What Wirral Told Us: September – October 2026

06 November 2026

During September and October 2026, 63 people shared feedback with us about 39 health and care services. A further 181 people contacted us for information and advice.

People described caring staff, prompt appointments and clear explanations, alongside difficulties accessing services, delays in care and uncertainty about treatment. Hospital care, GP services and dentistry were among the most discussed services. Communication, access and people’s experiences of staff were the strongest recurring themes.

What we heard

GP services: People praised helpful staff, prompt responses and reassurance. Others described difficulties getting appointments, repeated triage and unclear messages. Concerns also included getting test results, arranging repeat prescriptions and understanding treatment decisions or referrals.
Dentistry: People valued gentle, caring treatment and timely urgent appointments. However, finding NHS dental care remained difficult. We also heard concerns about inaccurate information on NHS availability and barriers to specialist treatment.
Hospital care: People praised quick scans, clear explanations and staff who helped them feel comfortable. Others reported late appointment letters, difficulty contacting departments and uncertainty about referrals or ongoing care. Feedback about urgent and emergency care highlighted long waits, limited updates and support for people with additional needs. Hospital parking arrangements also remained a concern.
Other services: We heard about unclear mental health referral pathways and gaps in support after discharge. People also described delays with equipment, wheelchair repairs and care assessments, alongside difficulties maintaining continuity of ADHD care. Limited direct feedback about walk-in centres was positive, while pharmacy experiences were mixed.

How your feedback is making a difference

Our Citizens’ Panel has contributed feedback on bereavement booklets, hospital appointment letters and car park information. We also took part in assessments of the care environment at Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals.

We have shared insights into people’s experiences of mental health services, particularly in emergency departments and urgent care, with the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board’s Quality and Performance Committee.

Alongside this, we are working with partners on safeguarding pathways and the development of neighbourhood health and care services. Further care home visits are planned for 2027 to identify good practice and opportunities to improve access to primary care.