Annual Report 2023/24

Healthwatch Lancashire report on its key achievements for 2023/24.  It:

• Engaged with 9,464 people, worked with 96 seldom-heard groups, published 42 reports, and carried out 31 Enter and View visits across seven service areas.
• Influenced improvements to mental health services through its Waiting for Wellness project, leading to actions by Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust to improve communication, patient support and waiting list management. 
• Expanded engagement with young people, speaking to 325 young people at 15 events and using their feedback to shape work on mental health and sexual health services. 
• Strengthened inclusion and accessibility, including work that improved support for British Sign Language users, informed Lancashire's new Dementia Strategy, and reached communities ranging from veterans and refugees to people living on boats. 
• Secured tangible service improvements through Enter and View activity, with providers implementing recommendations on communication, appointment systems, accessibility, resident wellbeing, social activities and support for people with additional communication needs.