Annual Report 2018/19

Healthwatch Greenwich report on its key achievements for 2018/19.  It:

• Expanded its Enter and View programme, carrying out 21 visits to GP surgeries, care homes and a hospice, speaking to more than 100 patients and relatives, publishing 94 recommendations, and highlighting concerns that contributed to a care home later being rated as requiring improvement by the CQC. 
• Influenced improvements for Greenwich’s Nepalese community through follow-up research into healthcare access, identifying ongoing barriers around translation services, GP registration, interpreting quality and navigating appointments, and working with NHS and council partners to address these issues. 
• Conducted extensive research into autism and SEND services, gathering evidence from autistic people, families, carers, schools and providers, highlighting gaps in information, support and accessibility, particularly for people who do not speak English as a first language. 
• Evaluated the borough’s musculoskeletal (MSK) service, finding generally positive experiences while securing improvements to communication, accessibility, privacy, complaints processes and patient information.
• Strengthened patient influence in local healthcare decision-making through partnership work with NHS Greenwich CCG, including involving volunteers in service monitoring, contract meetings and NHS Long Term Plan engagement, while attending nearly 150 strategic and partnership meetings. 
• Increased community engagement, holding over 2,000 conversations with residents, attending more than 50 outreach events, publishing 21 Enter and View reports, and expanding its digital reach through a new website and social media activity.