Warwickshire Annual Report 2017/18

Healthwatch Warwickshire’s 2018–19 Annual Report highlights its role in gathering feedback from local people to improve health and social care services. During the year, hundreds of residents shared their experiences, with common concerns including access to GP services, appointment waiting times, mental health support, and transport. The organisation provided advice and information to thousands of people and worked closely with local health and care partners to ensure patient views influenced decision-making.

A major focus of the year was the Right to Access Project, which aimed to reduce barriers to healthcare for people experiencing homelessness. The project raised awareness of patients’ rights to register with GP practices, delivered training workshops, produced guidance materials, and helped individuals access healthcare services. Healthwatch Warwickshire also undertook work on wellbeing, the NHS Long Term Plan, and unannounced visits to care homes, leading to recommendations that were adopted by providers.

The report highlights the contribution of volunteers, who supported service reviews, engagement projects, and care home visits. Looking ahead, Healthwatch Warwickshire planned to continue influencing local healthcare developments, strengthen community engagement, focus on patient concerns around access and waiting times, and ensure that the patient voice remained central to the design and delivery of health and social care services.