Annual Report 2018/19

Healthwatch Warwickshire report on their achievements during 2018-19. They heard from 1,583 local people and provided advice and information to more than 4,000 residents. Feedback highlighted concerns about access to GP services, waiting times, mental health support and public transport, all of which helped shape Healthwatch’s work during the year. 

A major focus was the Right to Access Project, which aimed to tackle barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness when trying to register with a GP. Healthwatch delivered 12 workshops attended by 101 people, distributed information resources across Warwickshire and worked with GP practices and partner organisations to improve awareness of patients’ rights to access healthcare. The project helped people experiencing homelessness gain access to GP registration, treatment and wider healthcare support. 

The organisation also carried out work on wellbeing, the NHS Long Term Plan and care home quality. More than 400 people responded to a wellbeing survey, identifying better access to healthcare, reduced financial pressures, improved transport and stronger social connections as important factors in improving wellbeing. Healthwatch also conducted unannounced visits to care homes in response to concerns raised by residents and families, resulting in recommendations that were accepted by providers.

The report concludes that Healthwatch Warwickshire played an active role in ensuring patients’ voices influenced local decision-making. Through community engagement, partnership working, Enter and View visits and representation at strategic meetings, it sought to improve services and ensure that local people’s experiences informed changes to health and social care across Warwickshire.