Healthwatch Wandsworth Annual Survey Report - 2017

Healthwatch Wandsworth conducted its annual survey in March 2017 to assess how local residents, partner organisations, volunteers and staff viewed its work and to identify priorities for future development. The survey received 99 responses, including feedback from members of the public, health and social care organisations, volunteers and staff. 

Overall, respondents who were familiar with Healthwatch Wandsworth were positive about the organisation and its role in representing local people. Most respondents understood Healthwatch's purpose and regarded it as an independent voice for local residents, although there was evidence that awareness remained limited among sections of the general public. 

Around 85% of respondents reported at least some understanding of Healthwatch Wandsworth's role, and nearly 80% felt it provided an independent voice for local residents. More than 80% also believed the organisation supported community members to express their views on health and social care services. However, those who were uncertain about Healthwatch's role were predominantly members of the public rather than professionals or organisations. 

The survey found that organisations generally valued Healthwatch's contribution. Most organisational respondents said their understanding of the experiences, needs and preferences of local service users had improved as a result of Healthwatch's work. Organisations also reported positive working relationships with Healthwatch and highlighted its role in consultations, service redesign, procurement exercises, mental health work, Enter and View visits and quality improvement activities. 

Respondents were positive about Healthwatch's ability to gather and represent local views, but were less certain about its impact on influencing service change. Approximately 70% believed Healthwatch enabled residents to influence health and social care services, but many respondents could not recall specific examples of where this influence had led to improvements. The report concluded that Healthwatch needed to communicate its impact more effectively and demonstrate how public feedback contributes to service improvements. 

The survey highlighted variable levels of engagement with Healthwatch. While many members and organisations reported regular involvement and positive experiences, almost a third of respondents said they had never engaged with Healthwatch. Many respondents were unaware of some of the available ways to participate, such as events, social media, consultations and feedback opportunities. 

Healthwatch Representatives were viewed favourably by organisations. Most respondents who had encountered a representative felt they effectively reflected the views of local residents and helped ensure that public perspectives influenced health and social care decision-making. 

Enter and View reports were also regarded positively by organisations that had read them. Respondents reported that the reports provided valuable insights into patient experiences and, in some cases, informed service improvements, although awareness and use of the reports could be increased. 

A recurring theme throughout the survey was the need to raise awareness of Healthwatch Wandsworth. Many respondents stated that they had either never heard of the organisation before completing the survey or had only a limited understanding of its activities. Suggestions included greater visibility in GP practices, hospitals, libraries, community venues, social media and local media outlets. 

Respondents identified several priority areas for Healthwatch Wandsworth's future work:

• Mental health was the most frequently mentioned priority. 
• Social care, including services for older people and people with dementia, was a major area of concern. 
• Supporting public understanding of major health and social care changes, particularly NHS transformation programmes, was seen as important. 
• Raising awareness of Healthwatch Wandsworth and improving engagement with harder-to-reach groups was highlighted repeatedly. 
• Young people's health, integrated health and social care, accessibility, and support for disabled people were also identified as future priorities.