Healthwatch North Yorkshire is asking people along the Yorkshire coast, including Scarborough, Whitby, Filey and nearby areas, to share what really helps them during health appointments
Healthwatch says it wants to understand how easy appointments feel for people locally and where small changes could make visits more comfortable. This follows its work listening to people’s experiences of accessible information, which led to practical improvements in how healthcare information is made easier to understand across GP practices, hospitals and social care.
Coastal communities include a large number of older residents and people living with long term health conditions. Census data shows that around 1 in 5 people in North Yorkshire live with a disability that affects their day-to-day life, meaning adjustments at appointments can make a significant difference.
One resident told Healthwatch:
“I found the whole experience stressful. I had to repeat my information several times because no one seemed aware of my history. Nothing was explained in a way I could follow. The waiting area was loud. The corridors were hard to manage as I struggle to walk. So I already felt anxious before I even saw anyone!”
Healthwatch wants to hear from residents to build a clearer picture of the support they receive, including any adjustments, when using healthcare services, whether at local GP practices, dentists or hospitals or when travelling further away from home.
People have already told Healthwatch that clearer information, calmer environments and more tailored support can make a big difference. The new survey asks practical questions, including whether staff explained things clearly, whether reminders were offered in a way that suited you, what wheelchair and corridor access was like, and whether appointments included helpful adjustments such as quiet areas or easy read information.
Mr Ashley Green, Chief Executive Officer of Healthwatch North Yorkshire, said:
“People across our coastal, rural and urban areas deserve health appointments that are easy, comfortable and straightforward. Your feedback will help Healthwatch highlight what needs to change and show where healthcare providers are already doing things well. Every response helps us speak up for the community and ask for improvements where they are needed. It will make a difference.”
Healthwatch North Yorkshire does more than gather views. Every survey feeds into a public report that sets out clear recommendations for practical changes, and the team follows up to ask services to show what they have done in response. Healthwatch then reports back to the public on the impact people’s experiences have made.
Healthwatch wants to hear from anyone who has had a recent appointment, including people with learning disabilities or difficulties, physical disabilities, long term health conditions, sensory impairments or neurodiverse or mental health conditions, and carers who support them. All responses are confidential and analysed anonymously.
Residents can share their views at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/FT5MLT.
Easy Read, large print and standard print versions are available. People who use British Sign Language can contact Healthwatch through SignLive, and the survey can also be arranged to be completed by phone. Call 01423 788 128 or email hello@hwny.co.uk to arrange this.
The survey is open for everyone in North Yorkshire (even if people have to travel out of their local area to appointments) until the end of Friday 30 January 2026. What Healthwatch hears will inform a full report to be published in Spring 2026.
There is more information at https://www.healthwatchnorthyorkshire.co.uk/news/2025-12-03/need-extra-support-health-appointments
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