The use of community space in Okehampton Hospital - May 2021 - White Bear
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The use of community
space in Okehampton
Hospital
May
Feedback Report 2021
Healthwatch Devon 1
Contents
Contents
Contents ................................................................................................... 2
Introduction .............................................................................................. 3
What we did .............................................................................................. 3
Key findings .............................................................................................. 4
Detailed results .......................................................................................... 5
Question 1. Possible uses of the community space at Okehampton Hospital are outlined
below. Please rate on a scale of 1 to 5 where 5 is the most important and 1 the least
important. .............................................................................................. 5
Question 2. Please let us know what other comments/ideas you might have about the
use of Okehampton Hospital. ........................................................................ 6
Question 3. To ensure we make the best use of the community space available at
Okehampton Hospital, what do you feel are the most important healthcare and
wellbeing needs of you and your community? .................................................... 9
Question 4. Currently Okehampton delivers a range of community medical services to our
local population.What other clinical/medical services would you like to see delivered
from Okehampton Hospital, if any? ............................................................... 12
Question 5. If particular clinical/medical services were not available in Okehampton how
easy/difficult would you find it to travel to another community hospital such as
Tavistock or Holsworthy? ........................................................................... 13
Question 6. If you have answered difficult or very difficult, please provide brief details
about your response................................................................................. 13
Question 7. If you would like to share any further comments about the use of community
space in Okehampton Hospital, please provide further details. ............................. 15
Demographics information ......................................................................... 17
Statement from North Dartmoor Primary Care Network ...................................... 21
Recognition ............................................................................................. 21
Appendix ................................................................................................ 22
Contact us............................................................................................... 28
Healthwatch Devon 2
Introduction
Introduction
Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay is the independent consumer champion for
people using health and care services in Devon. Healthwatch listens to what people like
about services and what could be improved and shares those views with those who have
the power to make change happen. Healthwatch Devon was asked by the North Dartmoor
Primary Care Network (PCN) to find out about the health and wellbeing needs of the local
community and gather feedback on how to use the community space at Okehampton
Hospital.
The North Dartmoor PCN consists of Black Torrington, Chagford, Moretonhampstead and
Okehampton GP Practices. PCNs build on existing primary care services and enable greater
provision of proactive, personalised, coordinated and more integrated health and social
care for people close to home. These GP practices work closely with community,
voluntary, and statutory services and local healthcare partners to provide joined-up
patient-centred primary and community-based care, in line with the NHS Long Term Plan.
What we did
A survey of seven questions (two multiple-choice, five open-ended) was used to ask people
about their health and wellbeing needs and their opinions on the use of community space
at Okehampton Hospital. Respondents were also asked six questions about their
demographic information (e.g., age and disability status). The survey was publicised via
the Okehampton area parents’ network, Okehampton Events and Publicity, What’s on in
Devon, Okehampton Noticeboard, What’s on in Exeter, and the Okehampton Times
(appendix 1). The survey was also promoted by Healthwatch’s social media, website, and
e-bulletins (appendix 2-4). Additionally, local community groups were contacted by email
(appendix 5-6) and asked if Healthwatch may attend their group sessions to promote the
survey. However, no local organisations extended an invitation to Healthwatch.
Respondents were also given the opportunity to complete the survey via telephone; a small
number of respondents took up this opportunity. Two digital drop-in meetings were also
organised for those who were unable to attend community group meetings. However, no
one accepted this invitation. 385 people responded to the survey.
Healthwatch Devon 3Key findings
Key findings
• Mental health support and activities supporting wellbeing received the highest
ratings for the use of community space at Okehampton Hospital. Respondents’
suggestions for other uses included resources for exercise, nutrition, and weight
loss, new parent and early years support, support groups and activities for people
with long term conditions and disabilities, groups and activities for people dealing
with loneliness and social isolation, and support for the elderly.
• Many respondents feel strongly that the hospital is a valuable local resource, and
some were concerned about the loss or reduction of services in Okehampton,
particularly inpatient beds and the maternity ward.
• Most respondents said it would be difficult for them to travel to another community
hospital such as Tavistock or Holsworthy if services were not available in
Okehampton. Respondents described local public transport as limited and
inadequate due to infrequent buses, a lack of direct routes, and a lack of nearby
bus stops. Some said that bus timetables were often incompatible with appointment
times and the long trip required them to take time off work to attend
appointments. Expense and environmental impact were also concerns.
• When asked what other clinical or medical services they would like to see delivered
from Okehampton Hospital, the top five responses were inpatient beds, maternity
care, x-ray facilities, dentistry, and oncology. Some respondents suggested services
that are already available in Okehampton, particularly minor injury and emergency
treatment, which could imply that better communication is needed to make people
more aware of the services available in Okehampton.
