Annual Report 2014/15

Healthwatch Dudley report on its key achievements for 2014/15.  It:

• Influenced improvements to hospital discharge processes at Russells Hall Hospital through discharge surveys and an in-depth patient journey project involving hospital inpatients. Findings were shared with health and care leaders to improve communication and discharge experiences. 
• Played a significant role in the development of Dudley’s new Urgent Care Centre, using evidence from surveys of more than 1,000 patients to inform service redesign and participating in the Urgent Care Reference Group. This work received a national award for health and social care research. 
• Enabled young people to influence local healthcare services through a project with Dudley Youth Council. After surveying 300 young people about GP services, findings were presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board and informed plans for improved receptionist training and Wi-Fi access in GP surgeries. The project received a national Youth on Board award. 
• Strengthened support for carers by helping establish the Dudley Carers Alliance Board, running Care Act engagement workshops, and launching the Tea and Chat initiative at Russells Hall Hospital, which provided information on support services to more than 1,000 carers and family members. 
• Influenced future pharmacy services through a survey completed by more than 800 residents. Findings informed the Dudley Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment and helped secure the introduction of an overnight pharmacy service. 
• Launched the Community Information Point Network, training more than 150 Information Champions to help residents access health, wellbeing, benefits and community support information and prevent people reaching crisis point. 
• Established new opportunities for people with learning disabilities and adult social care users to influence decision-making through initiatives including the People’s Network and a local MP question time event organised with Dudley Voices for Choice.