Annual Report 2017/18

Healthwatch Northamptonshire report on its key achievements for 2017/18.  It:

• Influenced the development of maternity services in Northamptonshire by gathering feedback from 534 parents and 15 focus group participants. Findings were incorporated into the county's Local Maternity System plans and helped shape future maternity provision.
• Improved support for Deaf people by escalating concerns about access to British Sign Language interpreters. As a result, NHS England committed to reviewing communication needs recording and training, while local primary care services introduced improved interpreter provision. 
• Published reports on hospital discharge and follow-up support based on feedback from 89 patients. Recommendations were adopted by local NHS organisations and fed into hospital discharge improvement projects.
• Influenced local pharmacy planning through research into the use of additional pharmacy services. Findings were used to inform the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment and discussions with commissioners and pharmacy leaders. 
• Strengthened young people's influence on health services through Young Healthwatch Northamptonshire, including work on hospital services, healthcare experiences, consultations and digital health tools, culminating in the organisation receiving the Investing in Children Award.
• Carried out Enter and View visits to care homes and quality reviews of hospital wards, identifying issues affecting patient and resident experience and prompting actions by providers to address concerns around cleanliness, hand hygiene and care environments. 
• Achieved external recognition for the quality of its work through Market Research Society accreditation and Investing in Children accreditation, strengthening its influence and credibility with commissioners and providers.