes a difference. By listening to real experiences and sharing them with those who can make change happen, we’re helping to build a health and care system that works better for everyone.

We’ll continue to listen, act, and speak up – because services can’t improve if they don’t know what’s wrong.