• Some respondents are concerned about Okehampton’s population growth and the
effect this may have on services, particularly GP and primary care services.
Healthwatch Devon 4Detailed results
Detailed results
Question 1. Possible uses of the community space at Okehampton
Hospital are outlined below. Please rate on a scale of 1 to 5 where 5 is
the most important and 1 the least important.
378 respondents answered this question and seven respondents skipped it. The five options
are ranked below in order of importance.
1. Mental health drop-in service (average rating: 4). Of the 346 respondents who
provided a rating for this option, 44.51% of respondents (154 people) rated it “most
important” and 5.20% (18 people) rated it “least important.”
2. Activities supporting wellbeing run by community groups and NHS services
(average rating: 3.51). Of the 270 people who provided a rating, 21.11% (57
people) rated this “most important” and 7.41% (20 people) rated it “least
important.”
3. Flexible group space (average rating: 2.89). Of the 235 respondents who provided
a rating, 11.06% of respondents (26 people) rated this “most important” and 9.36%
(22 people) rated it “least important.”
4. Space for guided exercise programmes (average rating: 2.66). Of the 242
respondents who provided a rating, 6.20% (15 people) rated this “most important”
and 14.46% (35 people) rated it “least important.”
5. Community café, meeting place, and information hub (average rating: 1.68). Of
the 256 respondents who provided a rating, 3.91% (10 people) rated this “most
important” and 62.89% (161 people) rated it “least important.”
Question 1. Average ratings for
possible uses of Okehampton
Hospital space
Community café 1.68
Guided exercise space 2.66
Flexible group space 2.89
Activities supporting wellbeing 3.51
Mental health drop in service 4
1 2 3 4 5
Healthwatch Devon 5Detailed results
Question 2. Please let us know what other comments/ideas you might
have about the use of Okehampton Hospital.
262 respondents answered this question and 123 skipped it. Suggestions for community
groups and services included support groups for people with long term conditions, new
parents and families, and people dealing with social isolation and loneliness. Other
suggestions included mental health drop-ins, information, and education (e.g., first aid,
domestic abuse, drug and alcohol use, digital support), and facilities and guidance for
exercise.
However, most respondents expressed that they would prefer for available space to be
used for medical rather than community purposes. These suggestions included inpatient
beds, maternity and labour, outpatient clinics, GP or primary care services, and x-rays.
Thirty-six respondents gave general comments about keeping Okehampton “as a
community hospital” or “reopening it to its full use” but did not mention a specific
service. Thirty-six respondents mentioned travelling to Exeter as a concern or problem for
them. Fourteen respondents said they wanted a minor injuries unit (MIU) but it was not
clear if they were aware that Okehampton Medical Centre has a daytime MIU, or if they
wanted this facility to be based at the hospital instead. Five respondents specifically said
they wanted an MIU that was available out-of-hours. Thirteen respondents mentioned
accident and emergency (A&E), but it was not clear whether some respondents were
referring to this or an out-of-hours MIU.
Inpatient beds (92 mentions)
• “We need beds for local people leaving hospital who need more than care home
treatment to get them fit enough to get home.”
Community groups and services
Support groups for long-term conditions (13 mentions)
• “Regular seminars to help people manage conditions such as depression,
diabetes, fibromyalgia, heart disease, cancer and similar.”
Support and information for families and expecting parents (13 mentions)
• “Antenatal classes. Mother and baby groups. Breastfeeding support.”
Mental health support groups (6 mentions)
• “A mental health drop in would be amazing.”
Information and education (5 mentions)
• “Child choking and CPR first aid sessions.”
• “Something for carers – a drop in or information point.”
Healthwatch Devon 6Detailed results
Exercise and nutrition (3 mentions)
• “Free or affordable guided exercise and dieting programmes, for people
with low incomes and children.”
General support and wellbeing (3 mentions)
• “Should be used for health and wellbeing for the community. All ages should
be considered.”
Travelling concerns (36 mentions)
• “Out of hours surgery. People without transport can’t get to Exeter.”
• “Everything seems to be elsewhere. Having to travel to Exeter for things when
there’s enough [people] in Okehampton now is silly.”
Keeping Okehampton as a community hospital (36 mentions)
• “Reopen it to its full use.”
• “Keep it as a community hospital, as we need one”
Maternity and labour ward (35 mentions)
• “Reinstate the maternity beds. It was always a highly valued service which provided
local mums exceptional care and support.”
Minor injury or emergency treatment
Minor injury and emergency treatment (27 mentions)
• “An accident and emergency service giving the increasing population of
Okehampton.”
• “Bring the minor injuries unit back.”
Out-of-hours minor injury treatment (5 mentions)
• “A full-time minor injuries unit. Not everyone has a car to get to Exeter
when their child has an accident outside office hours.”
