Real voices, real impact in July, August, and September
Between July and September 2026, Healthwatch Wakefield received over 300 pieces of information from people sharing their experiences of health and social care services. We also spoke to people at more than 30 community events, meetings, and locations across the district.
Every experience matters. By listening to local people, identifying common concerns and sharing feedback with decision-makers, we help highlight what needs to change – and celebrate what is working well.
What local people told us
This quarter, people continued to raise concerns about getting GP appointments, long waits for treatment and follow-up, difficulties obtaining medication and poor communication between services.
Digital healthcare was another important theme. While some people valued the convenience of the NHS App and online appointment systems, others told us that visual impairments, physical difficulties, neurodivergence or a lack of internet access made digital services difficult to use.
As one person put it: “Not everyone can use Patchs.”
We also heard about the importance of compassionate, person-centred care. People praised staff who took time to listen, explain what was happening and understand their individual circumstances.
Turning feedback into action
Our work is about more than listening. We use what people tell us to raise concerns, influence decisions and help identify improvements.
Helping families affected by ADHD and autism
Following our report, ‘More than a diagnosis’, we continued to raise concerns about a proposal to pause new referrals for children and young people needing ADHD and autism assessments. We challenged the potential impact on families and brought their experiences into discussions with local decision-makers. We were subsequently told that the proposed pause would not go ahead. Although long waits and gaps in support remain a concern, this demonstrates why families’ voices must be part of decisions about services.
Bringing healthcare and practical support closer to people
After visiting Wakefield Street Kitchen, we raised concerns about access to basic oral health supplies and the need for medical support. Following our conversations, the Bevan Van has begun visiting the Street Kitchen again, and a large donation of oral health supplies for children and adults was made available from Colgate through Public Health. This is a practical example of how listening to people in their own communities can help identify needs that might otherwise be overlooked.
Making the move to adult social care easier
Our Adult Social Care Citizen Panel continued to highlight the challenges families face when young people move from children’s to adult social care. Following discussions and feedback from parents and carers, Wakefield Council’s Senior Leadership Team received a report, joint work between children’s and adult social care was agreed, and a quick reference guide was developed to help the Transitions Team explain its support to young people and families.
Helping people feel less isolated
We met a wheelchair user who missed socialising with other men but struggled to find accessible venues. We introduced him and his wife to the No Bulls Hit men's group at St George’s Community Centre in Lupset. His wife later told us: “Finding out about this group has been life changing for him. It’s been so good for his health and his self-worth. He loves it!” He has since attended every week, enjoying the chance to socialise and take part in activities independently.
Helping services learn from people's experiences
We also supported people through our Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy Service, helping them raise concerns and seek answers when things had not gone as expected. Two cases this quarter highlighted the importance of clear communication and reliable processes. Following concerns about contacting maternity services, a dedicated Maternity Enquiry Line was being introduced to provide a more accessible and reliable point of contact. In another case, concerns about an Emergency Department attendance led to learning being shared with clinical and nursing leaders, including reminders about accurate records, staff handovers and completing planned observations. These changes provide opportunities for learning, although their longer-term impact remains to be seen.
Your voice can make a difference
Our quarterly report shows how individual experiences can help highlight problems, influence decisions and identify opportunities to improve services. It also reminds us that accessible services, good communication and compassionate care can make a real difference to people’s lives.
We want to hear from you, whether you have had a positive experience or feel something could have been better.
Have your say. Help shape better health and care for everyone.
Read our latest quarterly impact report, Real voices, real impact: July to September 2026, to find out more about what people told us and the difference their experiences are making.
