Annual Report 2022/23

Healthwatch Dudley report on their key achievements for 2022/23. It:

• Gathered the experiences of over 200 migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum, identifying barriers to healthcare, housing and communication, while also providing signposting and health checks through partnership working with local services. 
• Worked with autistic and learning-disabled people through the Black Country Star Network, co-producing practical recommendations for healthcare professionals to improve health checks and make appointments more accessible and less stressful. 
• Successfully influenced the future of High Oak Surgery after being commissioned to gather local views on its relocation. Following community feedback about accessibility and travel difficulties, a decision was taken to return GP appointments to the Pensnett site. 
• Continued to improve accessibility for Deaf residents through the Dudley Deaf Focus Group, building on previous achievements including the introduction of vibrating pagers at Russells Hall Hospital and the development of "I am Deaf" communication cards. 
• Reached communities whose voices are often less heard, including homeless and vulnerably housed people, elderly Asian residents and people who do not speak English, helping them access services, improve wellbeing and take greater control of their health.
• Supported residents to resolve health and care problems through its information and signposting service, including helping an NHS patient secure reimbursement for lost dentures and providing practical support to people trying to navigate local services. 
• Secured a new five-year contract to continue delivering Healthwatch Dudley services and restructured the organisation to strengthen its future impact and engagement with local communities.