Annual Report 2021/22

Healthwatch Waltham Forest report on its key achievements for 2021/22.  It:

• Influenced improvements to primary care by analysing thousands of patient experiences across GP practices and Primary Care Networks, highlighting access issues and helping shape discussions about GP service improvement.
• Highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on disabled people and those with long-term conditions, identifying barriers created by digital healthcare, cancelled appointments and reduced access to services, with findings used to inform service improvement. 
• Used patient feedback from 234 local residents to identify strengths and weaknesses in services at Whipps Cross Hospital, helping providers understand issues around access, communication and patient experience. 
• Raised awareness of the growing NHS dentistry crisis, reporting a 452% increase in people struggling to access NHS dental care and helping bring attention to the need for reform and improved access. 
• Supported residents throughout the pandemic by providing advice and information on COVID-19, vaccination programmes, mental health services and access to local health and care support.
• Collected and analysed more than 2,200 patient experiences and published 11 reports, ensuring local people’s views influenced health and social care planning and decision-making across Waltham Forest. 
• Maintained strong engagement with local communities and volunteers, helping identify key issues affecting residents and ensuring their experiences informed local NHS and council priorities.