Annual Report 2016/17

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

• Gathered extensive public feedback, speaking to 3,853 people at 163 events across Sheffield and collecting more than 1,100 reviews of local services through its Rate and Review website, creating a significant evidence base to influence service improvement. 
• Published major research on mental health crisis care, analysing 434 responses from service users, professionals and GPs, and securing commitments to improve suicide prevention, mental health training, information sharing, CAMHS awareness and support for young people and Black and minority ethnic communities. 
• Influenced improvements in dental services for people with disabilities through a large regional study and recommendations on accessibility, communication, disability awareness training and better information on accessible services. 
• Helped shape the future of health and care services by leading engagement on the Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP), organising 12 public conversations in Sheffield and ensuring the views of more than 200 local people informed regional planning.
• Undertook nine Enter and View visits across hospitals, GP practices, dental services, respite care and care homes, making 47 recommendations that led to practical improvements in patient information, volunteer support, accessibility and patient experience.
• Influenced local commissioning and service development through work on care at home services, CAMHS, waiting times for children's psychological services, mental health provision, patient engagement in the NHS Test Bed programme, and support for refugees and asylum seekers accessing dental care.