Rurality and the struggle to access healthcare

As the independent champion for people using health and social care services in North Yorkshire, we know all too well the challenges facing the largest county in England.

With just over 600,000 people scattered across a huge area, only eight of our towns have a population of more than 10,000. In much of the county there are just 76 people per square mile compared with the English average of 430. According to the North Yorkshire Rural Commission, 85% of North Yorkshire is classed as ‘super-sparse’ or very rural. This means most of our residents live in smaller communities – making access to services, isolation and transport key issues for us.

One of our areas of focus is why people living in our rural areas are struggling to access the care they need.

We listen to people across the county to find out what the issues are, what support is available and how people can be better connected with help in their area. See Rurality and the healthcare barriers in North Yorkshire to read our report and recommendations. The local picture is mirrored nationally: What people living rurally have said about their healthcare.

People living in rural areas face increased challenges accessing healthcare, including long hospital wait times, difficulty finding an NHS dentist, and trouble booking GP appointments. These issues are worsened by limited transport, lack of local hospitals and GPs, and poor WiFi. While NHS and social care staff are doing their best, we recommend that commissioners, service providers, and the government work together to improve service accessibility for rural communities.

Share your views, help make care better

Wherever you live in England, you’ll have a local Healthwatch nearby (there are over 150 across the country). We’re here to listen to the issues that really matter to local communities and to hear about your experiences of using health and social care services.

We’re entirely independent and impartial, and any information you share with us is confidential.

Find your local Healthwatch

If you or someone you care for uses GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or any other health and care services across the county, we want to hear about experiences. As an independent statutory organisation, we have the power to make sure those who organise, fund and provide care listen to local feedback and improve standards.

Staff and services are doing the best they can in difficult circumstances, but there might be things that were great or that could be improved.

We use your feedback to better understand the challenges facing the NHS and other care providers nationally, to make sure your experiences improve health and care services for everyone. We can also help you find advice and information to make the right decisions for you and to get the support you deserve. We also share the latest news across health and social care, including the good work that is being done for our people.

Sharing your experiences, whether positive or negative, is important. Your feedback can lead to improvements in care. If you need advice or want to share your story, we're here to listen.

---

Email [email protected]

Phone 01423 788 128.

Write to us: Freepost HEALTHWATCHNORTHYORKSHIRE

https://www.healthwatchnorthyorkshire.co.uk/have-your-say

Sign up for the Healthwatch North Yorkshire newsletter