BRIEFING: Impact of reported NHS Pressures on older people’s access to health services

The latest briefing from the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales highlights key findings relating to older people’s views and experiences of health services in Wales, captured as part of a research survey undertaken during March 2023.

You can also read the Commissioner’s statement on her findings here: https://olderpeople.wales/news/nhs-pressures-mean-older-people-could-be-putting-their-health-at-risk-warns-commissioner/

As you will see, over 40% of those surveyed said they were less likely to access GP services, out of hours GP services and A&E services, while around 1 in 4 said they were less likely to contact NHS 111.

The Commissioner is concerned that this means that a significant number of older people may not be seeking medical help when they need it, even in potentially serious cases.

The Commissioner has written to the Health Minister to set out her concerns, and has called for action to ensure that older people are not deterred from accessing the health services they may require.

The Commissioner also wants older people to get in touch with her office to share their experiences of accessing health services, or the experiences of family members or friends, particularly where pressures on services may have acted as a barrier to someone seeking or receiving treatment.