There and Back - what people tell us about their experiences of travelling to and from NHS services
Between March and May this year, Local Healthwatch carried out a nationwide conversation asking communities how they want the NHS to improve locally, engaging with over 30,000 people across the country. Travel was a key issue, with nine out of 10 people saying that convenient ways of getting to and from health services is important to them. Indeed, people put transport above other things, such as choice over where to be treated and improving digital access to services. In two-thirds of the country, communities said they wanted more focus in local plans on improving transport links between health and care services.
A new briefing report, ‘There and back’, highlights what the public are saying about issues they face when it comes to travelling to and from NHS services, including issues with public transport, parking and Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services.
The Healthwatch England briefing report, "There and back" can be downloaded here
Locally, people consistently tell us at Healthwatch Rutland that poor transport infrastructure causes them a problem in accessing health and care services. Our Rutland “What would you do?” report shows clearly that 76% of Rutland people believe that convenient travel to access health and care is “very important” against 60% in Leicester and 64% in Leicestershire. We are pleased therefore that this issue is now taking the national stage and can assure Rutland people that we will continue to emphasise these transport difficulties to local key stakeholders.