Outpatient clinics (30 mentions) N.B. this topic is covered in more detail in Question 4
• “Outpatient appointments, rather than having to travel to RD&E. Especially for
those who find the whole experience of travelling and being in overpopulated
spaces an ordeal.”
GP and primary care services (16 mentions)
• “A second doctors’ surgery [is] desperately needed, the town is growing in size.”
• “To allow the local GP practice to expand. So many new houses [are] being built.”
Healthwatch Devon 7Detailed results
X-ray (14 mentions)
• “What it could really do with is an x-ray/light casualty service to spare people
having to go to RD&E.”
Healthwatch Devon 8Detailed results
Question 3. To ensure we make the best use of the community space
available at Okehampton Hospital, what do you feel are the most
important healthcare and wellbeing needs of you and your community?
285 respondents answered this question and 100 skipped it. Mental health treatment and
support was the most common suggestion, mentioned by 73 respondents, though it was not
always clear whether respondents were referring to medical treatment or community
support. Suggestions for other community groups and services included nutrition and
exercise guidance, information, advice, and general support (e.g., domestic abuse, first
aid training, and drug advice), and support groups for families and parents, people living
with long-term conditions, people dealing with social isolation, and elderly people. Fifty
respondents said they would like available space to be used for inpatient beds.
Thirty-six respondents said travel and transport was an issue, with some saying they would
appreciate services that saved them from having to travel to Exeter. Respondents also
mentioned the maternity ward, outpatient clinics, and GP or primary care services.
Thirteen respondents expressed that they wanted Okehampton to be maintained as a
community hospital but did not specify whether they were concerned about the loss of a
particular service. Seven respondents said they would like an out-of-hours MIU or
emergency department in Okehampton. Thirteen respondents mentioned they wanted an
MIU, but it was not clear if they were aware that Okehampton Medical Centre has a
daytime MIU, or if they wanted this facility to be based at the hospital instead. Fifteen
respondents said they wanted an A&E department, but it was not clear whether some
respondents were actually referring to an out-of-hours MIU.
Mental health treatment and support (73 mentions)
• “A mental health drop-in clinic would be a much-needed option for the community,
especially given the last 12 months’ difficulties.”
• “Mental health treatment such as counselling and talking therapies, including for
under-18s.”
Community groups and services
Nutrition, weight loss, and exercise guidance (12 suggestions)
• “Exercise and company in a friendly controlled way. Middle aged people can
walk to the Fairplace Church but if you use a wheelchair, it’s awkward if not
impossible.”
Family, new parent, and early years support (14 suggestions)
• “Support groups e.g., breastfeeding support and antenatal classes.”
Information, advice, and general support (11 suggestions)
• “Regular information and a telephone line that is answered by a human
being.”
Healthwatch Devon 9Detailed results
• “First aid training for the general public.”
Support groups for people with long term conditions and disabilities (8 mentions)
• “A space for monitored activities for people with COPD, etc.”
• “Support for chronic medical problems, e.g., diabetes and hypertension
management.”
General health and wellbeing support (8 mentions)
• “Somewhere to access help with health issues easily and where to find
various groups.”
Support for social isolation and loneliness (8 mentions)
• “A meeting place is important to help with loneliness.”
Support for the elderly (7 mentions)
• “Local facilities for the elderly as so many have closed.”
Support for carers (3 mentions)
• “Unpaid carers wellbeing is critical – they have had little respite during the
pandemic and the number has risen to 130,000 across Devon.”
Inpatient beds (50 mentions)
• “There is a desperate need for some inpatient care for elderly/frail people who do
not need the specialist nursing care of the RD&E but are not fit to return home.”
• “The needs of people requiring care having been in the major hospitals but [who
are] not ready for care homes or nursing homes. Visiting when able [is the] most
important for patients and family.”
Travel concerns and difficulties (36 mentions)
• “Healthcare closer to home, we live in a rural community with poor transport
links.”
• “Transport for those who no longer drive and live in the outlying villages.”
MIU and A&E
MIU and A&E (28 mentions)
• “Access to out-of-hours emergency provision. Nearest provider is Exeter and
can only be reached by ambulance by those without a car or someone to drive
them.”
• “Emergency care to avoid having to go to Exeter hospital.”
Healthwatch Devon 10Detailed results
• “Bring back A&E.”
Out-of-hours minor injury (7 mentions)
• “Minor injuries unit due to Okehampton surgery not being open after 6pm. I
think it would be good for the growing community to have some sort of
medical care say between 6pm and 10pm which would ease pressure on RD&E
and the ambulance service.”
Maternity ward (30 mentions)
• “Bring back the maternity unit.”
• “Maternity care is vital.”
