Healthwatch England

Our latest research shows that 70% of people reported a deterioration in their vision whilst they waited for specialist eye care. We are calling for greater use of staff in high street optician services to allow these services to refer patients without them needing to see a GP first. Our latest report shows that 85% of the people we spoke to would support this idea to try and reduce the wait people are currently facing for specialist care. https://lnkd.in/ezWfFBqj

Many people could benefit from end of life care, but access to and quality of this can care be variable. We looked at what matters most to dying people and their loved ones - https://bit.ly/4bNO7GS

People seeking help with drug and alcohol addiction need individual care to stand the best chance of recovery. We reviewed feedback from people using local drug and alcohol addiction services and found that people were struggling to get the help they needed. Read more about the issues people told us about in our latest blog - https://lnkd.in/eKfHKahD

Each year our annual awards gives us the change to highlight the incredible work local Healthwatch do in their local communities. Find out the amazing work done this year, and the projects that helped make a difference. https://lnkd.in/ev7P4Y2r

Nearly a fifth of people who experienced trauma told us they avoid healthcare services. Healthwatch Essex piloted a scheme to make trauma cards available locally, which showed that a simple intervention can make it easier for people who have been through trauma to get the care they need. We are calling for the NHS to roll out a national pilot to help others who have experienced trauma engage with healthcare services after the local pilot. Read more about how the initiative can help people across England - https://lnkd.in/eBPsiR62

This #ShareForBetterCare Week achieve a positive impact whilst you have a short wait in your day by sharing your experience of health or social care services with us. It takes as little as 3 minutes and your feedback helps services provide better care. https://lnkd.in/eV82XeQY

We believe that feedback is key to improvement. Join us during Share for Better Care Week, 24 Feb – 2 March, to help us reach our goal of 1 million conversations about health and social care. Together, we can create change! #ShareForBetterCare https://bit.ly/JoinS4BC

We've heard how people's experiences of the complaints system shattered their confidence to raise complaints again. Our recent findings show that the NHS does not consistently welcome, handle or respond to complaints. We are calling for action to make the process easier to navigate and for the NHS to develop a culture of listening to and learning from complaints. Read our report https://bit.ly/40VRO8y

This Thursday our Committee will meet to discuss our upcoming plans for the next quarter. Join us to hear what we plan to do and find out more about our latest work. Thursday 20 February at midday. To join us online visit: https://lnkd.in/ebgBqxvB

Our joint research with The King’s Fund and National Voices delves into the impact poor admin can have on patients and their perception of the NHS. 64% of people who have used the NHS in the last year said they had experienced at least one issue with NHS admin or poor communication. These include: - 32% of patients had to chase results following test, scans or X-rays - 23% of patients don’t know who to contact while waiting for care - 20% received an invitation to an appointment after the date of the appointment Our Chief Executive Louise Ansari stressed: "Admin errors are frustrating and can have serious implications for patient safety. If people miss their tests or scans, they will face a longer wait for their care, putting their health at risk.” We’ve set out recommendations for the government, NHS, health care leaders and regulatory bodies for ways how they could prioritise good admin and make patient’s experiences better. @thekingsfund @national-voices https://lnkd.in/d8y_MjMT