Annual Report 2020/21

Healthwatch Waltham Forest report on its key achievements for 2020/21.  It:

• Responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting more than 2,000 residents with information, advice, volunteer support and help accessing health and care services, including vaccine information and community support.
• Maintained its Enter and View programme during the pandemic by developing a virtual visit model for care homes, leading to practical improvements including better support for residents living with dementia and increased opportunities for residents to stay connected with family and friends.
• Investigated the impact of COVID-19 on disabled people and carers, identifying barriers to GP access, hospital care and mental health support, with findings used to inform future recommendations to commissioners. 
• Collected and analysed more than 2,400 patient experiences, highlighting key issues around GP access, mental health services, hospital care and dentistry, and using this evidence to influence local health and care organisations. 
• Produced comparative reports on GP practices, Primary Care Networks and Whipps Cross Hospital, helping services understand patient experience and identify areas requiring improvement. 
• Supported residents through information, advice and NHS complaints advocacy, helping people navigate health and care services, complaints processes and access support when services were disrupted during the pandemic. 
• Ensured the voices of underrepresented communities, including disabled people, carers, ethnic minority communities, refugees, asylum seekers, LGBTQ+ people and younger people, informed local health and care discussions.