THE pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis are deepening health inequalities in the region, a report has warned.

Healthwatch, the health and social care champion, has compiled an insight report for West Yorkshire, highlighting people’s experiences in accessing GP appointments, NHS dentistry, mental health support, and more.

The report will be discussed at a meeting of the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership Board today.

It says: “Much of this insight highlights challenges faced by people across the area as we come out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Many issues are ones that we were hearing about before and have been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis.

“We are hearing of the additional challenges faced by those with the greatest health inequalities, those with additional communication needs and people living in poverty.”

“Access to GPs remains one of the key areas that people are talking to us about,” the report says.

“People see GPs as the front door to the wider health and care service, and many feel let down when they can’t access their GP in a way that works for them.”

It adds: “Some comments also reflect a view that people’s perception is that while other services have returned to normal after the pandemic, they feel the same has not happened with GP services.”

People spoke of the difficulty in booking an appointment, with frustration at having to call the same day.

“I have felt like crying because I had no idea how to get a response,” said one person.

Another added: “Don't understand why I cannot be SEEN by a doctor. I have heart issues, sciatica, and arthritis and telephone appointments do not satisfy my needs.”

The report adds: “The issue of access to NHS dentists has been raised across all Healthwatch, including for both adults and children.

“People have told us that they simply cannot find an NHS dentist taking on patients.”

Healthwatch said the cost-of-living crisis is having a major impact as people’s access to services and support can be affected if they don’t have money to travel to appointments, cannot use smart devices, or cannot pay for private care if NHS care like dentistry is not available.

The report also highlights problems with people being able to access mental health support, delays in treatment, as well as negative experiences of people staying in hospital due to staffing issues.

The report will help the partnership inform its five-year strategy as its refreshed.