Annual Report 2019/2020

Healthwatch Gloucestershire publishes its annual report for the year 2019/20, outlining its achievements for the year and setting out its plans for 2020/21.

Over the last year, more than 1000 people shared their views on the county’s health and social care services with Healthwatch Gloucestershire, helping to make care better for local people.

They undertook research to inform local implementation of the NHS Long Term Plan. Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group have committed to use these findings to develop their future plans for local services. 

Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust have used the findings of their research into people’s experiences of mental health services, the needs of those who care for people using these services and the complex care needs of people with substance misuse and mental health issues to help improve patient and carer experience. 

Healthwatch Gloucestershire worked throughout the year to make sure the needs, views and experiences of local people were gathered and placed at the heart of decision making about changes to services in the county. 

Healthwatch Gloucestershire worked in partnership with NHS England to capture the views of local people who use or who could use special care dentistry services.  NHS England are reviewing findings and will publish next steps. 

Healthwatch Gloucestershire has identified the following areas for investigation in 2020/21, based on common concerns raised by local people, while reflecting national and local health and social care priorities.

•             Accessing health and care services during coronavirus

•             Improving access to GP care

•             Smoother transition between health and social care

•             Tackling social isolation

•             Representing young people’s views through young listeners