Outpatient clinics (28 mentions) N.B. this topic is covered in more detail in Question 4
• “Things like chiropody, x-rays, scans, physiotherapy etc. could be carried out
locally. [It would] save on time travelling to Exeter.”
• “To maintain a service to the community on a daily basis for x-rays, scans, and
physiotherapy.”
GP and primary care services (18 mentions)
• “[The population of Okehampton] has doubled recently and local GP centres have
closed.”
Keeping Okehampton as a community hospital (13 mentions)
• “Use it as a hospital.”
• “A community hospital. Not a café or drop-in centre.”
Healthwatch Devon 11Detailed results
Question 4. Currently Okehampton delivers a range of community medical
services to our local population, including audiology, care services for
those with a hearing impairment, paediatrics, dietetics, ear nose and
throat, gastrointestinal and liver, general surgery, geriatric medicine,
mental health, nephrology, opthamology, orthopaedics, respiratory
medicine, rheumatology, vascular surgery, podiatry, maternity, speech
and language, and hospice care. What other clinical/medical services
would you like to see delivered from Okehampton Hospital, if any?
254 respondents answered this question and 131 skipped it. The most common suggestions
were inpatient beds, maternity, x-ray, dentistry, and oncology. Ten respondents said they
would like an out-of-hours MIU. Seventeen respondents said they would like a MIU, but it
was not clear whether they were aware that Okehampton Medical Centre has a daytime
MIU, or if they wanted an MIU to be available at the hospital instead. Eleven respondents
said they would like an A&E, although some respondents may have been referring to an
MIU. Additionally, 22 respondents said they either did not believe or did not know that
these services were offered at Okehampton Hospital. Nine respondents said they would
appreciate services that would prevent them from travelling longer distances. Services
highlighted in bold were named as being available in the original list.
• Inpatient beds, including • Nephrology and dialysis (5
rehabilitation, respite, and end- mentions)
of-life (45 mentions) • Dietetics (4 mentions)
• Maternity, antenatal, and • Diabetes care and support (4
neonatal care (32 mentions) mentions)
• X-ray (29 mentions) • Family planning and sexual health
• Dentistry, including orthodontics (3 mentions)
(24 mentions) • Dermatology (3 mentions)
• Oncology and chemotherapy (20 • Gynecology and women’s health (3
mentions) mentions)
• Physiotherapy (18 mentions) • Podiatry (3 mentions)
• Mental health and counselling (17 • Urology (3 mentions)
mentions)
• Dementia care and support (3
• GP and primary care services (14 mentions)
mentions)
• Minor surgery (3 mentions)
• A&E (11 mentions)
• Stroke clinic (2 mentions)
• Out-of-hours MIU (10 mentions)
• Endocrinology (2 mentions)
• Chronic illess and pain
• Audiology (1 mention)
management services (8 mentions)
• Radiology (1 mention)
• Opthamology (8 mentions)
• Neurology (1 mention)
• Cardiology and cardiac care (6
• Paediatrics (1 mention)
mentions)
Healthwatch Devon 12Detailed results
• Learning disability care and • Drug and alcohol service (1
support (1 mention) mention)
• Occupational health (1 mention)
Question 5. If particular clinical/medical services were not available in
Okehampton how easy/difficult would you find it to travel to another
community hospital such as Tavistock or Holsworthy?
377 respondents answered this question and eight skipped it. 10.08% of respondents (38
people) said they would find it easy or very easy to travel, and 61.53% of respondents (232
people) said they would find it difficult or very difficult. 28.38% of respondents (107
people) said they would find travelling neither easy nor difficult.
Question 5. How easy or difficult
would it be for you to travel to
another community hospital such as
Tavistock or Holsworthy?
Very difficult 29.97%
Difficult 31.56%
Neither easy nor difficult 28.38%
Easy 8.75%
Very easy 1.33%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Question 6. If you have answered difficult or very difficult, please provide
brief details about your response.
236 respondents answered this question and 149 skipped it. The most common barrier was
inadequate public transport; respondents said a lack of direct routes and inconvenient
timetables would make travelling to appointments difficult. Sixty-four respondents said
they were unable to drive or lacked access to a car. Fifty-three respondents said distance
or time would make travelling difficult and 31 respondents said an illness, disability, or
condition would make it difficult. Fifteen respondents had concerns about the cost of
travelling and eight respondents were concerned about its environmental impact.
Healthwatch Devon 13Detailed results
Public transport (97 mentions)
• “Appointments are rarely made at convenient times, so I have to call and
reschedule to coincide with bus times.”
• “Synchronising bus times with medical appointments can be problematic and can
mean a whole day away from home with the attendant cost and inconvenience that
entails.”
