Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale spoke to local people to understand their experiences of accessing GP services online and using digital healthcare tools such as the NHS App and practice online systems.
As more healthcare services become available digitally, it is important that everyone can access the support they need. Through surveys, community engagement and conversations with patients and healthcare staff, we explored how people book appointments, order prescriptions, access test results and communicate with their GP practice online.
People shared both positive experiences and challenges. While many valued the convenience of digital services, others told us about barriers including confidence, accessibility, language, digital skills and access to technology. The project also explored what support people need to use online healthcare services successfully.
This report brings together the experiences of patients across Kirklees and Calderdale and identifies opportunities to improve digital access while ensuring that people who cannot, or do not wish to, use digital services continue to have alternative ways to access care.
Download the full report below to explore the findings, recommendations and what local people told us about digital access to GP services.