Health on the High Street

Healthwatch Bucks undertook research to gather feedback on people’s experiences using Health on the High Street (HOTH). During October 2024, 53 people completed a face-to-face questionnaire about their experiences using this service.

Awareness of the HOTH services varied. Over half of respondents were not aware of the HOTH website, which includes a timetable of clinics, coaching sessions and community drop ins. The research found that people attending specific clinics were less likely to know about health and community support groups that were not relevant to them. The location and drop-in nature of HOTH was reported to be convenient, though the signage and space itself was not inviting or attention-grabbing. 

Most respondents were happy with the range of clinics and self-services. Suggestions for other clinics and services included: a nutritionist, physiotherapy, and mental health support. Most people rated their overall experience of HOTH as excellent.

The report included 7 recommendations: Update the signage to include ‘Health on the High Street’; provide a dedicated space for people to have private conversations with health teams; facilitate one-stop shop sessions for teams with related health goals; review opening hours to roll out regular services on Fridays and weekends; promote clinics/sessions on their organisation or group communication channels including social media platforms; tell people attending their clinics that they can speak to staff at HOTH about other clinics and support services; include flu vaccines for people at greater risk of serious illness in autumn and winter in line with NHS advice and offerings.