Real voices, real impact in April, May, and June

Between April and June 2026, not including our project with care professionals or feedback from our panels, we heard about 166 experiences from people using health and social care services. We spoke to people at more than 37 community events, meetings and locations, as well as through our website, social media, telephone service and Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy Service.

The report identifies four key themes that came out of what people told us:

• Access to GP appointments and continuity of care
• Digital services improving access for some while creating barriers for others
• Better communication and coordination between services
• The importance of feeling listened to and treated with compassion

Although the report highlights ongoing challenges, it also gives examples of excellent care and shows how people's experiences are leading to real improvements.

Turning people's experiences into change

Every conversation helps us build a picture of what's working well and where services need to improve.

This quarter, the information we gathered was shared at key decision-making meetings across Wakefield District, helping NHS and social care leaders identify priorities, respond to concerns, and agree actions to improve services. Feedback informed discussions on issues including hospital discharge, GP services, medicines, emergency care, ophthalmology, and community services.

Alongside influencing strategic decisions, we also supported hundreds of people directly by providing advice, information and signposting, helping them understand their options, and access the support they needed.

Making a difference one conversation at a time

The report includes a number of real life examples showing how practical support can make a lasting difference.

This includes helping someone access bereavement support, supporting a woman to use the Patchs system to book a GP appointment for the first time, connecting a family with specialist support for a disabled child, and giving people the confidence to raise concerns about their healthcare and ask the questions they wanted answered.

The report also highlights how bringing organisations together can strengthen local support, such as introducing maternity researchers to community groups, and developing new partnerships to reach people whose voices are often underrepresented.

Helping people speak up

One of the report's featured case studies shows how our Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy Service supported a woman with complex health conditions to raise concerns about accessing home visits from her GP practice.

Following her complaint, the practice reviewed its approach, updated her medical record to reflect her mobility needs and provided additional guidance to staff on responding sensitively to home visit requests. The changes will not only benefit her but also help improve care for future patients with complex health needs.

Read the report

Our quarterly impact reports show how local people's experiences help shape better health and care services across Wakefield District.

If you've had a good or bad experience of health or social care, we'd like to hear from you. Every story helps us understand what's happening, influence decision-makers and improve services for everyone.