PEOPLE in Craven are being invited to share their views and experiences about access to health and wellbeing services, including doctors and dentists.

The Craven Communities Together Health and Care Partnership, made up of local charities, voluntary organisations, Healthwatch, GPs, NHS services and district and county councils, says it is working hard to help improve health and wellbeing across the district.

And, it has launched a survey in light of health and care services being put under enormous pressure as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which it says for some people has led to greater difficulties gaining access to services.

A spokesperson said: “Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to poorer health and wellbeing.We want to hear from a wide range of people from across Craven, with lived experience, past or current, about accessing support.”

The survey includes questions about social care and the voluntary sector as well as the NHS.

The spokesperson added: “We want local people to tell us what is working well, what they think needs improving and any ideas they have for how we can make it easier for people to access the support and care that they need.

“There is evidence of a link between rural living and greater difficulties accessing services and support so we are especially keen to hear from people living in the remote areas of the district.

“This is a good opportunity for people to express their views, which are extremely important to us.”

The survey is anonymous and takes about 15 minutes to complete, says the partnership. It closes at the end of May.

It is available online by logging onto https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/H9HNVR7.

There are also posters around the district with a QR code link for people to access.

Those without access to a computer, or who would prefer to fill in a paper copy can pick up survey forms at Craven libraries. Once completed, surveys can be submitted to any library in Craven.

The survey is also available in Urdu or as an easy read version, anyone who would like to complete it by phone or require the survey in a different format, should contact Ruth Stockdale by email: Ruth.Stockdale@hwny.co.uk or by calling: 07458 301393.