• “Public transport from Okehampton to Exeter, Tavistock and Holsworthy is
infrequent and expensive. The bus services do not run late and there is no direct
service to hospitals. If a person was relying on public transport to get to any of
these suggested places it could conceivably take all day if they were lucky enough
to be able to get to the appointment on time.”
Inability to drive or lack of access to car (64 mentions)
• “Not everyone can drive or has transport.”
• “I don’t drive. I live alone. It’s not safe to car-share, taxi or bus now.”
Distance or time spent travelling (53 mentions)
• “Not easy to get to, even as a driver, if you work full time in Exeter but live in
Okehampton. Goodness knows how anyone would get to Tavistock or Holsworthy
within the limits of 9am to 5pm.”
• “Longer times to get to appointment would mean more time would need to be
taken off work.”
Illness, disability, or other condition (31 mentions)
• “I struggle to use buses due to anxiety and travel sickness, especially on buses, and
can’t always afford a taxi.”
• “Decreasing mobility makes transport difficult.”
Cost of travelling (15 mentions)
• “The cost of a taxi there and back is so high; many couldn’t afford it!”
Environmental concerns (8 mentions)
• “Encouraging more travel by car and taxi is not environmentally friendly.”
Healthwatch Devon 14Detailed results
Question 7. If you would like to share any further comments about the
use of community space in Okehampton Hospital, please provide further
details.
127 respondents answered this question and 258 skipped it. Forty-three respondents used
this opportunity to express concern about hospital services being lost or moved to other
facilities. Many respondents expressed that they would like available space to be used for
clinical purposes, such as inpatient beds, maternity beds, A&E, or routine blood tests.
Fifteen respondents voiced concerns about the growth of Okehampton’s population and the
effect this may have on GP services. Fifteen respondents expressed their support for the
available space being used for community purposes. Three respondents said they believed
the list of services given in Q4 was not fully accurate.
General concern about loss or reduction of hospital services (43 mentions)
• “It needs to stay open and offer usable services for the health and wellbeing of our
community population, some of whom would severely struggle to access healthcare
in other areas of Devon.”
• “I do feel the hospital, which was publicly [prescribed] for medical use should be
used for that purpose.”
Rehabilitation and convalescence beds (26 mentions)
• “When people have no need of a bed in an acute ward, they should be able to finish
their hospital stay locally, enabling more frequent visits from friends and family,
improving their recovery.”
• “We really do need our community beds back, too many old people are dying far
away from family and friends.”
Concerns about population growth (15 mentions)
• “It would definitely be a poor decision to close [the hospital] as the town will be
expanding rapidly when the rail route is introduced later this year. Okehampton
needs to prepare with appropriate services. Get ready for the hikers and bikers with
their broken limbs!”
• “A doctor’s surgery needs to come back there to deal with the extra 2000 people
soon to inhabit the new housing.”
Support and suggestions for community space use (15 mentions)
• “Exercise classes for recovering patients, disabled patients, and mental health
patients for whom the gym is inappropriate.”
• “I believe a focus [on] children and not just adults could be highly beneficial.”
• “We need to use this space again to benefit the community. Health is more than
medical.”
Healthwatch Devon 15Detailed results
Maternity ward (12 mentions)
• “We have the state of the art [maternity] suite and expecting couples are having to
travel to Exeter which is more than 30 miles away.”
• “I would like to see the maternity unit opening fully for birth and aftercare. It is an
amazing facility. Okehampton didn’t have any staff when I had my second baby, so I
had to go to Exeter. The experience was far, far inferior and there was much less
support. Please do everything you can to preserve the services at Okehampton –
they are very important to the local community.”
Travel concerns and problems (12 mentions)
• “Okehampton Hospital is a wonderful facility and we must ensure it is utilised to its
utmost ability to serve the ever increasing community. I strongly believe that
holding more outpatient clinics will decrease our carbon footprint and relieve stress
and anxiety of patients having to travel to Exeter for what is usually five minutes
with a consultant.”
• “Okehampton is situated in a rural area which makes travelling difficult for so many
people [such as the] elderly, [and] mothers with small children.”
Specific medical services (11 mentions) N.B. this topic is covered in more detail in Q4
• “We need an NHS dentist.”
• “Audiology should cater for hearing aid users beyond supply of batteries. For
example, replacement earpieces.”
• “To offer late appointments and really early appointments that are safeguarded for
people who work.”
• “We really need a functioning A&E to serve our expanding community.”
• “We need more of the same facilities to bring back what we have lost over the
years. X-rays every day, physio appointments, etc.”
Questioning the list of services in Q4 (3 mentions)
• “If all of those services are delivered, then why are we always referred to Exeter?”
• “I don’t believe that this list is accurate or at least the ‘services provided’ are
exaggerated, e.g. general surgery? Opthamology? We usually get called to Exeter.”
