Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Head of Locality Partnerships which introduces an update on the work of Healthwatch, Leeds and the challenges it is facing from members of the public about primary care delivery. 

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships introduced an update to be provided to the Inner North Community Committee, from Healthwatch Leeds and the challenges it is facing from members of the public regarding primary care delivery.

The Communications Manager (Healthwatch Leeds) presented a PowerPoint presentation which introduced the service and what they can do in terms of using feedback gathered as part of research to inform services and make recommendations to providers. An overview was provided on its latest projects and findings, the following was highlighted:

Dentistry

·  From July to September 2024, 25 enquiries were received regarding dentistry and 800 people visited the website about NHS dentists.

·  The Youth Watch Group ran a big project on oral health and accessing information.

·  The West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) has 6.5 million funding to improve access.

·  Leeds City Council has funded 100k to community programmes to improve education around oral health.

·  More patients are being taken on, particularly children and young people.

Enquires

·  Specsavers subcontract ending leaving 20k patients across Leeds not having access to hearing aid tests and consumables. A briefing paper has been produced on the substantial changes in the city. From July to September 2024, 280 people contacted the service about where to go for Audiology. It is recognised that communications around the change is not being passed on to people. Westcliffe Health Innovations to continue to improve the service.

·  There is a difficulty with booking GP appointments, clarity and responsiveness, quality of care, staff attitudes, waiting times and compassion.

·  Lack of mental health support in the community.

·  Positive feedback from Chapel Allerton Hospital.

·  Positive feedback about police in Roundhay.

Repeat prescriptions

·  Almost half of the people ordered their repeat prescriptions online but fewer people from ethnic minority backgrounds, older age groups and low-income areas were using digital options. It is recognised that GP surgeries must offer ways to order without using a computer or app.

·  Many people found digital systems confusing or didn’t have the skills needed, as well as inconsistent communication from GP surgeries and pharmacies making it unclear how to order.

·  It’s important for surgeries and pharmacies to make people aware of electronic repeat dispensing and provide support.

·  The importance of exploring new ways to keep people informed.

·  Graphs were referred to in respect of digital confidence by multiple characteristics for the Inner North East Leeds area.

Committee Members discussed the following matters:

·  Difficulties obtaining a GP appointment and commented that consistency is required across GP surgeries on how people book appointments.

·  Concern regarding pharmacies stopping home delivery services and inconsistencies with pharmacies offering that service.

·  A comment was made that fluoride is added to water in other cities, and Leeds should follow the same approach to promote better health.

·  Communications around changes to Audiology must be stronger, to ensure that residents know where to go and clarity on how they get a referral. It was confirmed that people must contact Westcliffe Innovations number or email address and ask for an appointment at one of the 6 hubs across Leeds. Leeds Healthwatch has a list of walk-in clinics across Leeds.

·  The difficulties of getting access to dentistry and the importance of children and young people accessing dentistry from a young age.

·  There are issues associated with the disconnect between GP surgeries and pharmacies in terms of prescriptions and pharmacies referring patients to GP surgeries and vice versa.

·  Concern regarding the privatisation of dentists.

·  Further to concern regarding the number of people feedback was gathered from, it was confirmed that Healthwatch Leeds work with NHS England and attend complaints and communication groups together to build on feedback and evidence.

A local resident and retired dentist attended the meeting, providing some background information in terms of his career and raised concerns regarding the increased number of dentists being privatised to gain profit on a national basis and how these impacts on residents locally. It was suggested that local ward members meet with Mr Western outside of the meeting to discuss his concerns.

The Committee thanked the Communications Manager for attending the meeting and for providing an update on the work Healthwatch Leeds are doing.

RESOLVED – To note the contents of the report and update provided during the meeting.