Annual Report 2018/19

Healthwatch Somerset reports on its key achievements for 2018/19. It:

• Influenced the redesign of Somerset's new Integrated Urgent Care Service by gathering feedback from more than 650 people about the NHS 111 service. The findings highlighted concerns about waiting times, repetitive questioning and communication, ensuring public experiences informed the new service model. 
• Secured action to improve Somerset's Adult Safeguarding Service after collecting feedback from people who had used the service. Recommendations included better communication throughout safeguarding investigations and clearer information about staying safe in future, with the council committing to use the findings to enhance service user involvement. 
• Carried out visits to health and care services that resulted in 19 recommendations for improvement, 13 of which were adopted by providers, helping to strengthen the quality of care delivered across Somerset. 
• Identified access to GP appointments as a significant issue through its countywide Campervan & Comments Tour, leading Healthwatch Somerset to make primary care access a priority area for further work and challenge
• Worked with health and care partners through the Health and Wellbeing Board and other strategic forums to ensure public concerns about local services were reflected in decision-making and service development.
• Enabled people living in rural communities to influence local health and care services by bringing feedback directly to commissioners and providers, helping identify recurring issues and areas where services needed to improve.