Driffield Show is a major annual agricultural event in the UK, attracting both local residents and visitors from across the country. The 150th Driffield Show is scheduled for 2026. The Healthwatch team attended in 2025 to engage with residents, gather feedback on health and social care, and to signpost to services. The team had a stall at the show and used interactive methods such as tabletop questions, feedback forms, and QR codes to encourage participation. The findings from the day are presented in the report below, titled ‘Driffield Show 2025 – We are here to listen’.
Key points
- HWERY spoke to 177 people; many were unfamiliar with Healthwatch.
- The event was quieter than previous years, with some attendees noting higher costs and fewer activities.
- Feedback covered GP surgeries, hospitals, mental health services, dentists, and more.
- Key themes included:
- GP Surgeries: Mixed experiences; issues with digital appointments, access, and support for carers.
- Hospitals: Praise for compassionate care, but concerns about discharge support and travel for appointments.
- Mental Health Services: Positive feedback for CAMHS.
- Dentistry: Long waits for NHS appointments, leading to unaffordable private care.
- NHS General: Appreciation for NHS, but frustration with wait times and access, especially in rural or outlying areas.
- Voluntary Sector: Vital for support, especially for carers, but there are concerns about their sustainability.
- Personal support networks: Praise was given to a range of services, but personal support networks (family, friends) were also highlighted as “hidden, unsung heroes”.
- Feedback routes: There is a strong demand for independent, anonymous platforms for public feedback. Many people preferred sharing feedback with independent bodies rather than directly with services, citing concerns about repercussions.
Main report
The report can be viewed and downloaded from the section below.