A forward thinking health watchdog has asked the young people of Newcastle to use their wisdom and cut their research teeth by carrying out a survey looking at how they perceive dental services in the city.
Newcastle commissioned Children North East in March 2014 to support the development of a young people’s Healthwatch Newcastle group. The group makes sure that the views of children and young people on social care and health services are gathered and taken to the people who plan, buy and deliver the services.
More than 20 young people took part in the project that involved talking to a wide cross section of approximately 270 children and teenagers from all communities across the city. The group wrote the surveys which took place in diverse locations including sports centres, community halls and religious buildings.
The group discovered that young people often don’t know enough about dental services in Newcastle and what they are entitled to.
Their report highlights a lack of understanding amongst young people on the dental services available to them, on how to make appointments and opening times.
Lee Peacock, Service Manager at Children North East, said: “This is a report very much owned and shaped by young people. This issue was not on our radar until young people told us about it. Through their campaigning, those responsible for dentistry provision are starting to take notice. It shows the power of the young person’s voice.”
Ryan Ruddy aged 20 from Fenham enjoyed the challenge of interviewing his peers.
“I found this a really enjoyable project with results that can be used to make dentistry services even better. I particularly enjoyed interacting with lots of young people from different parts of Newcastle and cultural backgrounds.”
Steph Edusei, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Newcastle, said: “The young people demonstrated great commitment and dedication to deliver this report and we will certainly be monitoring how Newcastle dental practices progress with the recommendations”
ENDS
Photo shows Julie Marshall Involvement Coordinator in the dentist’s chair with young researchers Connor Taylor and Ryan Ruddy (right)
Notes to editors:
- Healthwatch Newcastle (HWN) was launched in April 2013 as a result of the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
- HWN is the independent champion for users of social care and health services
- HWN has statutory powers to ensure that the voice of patients, service users and the public is heard and best practice is delivered in social care and health services
- HWN can give an independent view on local issues affecting social care and health
- HWN commissioned Children North East in March 2014 to deliver it’s young person group
- Children North East WEYES project offers free advice, information and support to young people aged 11-25. More information can be found at: http://www.children-ne.org.uk/WEYES
- Children North East has been improving children’s lives since 1891. More information can be found at: http://www.children-ne.org.uk/home.
- Children North East are supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery http://www.postcodelottery.co.uk/Home.htm.