What do you think of Healthwatch Wiltshire?

Healthwatch Wiltshire carried out a benchmarking activity to hear what local people, commissioners and providers thought of Healthwatch Wiltshire, its effectiveness, and to identify areas for improvement. This work was carried out after the contract for providing Healthwatch Wiltshire was awarded to a new provider in June 2018.

Healthwatch Wiltshire produced two surveys – one aimed at local people and the other aimed at providers and commissioner of services. The surveys were available online and people also completed paper copies at a variety of local events.

Findings from the survey for local people included: over half of respondents were not aware of Healthwatch Wiltshire; 65% were unaware of the information and signposting service; respondents who had been involved with Healthwatch Wiltshire had done so by giving feedback about services, completing surveys and receiving newsletters; local NHS services and libraries were the most popular choices for good places to gather feedback and promote the work of Healthwatch Wiltshire; mental health and social care were the most common areas people felt Healthwatch Wiltshire should focus on.

Findings from the survey for providers and commissioners included: around half of respondents thought that Healthwatch Wiltshire brought added value, had collaborative relationships with key decision makers and made a contribution to the decision-making structures; 41% agreed that Healthwatch Wiltshire pays particular attention to seldom heard groups; the signposting, information and advice service isn’t well known about; any many respondents did not know about the relationship between their local Healthwatch and Healthwatch England.

The report also outlines what Healthwatch Wiltshire has done so far and next steps, including work plans for 2019/20.