Annual Report 2016/17

Healthwatch Greenwich report on its key achievements for 2016/17.  It:

• Investigated GP accessibility, identifying that around a third of GP practices were incorrectly requiring ID or proof of address, and made recommendations to improve access for vulnerable groups including homeless people, migrants and those in temporary accommodation. 
• Improved hospital discharge services through Enter and View visits at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, leading to recommendations on communication, medication information and discharge planning. 
• Influenced maternity services, with feedback from women and families informing recommendations on appointment waiting times, communication and birth planning.
• Successfully campaigned to save the Greenwich Children's Continence Clinic, helping secure the recommissioning of a specialist service used by more than 300 children and families. 
• Expanded its reach and influence, attending more than 200 strategic meetings, carrying out eight Enter and View visits, delivering outreach across the borough, and producing reports on key issues including GP access, hospital discharge, maternity services and NHS communications.