Reports Hub

Digital booking is changing GP access – but some people are still struggling to get appointments

Many people across Birmingham and Solihull told us they couldn’t book a GP appointment because their practice relied on online‑only systems. For those who can’t get online or need extra support, this meant real difficulty accessing care when they needed it most. 

Consultation by: Department of Health and Social Care

Healthwatch Birmingham and Solihull responded to the government’s call for evidence on regulating AI in healthcare, emphasising the importance of transparency, clear consent processes and strong patient voice. We highlighted the need for patient feedback to form part of long term monitoring of AI systems, and for clear accountability when decisions are influenced by AI. We also called for national consistency in how AI use is communicated to patients, and stressed the importance of human safeguards, especially in higher risk areas such as mental health.

Consultation by: Department of Health and Social Care

Healthwatch Birmingham and Solihull responded to the government’s consultation on proposed changes to how NICE sets cost‑effectiveness thresholds. We raised concerns about risks to NICE’s independence and the potential for ministerial priorities to override clinical evidence, which could disadvantage people with rare or complex conditions. We warned that removing consultation requirements may limit patient voice and transparency. We also highlighted the risk of widening health inequalities if changes to thresholds are not fully assessed for their impact on public health.

Consultation by: Care Quality Commission

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) consulted on proposed changes to assessing and rating health and social care providers. Healthwatch Birmingham & Solihull responded to ensure patient and public views shaped clearer, more transparent regulatory frameworks. We supported sector-specific assessment frameworks and clearer rating characteristics, stressing accessible information and meaningful engagement. However, we raised concerns about the lack of examples in the consultation, noting that draft rating formats or multimedia explanations would have helped people understand the impact of the proposed changes.