Annual Report 2016/17

This annual report outlines Healthwatch Hounslow’s work during 2016/17 to gather community feedback, influence health and social care services, provide information and signposting, and support public involvement in local decision-making. It highlights the organisation’s engagement activities, research projects, volunteer programme and efforts to represent residents’ experiences across health and social care services. 

During the year, Healthwatch Hounslow recorded significant growth in patient feedback, enquiries and community engagement. Common concerns raised by residents included difficulties booking GP appointments, long waiting times, poor coordination between services, rushed consultations and delays accessing specialist care. Positive feedback focused on the professionalism of health care staff, high-quality maternity services, good GP care and positive experiences of pharmacy and dental services. Healthwatch also expanded its work with emerging communities to help address language barriers and inequalities in access to services. 

The report demonstrates how patient experiences, service reviews and partnership working have influenced local health and social care provision. It identifies ongoing priorities including improving access to primary care, reducing health inequalities, strengthening public engagement, improving coordination between services and ensuring that patients’ experiences continue to shape local service development.