• “You say you deliver so many services ‘in Okehampton.’ At the hospital? Where is
general surgery carried out? And what exactly is ‘gastrointestinal and liver?’ And
hospice care? Are there actually wards in operation now? It would be good to have
that generally known, if so.”
Healthwatch Devon 16Detailed results
Demographics information
What is your age?
370 respondents answered this question and 15 skipped it. 50.54% of respondents (187
people) were aged 35 to 64, 37.84% of respondents (140 people) were aged 65 and over,
and 11.62% of respondents (43 people) were aged 34 and under.
Age
Over 74 13.78%
65-74 24.05%
55-64 22.43%
45-54 14.86%
35-44 13.24%
25-34 8.65%
18-24 2.70%
Under 18 0.27%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Healthwatch Devon 17Detailed results
How would you describe your ethnicity?
356 respondents answered this question and 29 skipped it. 49.44% of respondents (176
people) identified themselves as “English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish, or British,”
46.63% of respondents (166 people) identified as “White or Caucasian,” 1.40% of
respondents (five people) said they had “any other White background,” 1.40% of
respondents identified as “any other ethnic group” or “another race,” 0.56% of
respondents (two people) said they belonged to “any other ethnic group,” 0.56% of
respondents said they were Irish, 0.28% of respondents (one person) said they were White
and Black Caribbean, and 0.28% of respondents said they were white and Asian.
Ethnicity
White and Asian
White and Black Caribbean
Any other ethnic group
Irish
Another race
Any other White background
White or caucasian
English, Welsh, Scottish,
Northern Irish, or British
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Healthwatch Devon 18Detailed results
Please select the option that best describes you (re: disability status).
367 respondents answered this question and 18 skipped it. As respondents were able to
select more than one option, percentages may total more than 100. 57.77% of respondents
(212 people) did not consider themselves to have a disability, 35.69% (131 people) said
they had a long-term condition, 10.90% (40 people) said they had a physical disability, 3.0%
(11 people) had a sensory disability, and 0.82% (three people) said they had a learning
disability.
Disability status
I do not consider myself to have a
disability or long term condition
I have a learning disability
I have a sensory disability
I have a physical disability
I have a long term condition
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Are you a carer?
371 respondents answered this question and 14 skipped it. 16.44% of respondents (61
people) said they were a carer and 83.56% (310 people) said they were not.
Carer status
Not a carer
Carer
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Healthwatch Devon 19Detailed results
Are you a parent or guardian?
368 respondents answered this question and 17 skipped it. 45.38% of respondents (167
people) said they were a parent or guardian and 54.62% (201 people) said they were not.
Parent or guardian status
Not a parent/guardian
Parent/guardian
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Respondents’ postcodes
357 respondents answered this question and 28 skipped it. Most respondents (91.32% or 326
people) lived in the EX20 postcode area. Twelve respondents (3.36%) lived in EX21, nine
respondents (2.52%) lived in TQ13, and six respondents (1.68%) lived in EX18. EX32, PL16,
EX14, and TQ8 were each represented by one respondent (0.28%).
Respondents' postcodes
EX20 EX21 TQ13 EX18 EX32 PL16 EX14 TQ8
Healthwatch Devon 20Statement from North Dartmoor Primary Care Network
Statement from North Dartmoor
Primary Care Network
“The community engagement report from Healthwatch is a rich source of information and
intelligence which will inform the work of the North Dartmoor PCN Advisory group and its
subgroups going forwards. The size and scope of the respondents add to the robustness of
the detail and give us confidence in our direction of travel and our priorities.”
Recognition
Healthwatch Devon would like to thank the North Dartmoor Primary Care Network and the
West Devon Community and Voluntary Service for their help in carrying out this
engagement. We would also like to thank everyone who took the time to give their
feedback.
Healthwatch Devon 21Appendix
Appendix
Appendix 1. Okehampton Times article (15 April 2021, page 5)
THURSDAY, 15th April 2021 5
user Views sought
P E O P L E in Oke-
hampton and the
use by local people.
Among suggestions
ars
surrounding area is a space for yoga
are being asked for and other well-being
their views on how a sessions, or a café.
space at Okehampton ‘It is important that
Hospital could best be the views of the com-
used for the commu- munity are collected to
nity. ensure the space in the
Heathwatch Devon, hospital is best utilised
which reports to to suit the needs of the
th e N H S o n w h at community,’ said a
local people want, is spokesperson.
conducting a survey ‘Healthwatch would
on behalf of the North like to work with key
Dartmoor Primary Care community groups
Network. in the area to ensure
At present the area at everyone is given a
the hospital off Cavell chance to share their
Way is unused most of feedback.’ See www.
the time, although it surveymonkey.co.uk/r/
has been set aside for NorthDartmoorPCN to
fill in the survey.
