Top tips for getting the right support from health and care services

Top tips for getting the right support from health and care services

Navigating health and social care services can sometimes feel confusing, especially when you’re not sure where to go, who to contact or what support is available.

At Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, we listen to local people’s experiences and help people understand their options. Over the past year, our Information and Signposting Team supported hundreds of people with enquiries about accessing services, raising concerns and finding the right support.

Here are our top tips to help you get the most from health and care services.

1. Know where to go for the right support

Different services can help with different needs, and choosing the right place to start can save time.

Depending on your situation, you may need to contact:

• Your GP practice for ongoing health concerns or referrals
• Your local pharmacy for advice about minor illnesses and medicines
• NHS 111 for urgent medical advice when it’s not an emergency
• Your local council for adult social care support
• A hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) if you need help raising a concern about hospital care

If you’re unsure where to start, ask for advice rather than trying to navigate the system alone.

2. Keep a record of important information

Keeping notes can make it easier to explain your situation and make sure nothing is missed.

You may find it helpful to keep:

• Appointment dates and details
• Names of healthcare professionals you speak to
• Copies of letters, test results and referrals
• A list of questions you want to ask at appointments
• Details of any concerns or delays you experience

This can be especially useful if you need to follow up or raise a concern later.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

You have the right to be involved in decisions about your health and care.

If something is unclear, you can ask:

• What are my options?
• What happens next?
• How long should I expect to wait?
• Who should I contact if I have concerns?
• Can this information be provided in a different format?

Taking someone with you to appointments, where possible, can also help you remember information and ask questions.

4. Speak up if something isn’t working

Sharing concerns can help services understand where improvements are needed.

If you have a concern:

• Start by speaking with the service involved, if you feel comfortable doing so
• Ask about their complaints process
• Contact PALS for NHS concerns
• Seek independent advice if you’re unsure what to do next, we can help.

Your feedback can help improve services for you and others.

5. Share your experience – good or bad

Health and care services need to understand what matters to the people who use them.

Whether you’ve experienced excellent care, faced challenges accessing support or have ideas about how things could improve, your feedback helps build a clearer picture of what is happening locally.

At Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, we use what people tell us to highlight issues, celebrate good practice and influence improvements.

6. Ask for help if you’re finding the system difficult to navigate

You don’t have to work things out alone.

Our Information and Signposting Team can provide information about health and social care services and help you find the right place for support.

If you need information or advice, get in touch with our team at Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Your voice matters, and every experience helps improve health and care services for our communities.