30th May 2025
By Janet O'Toole
There is an incredible sense of community that makes Goole such a special place to live and work, and why it’s crucial that we come together to shape the future of health and care services in our community.
The Heart of Goole
Goole is a town that thrives on its strong community spirit. Despite the challenges we face, the people here are incredibly supportive and friendly. Whether it’s attending the annual Old Goole Gala or participating in events at our community centre, there’s always a sense of togetherness that binds us all. Families support each other, and there’s a great deal of pride in being part of this community.
Overcoming Challenges Together
Like many communities, Goole has its share of challenges. Food poverty, limited access to education and jobs, and mental health issues are some of the significant hurdles we face. The physical and psychological divide created by the canal bridges adds to these difficulties, making it hard for people to access essential services and opportunities.
When a boat comes through the canal, it can take a long time to pass, causing significant delays. If you were to drive around, it can take up to an hour and twenty minutes to get to the other side of Goole. Most families only have one car, and some may not even have one, so many people rely on cycling.
The Importance of Family in Healthcare
Having healthcare facilities closer to home is essential for our communities in Goole. Many residents have to travel to Scunthorpe or Doncaster for hospital care, which can be a daunting task, especially for those without access to a car. Having family members closer to home when they are in hospital is crucial for better health outcomes. Family visits can significantly impact a patient’s recovery, providing emotional support and reducing the feeling of isolation. For elderly relatives, in particular, the ability to have frequent visits from family can make a world of difference in their recovery process.
We would love to see Goole hospital become a hub of community care, opening the café again would bring our already close-knit community together even more and provide a space for people to get together, combat loneliness and improve their health and wellbeing.
Accessibility and Equality
Accessibility and equality are at the heart of our community’s values. We strive to ensure that no one is digitally excluded. Many residents in Goole do not have access to laptops, broadband, or even smartphones, making it difficult for them to access online services. This digital exclusion is a significant barrier, especially when it comes to accessing healthcare and other essential services.
We also work hard to support our migrant communities. Many migrants face challenges in understanding and navigating the healthcare system. Language barriers and a lack of information can prevent them from accessing the care they need. We believe in providing equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background. Our community centre aims to be a welcoming space for all, offering support and resources to help migrants integrate and access the services they need. We hope in future that there may be another community centre like ours, over the bridge in Goole Town Centre.
Looking to the Future
As we look to the future, there are three main things I hope to see happen in Goole:
- Improved Mental Health Support: Mental health is a critical issue in our community. We need better access to mental health services, especially for young people. We house Andy’s Man Club, where 30 men come every Monday to seek help and support. Expanding mental health services, including better access to CAMHS, is something incredibly important to us.
- Local Drug and Alcohol Addiction Support: Substance abuse is another pressing issue in Goole. We need more local support services to help individuals struggling with addiction. By providing accessible and effective addiction support, we can help people rebuild their lives and contribute positively to our community.
- Education and Domestic Abuse Support for Women and Girls: Education is vital for breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering individuals. We need better educational opportunities, particularly for women and girls. Additionally, support for those experiencing domestic abuse is crucial. Establishing a women and girls’ hub in Goole would provide a safe space for education, support, and empowerment.
A Call to Action
This review of Goole hospital services is a critical opportunity for us to voice our needs and concerns. It’s clear that so many people in our community want to be involved in shaping the future of our healthcare services. I encourage all residents to share their experiences and suggestions. Together, we can advocate for the changes we would like to see to ensure that everyone in Goole has access to the health and care services they need.
We are fortunate to have dedicated NHS staff who work tirelessly to provide the best care possible. By working together and sharing our insights, we can help them understand our unique challenges and improve the services we rely on.
Thank you for taking the time to read about our wonderful community. Let’s continue to work together to make Goole an even better place to live, work, and thrive.
*This is the opinion of a community member from Goole.
Get involved
Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership want to hear what you think about health and care services in Goole and the surrounding areas.
Read more about what’s happening at Goole and District hospital
Share your thoughts and views on the future of Goole and District Hospital
Alternatively, you can email us. We’d love to hear from you. Our email address is: hnyicb.engagement@nhs.net