Loo campaign
A CENTRE which to install one. Laura
provides meaningful Feaver, from Made-Well,
Appendix 2. Healthwatch Devon social media post (12 April 2021)
activities for people said: ‘So far we have
with learning and mangaged to fundraise
other disabilities is for some money towards
fundraising to install a the cost of the project but
Changing Places toilet. we are nowhere near our
Without these toilets fundraising goal.’
with lifting equipment To help, contact Laura
and special changing on 01837 810584 or
areas, severely disabled email laura.feaver@
people are not able to made-well.co.uk and
easily get out and about sign a petition at www.
to visit places like Made- ipetitions.com/petition/
Well, the centre near install-a-changing-plac-
Hatherleigh which wants es-toilet-at-made-well
Twilight walk
P E O P L E in West to walk either the 13 or
Devon are invited to six mile route or walk
e relationships. their own route near
get glammed up and
na Elder, defending, their own home. All
outshine the stars for
Vernon retreated walkers will receive a
a virtual fantasy Hospiscare’s 15th
anniversary twilight Twilight T-shirt, a 15th
d at a time when he anniversary walker’s
socially isolated and walk — Twilight With
A Twist. medal and an invite
king as a herdsman to the after party.Hos-
farm in Devon. Twilight with a Twist
will take place on piscare cares for over
e said his activity 2,000 patients every
inept and unsophisti- Saturday, July 10 and
there are two ways to year in Mid Devon,
d and that he gave his East Devon and Exeter
telephone number to take part: Participants
can join the Hospis- both in its Exeter hos-
e of the girls, mean- pice and at home, see
t was inevitable he care team and fellow
twilighters in Exmouth www.hospiscare.co.uk/
d be tracked down. twilight.
ntal Practice
are proud to support the B4 Project through our
net membership. Learn more at: onepercentfortheplanet.org
nd gentle approach to professional fully
private dental work Healthwatch Devon 22
3 x Dental Hygienists
t plans available for the whole family
Under 4’s treated for freeAppendix
Appendix 3. Healthwatch Devon website article (6th April 2021)
Have your say on the Okehampton Hospital Community Space!
Healthwatch Devon has been asked to assist North Dartmoor Primary Care Network (PCN)
Advisory Group, to find out from the local community about their health and wellbeing
needs, together with ideas for how to use the community space at Okehampton Hospital.
Healthwatch Devon is an independent consumer champion for Health and Social Care
service in Devon, ensuring the voice of the community is used to influence and improve
services for local people.
North Dartmoor Primary Care network consists of Black Torrington, Chagford,
Moretonhampstead and Okehampton GP Practices. PCNs build on existing primary care
services and enable greater provision of proactive, personalised, coordinated and more
integrated health and social care for people close to home. North Dartmoor PCN Advisory
Group comprises of these GP practices working closely together, along with local
healthcare partners and community, voluntary and statutory services to provide joined up,
patients centred, primary and community-based care, in line with the NHS Long Term Plan.
How can you have your say?
It is important that the views of the community are collected to ensure the space in the
hospital is best utilised to suit the needs of the community. Healthwatch would like to
work with key community groups in the area to ensure everyone is given a chance to share
their feedback.
To have your say and share your views, please complete this survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NorthDartmoorPCN.
If you would like to speak to us directly contact Healthwatch Devon Office, Monday –
Friday 10am – 4pm on freephone 0800 520 0640 and someone can help you to complete the
survey over the phone.
