Your views on the NHS in the south of England

BBC audiences have been giving their views and experiences on the NHS across the south of England.

How has the health service been coping through the winter? What have their experiences been of GP appointments and surgery waiting lists?

There are a range of views about the state of the service and what should be done to make improvements.

Listeners to BBC Radio Solent's breakfast show have sent presenter Alun Newman their opinions on the NHS in three words.

"Needs to improve," said one caller. "Underfunded, overstretched and unappreciated," said Debbie and Les in Hedge End.

Ann and Steve in Swanage suggested: "Essential, excellent service".

Among those who texted BBC Radio Oxford's Sophie Law, Emma in Thame highlighted "poor integration" of health services across the Buckinghamshire-Oxfordshire border.

"I called 111 for advice for my elderly dad and they didn't know whether to direct Oxfordshire or Bucks services to us," she said.

"There is also very little support for elderly people who pay for their own carers in the area.

"Also, out-of-hours care is terrible, and there is no alternative but to be directed to A&E, even if it's totally inappropriate.

"The staff we have encountered have been very good though."

Glynis in Bicester recalled recovering in hospital after a minor operation in 2022 when a doctor informed her that she - unknowingly - had an irregular heartbeat.

"Within one week I was seeing a heart specialist and was soon back in hospital having a defibrillator/pacemaker fitted. The NHS is wonderful and I am very thankful," she said.

Another texter paid tribute to NHS staff who helped their wife through numerous operations for a tumour in her leg.

"From a woman who could barely exercise to someone who could play badminton very well and taking up some running, even did a Race for Life half marathon once.

"Whatever is going on at the NHS, there are so many people there with hearts of gold. Thank you NHS staff," he said.

People on the BBC Hampshire and Isle of Wight Facebook page have also been sharing their experiences and opinions.

Beverley posted: "The whole care system is broken and needs completely looking at instead of putting on a sticking plaster."

Bob said: "My recent experience in hospital was good from start in A&E through to discharge.

"If there are problems with the NHS, it's all down to successive governments and politicians failing the system."

Sharon from Finchampton called BBC Radio Berkshire to pay tribute to her NHS "superheroes" when she was diagnosed with cancer.

"My journey was started straight away with love and care and not as a number but as a person.

"The extraordinary sense of responsibility, dedication and exceptional care shown to me has been above and beyond - helping me overcome challenges every step of the way."

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