Healthwatch Engages with Carlin How Community During Village Hall Week

Communications Officer Gaynor Tucker spoke with 12 local people, offering an overview of the work Healthwatch does across the region and inviting attendees to share their feedback.

Discussing Digital Access to Health Services

A key focus of the session was understanding how the community feels about using digital tools such as the NHS App. While most attendees had heard of the app and a few already use it, several shared that they feel uncomfortable or lack confidence using digital technology. Many expressed a clear preference for speaking to someone in person, highlighting the continued importance of non-digital options.

Gaynor also spoke with some of the other organisations attending the event and shared information about the recent work undertaken with Redcar and Cleveland Libraries, where people with no fixed address can now access public computers as a guest. This development helps ensure that digital services remain accessible to those who may face additional barriers.

Raising Local Challenges

Residents also highlighted wider challenges in accessing care. One attendee, who needs regular kidney-related treatment at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, described how poor transport links from the area often mean his journey can take more than two hours, making an already difficult situation even more stressful.

Another member of the group sought advice about making a complaint regarding hospital services. Although she was aware of the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) from her previous nursing background, she had not received a satisfactory response to her concerns. Gaynor provided further guidance and signposted her to People First, the NHS advocacy service, giving her their telephone number so she could access independent support.

Continuing the Conversation

The visit offered valuable insight into the experiences of Carlin How residents, particularly around digital inclusion and barriers to accessing care. Healthwatch will use this feedback to support ongoing work to champion patient voices and promote fair, accessible services across the local area.