Healthwatch Devon 23Appendix
Appendix 4. Healthwatch Devon eBulletin
Healthwatch Devon 24Appendix
Appendix 5. List of organisations contacted
• Action for • Early Help – • Le Leche League-
Children (WD South/West breastfeeding
Children’s Devon • Learn Devon
Centre) • Exbourne Parish • Library,
• Age Concern council Okehampton
• All Saints Church, • Fairplace Church, • Little Beacons
Okehampton Okehampton
• LiveWest
• Belstone Parish • Filo Project
• Living Options
Council • Folly Gate Parish
• Made-Well CIC
• Belstone Village Hall
Hall • Mary Budding
• FOOTsteps school
Trust
• Black Torrington of dance
surgery • Meals on Wheels
• Forget-me-Not
• Breast Feeding Cafe • Meldon Village
Network Hall
• Free4Life One
• British Lung • Mens Sporting
• Friendly Faces-
Foundation Memories Group
menabling
• Chagford Health • Moretonhampstea
• Friends of South
Centre d PPG
Tawton lunch
• Chagford Parish club • Navigate
Council • Get Changed • New Life Church,
• Child Care Theatre Okehampton
Okehampton Company • North Bovey PC
• Citizens Advice • Gidleigh Parish • Ockment Centre
• Community Car Meeting • OCRA
Scheme • Gilead • OCRA (Okehampto
• Community Links Foundation n Community &
South West • GP exercise Recreation
• Community referral Association)
Transport Group programme • Oke Tree
• Dartmoor Dog • Hamlets Parish Network
training Group Council • Okehampton &
• Dartmoor News • HomeLife Carers District
• Hospiscare Community
• Devon & Cornwall
Transport
Police (Citizens in • Independent Age
Policing) • Okehampton
• Inwardleigh Parish
College
• Devon Carers Council
• Okehampton
• Devon In Sight • Jubilee Hall
Community
• Drewsteignton PC • Kent House Wellbeing for All
Nursing Home
Healthwatch Devon 25Appendix
• Okehampton Food • Okehampton U3A • Sticklepath Parish
Bank • Okehampton Council
• Okehampton United Charities • Sticklepath Village
Forest School • Okehampton Walk Hall
• Okehampton and Talk • Stroke Association
Hamlets P.C. • Pluss Employment Exeter
• Okehampton Services • Tamar Energy
Ladies Meeting • Raven Quest Community Local
• Okehampton Matters
• Reaching for
Medical Centre Independence) • Throwleigh Parish
• Okehampton Council
• RNID (formerly
Memory Café Action on Hearing • Throwleigh Village
• Okehampton Men Loss) Hall
in Sheds • Rotary Club, • Tor Support
• Okehampton Okehampton Services
Mental Health • Sampford Courten • Veterans United
• Okehampton ay Parish council Against Suicide
Model Flying • Sampford village • West Devon
• Okehampton PPG hall Borough Council
• Okehampton • Shared Lives • West Devon
Primary School Community Sight
• South Tawton
Loss
• Okehampton Ring Parish Council
and Ride • West Devon
• South Zeal lunch
Methodist Church
• Okehampton club
Times • Whiddon Down
• South Zeal Victory
VH
• Okehampton Town Hall
Council • Yoga
• Space
Appendix 6. Email invitation sent to community groups
Have your say on the Okehampton Hospital Community Space!
Healthwatch Devon has been asked to assist North Dartmoor Primary Care Network (PCN)
Advisory Group, to find out from the local community about their health and wellbeing
needs, together with ideas for how to use the community space at Okehampton Hospital.
Healthwatch Devon is an independent consumer champion for Health and Social Care
service in Devon, ensuring the voice of the community is used to influence and improve
services for local people.
North Dartmoor Primary Care network consists of Black Torrington, Chagford,
Moretonhampstead and Okehampton GP Practices. PCNs build on existing primary care
services and enable greater provision of proactive, personalised, coordinated and more
Healthwatch Devon 26Appendix
integrated health and social care for people close to home. North Dartmoor PCN Advisory
Group comprises of these GP practices working closely together, along with local
healthcare partners and community, voluntary and statutory services to provide joined up,
patients centred, primary and community-based care, in line with the NHS Long Term
Plan.
How can you have your say?
It is important that the views of the community are collected to ensure the space in the
hospital is best utilised to suit the needs of the community. Healthwatch would like to
work with key community groups in the area to ensure everyone is given a chance to share
their feedback.
To have your say and share your views, please complete this survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NorthDartmoorPCN.
If you would like to speak to us directly contact Healthwatch Devon Office, Monday –
Friday 10am – 4pm on freephone 0800 520 0640 and someone can help you to complete the
survey over the phone.
If possible, I would like to attend one of your community group meetings (assuming these
are now being held digitally) to explain to your members a little bit about the proposal and
to capture any feedback you would like to share/encourage you to fill in the survey. If your
group are no longer meeting due to COVID-19 we will be holding 2 digital drop-in sessions
on:
Tuesday 27th April 10:00-11:00
Thursday 13th May 17:00-18:00
I look forward to hearing from you, please let me know if you would like further
information, or to simply say you do not wish to be involved. If I have received no response
from your group by next week, I will follow up with a phone call to ensure you have
received the information above and been given a chance to share your feedback.
Appendix 7. Mentions of mental health services (Q3) by age group
• 34 and under: 11 out of 26 respondents mentioned (42.30%)
• 35 – 54: 31 out of 79 respondents mentioned (39.24%)
• Over 55: 31 out of 174 respondents mentioned (17.81%)
Healthwatch Devon 27Contact Us Contact us Jan Cutting Healthy Living Centre Scott Business Park Beacon Park Road Plymouth PL2 2PQ www.healthwatchdevon.co.uk t: 0800 520 0640 (Freephone) e: info@healthwatchdevon.co.uk tw: @HwDevon fb: facebook.com/healthwatchdevon © Copyright (Healthwatch Devon, 2021)
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