Annual Report 2021/22

Healthwatch Bolton report on its key achievements for 2021/22.  It:

• Improved access to cervical screening for women from ethnically diverse communities by working with local GPs to deliver community-based drop-in clinics. The project removed barriers such as appointment systems, provided direct access to specialist advice, and helped increase uptake in areas experiencing health inequalities. 
• Influenced improvements to GP access after hearing from more than 400 residents about difficulties getting appointments and contacting practices. As a result, local NHS partners introduced additional telephone lines, increased appointment capacity, expanded face-to-face provision and promoted alternative services such as community pharmacies. 
• Worked with ethnically diverse communities to understand the impact of bereavement during COVID-19, leading to the creation of a new culturally appropriate counselling service and a series of community mental health conferences. 
• Gathered evidence on substance misuse and support needs within ethnically diverse communities, including detailed case studies. The findings informed the local authority’s consultation and the development of new substance misuse services in Bolton. 
• Influenced support for unpaid carers through research into loneliness, isolation and carers’ wellbeing. The findings were used by the local authority to inform the refresh of the Bolton Carers Strategy. 
• Highlighted the impact of long waits for hospital treatment and worked with the local hospital trust to improve communication and support for patients waiting for care, including updates, digital communications and self-management resources. 
• Continued to raise concerns about access to NHS dentistry, contributing to national calls for reform after reporting a large increase in people struggling to obtain NHS dental appointments.