Annual Report 2017/18

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

• Influenced improvements to GP access by reviewing online booking systems and the new evening and weekend GP Hubs service. The report identified barriers to access and low awareness of the hubs, leading to recommendations for Haringey CCG and practices. 
• Improved patient experience at North Middlesex University Hospital A&E through a survey of 54 patients. The Trust accepted Healthwatch recommendations and introduced changes including additional volunteers, translated registration forms, improved waiting-time displays, a redesigned reception area and parking improvements. 
• Strengthened the voice of social care users and carers by supporting the Adult Social Care Joint Partnership Board, eight reference groups and the Adult Social Care Planning and Oversight Group, helping embed co-design in service planning and development.
• Raised concerns about hospital discharge, urgent care and non-emergency patient transport through focus groups and public meetings, ensuring the experiences of older people and carers informed North Central London urgent and emergency care planning. 
• Delivered significant engagement activity, speaking with over 1,000 residents, running 25 engagement stalls, responding to 350 enquiries and supporting over 100 carers to access local support services and wellbeing schemes.
• Influenced community health service redesign by gathering patient feedback on urology, ophthalmology and ENT services and recruiting patient representatives to help assess potential providers during the procurement process. 
• Developed and secured adoption of a Principles of Co-Design policy statement, which was adopted by Haringey Council and used to underpin the involvement of service users and carers in the design of future adult social care services.