Data has come to light which suggests that people in Royston have more trouble accessing GP services than previously thought.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System (ICB), launched the Let's Talk Royston survey in June, inviting residents to have their say about the health and wellbeing services which matter to them.

Earlier this month, the ICB issued an update to the original report, following a query by Cllr Matt Barnes about how the data was analysed and presented.

The new data reveals that, of the 1,795 people who responded in Royston and surrounding villages, only 317 reported no difficulty in accessing appointments within the last 12 months - either because they did not need an appointment or were able to get one without any issues.

This means that 82.5 per cent of people who responded to Let's Talk Royston experienced at least some difficulty, compared to 66 per cent of respondents in the ICB's area-wide survey conducted in 2022.

Cllr Barnes, who represents Royston Meridian ward on North Herts Council, said: "I am glad that the ICB has published this correction.

"It was already clear that local residents faced considerable difficulty in accessing NHS appointments.

"The new data shows the problem is worse here than it is elsewhere. I look forward to working with the ICB to secure the investment in health and care services that our town needs."

The survey also gathered insights into residents' transport options when travelling outside Royston for treatment and their hopes and aspirations for the future of healthcare in the town.

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Many respondents said they wanted the Royston Hospital building to be better utilised, while others cited the difficulty travelling to Addenbrooke's and the desire for increased diagnostic ability locally, such as X-Rays and MRI machines.

A spokesperson for NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said: "We would like to thank people in and around Royston again for taking the time to share their experiences with us.

"We will continue to listen to the community’s feedback.

"We are currently considering what improvements we can make to ensure people can get the care they need, when they need it."