The Big Health Chat

This is a report by Healthwatch Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead. A number of engagement events were held across the local area to gather local people's views.

Two questions were asked at the engagement events:

1. What things would help you to improve your health and wellbeing?

2. What could make your neighbourhood a happier and healthier place to live?

Healthwatch Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead heard that health and care experiences are varied, but that there are common themes. Many people were positive about their environment and its effect on their health and wellbeing.

The top five themes obtained during our conversations with residents were:

• GP access

• Town centre amenities

• Public parks or recreation spaces

• Hospital outpatients

• Youth centres and activities

There are recommendations in this report:

GP Access

Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead GP practices have access to cloud-based telephony systems and improved websites which should make contacting a practice easier for the patient. More needs to be done to communicate the capabilities of the new systems and monitor patient satisfaction.

Triaging of patients to nurses or other medical professionals is possible when a GP appointment is not necessary. Although this can be unpopular with patients. The government have set out the Primary Care Access recovery plan to improve access. Some initiatives are already underway, e.g. improving telephone systems so they are digital, this will enable patients to hear where they are in the queue and the option to leave a message and get a call back the same day.

Other initiatives are in the pipeline e.g. being able to book more services via GP website. The government has said all patients should see their GP within 2 weeks depending on clinical need. Government press release May 2023. “If their need is urgent, they will be assessed and given appointments on the same day. If it is not urgent, appointments should be offered within 2 weeks, or patients will be referred to NHS 111 or a local pharmacy”. Communicating these changes so patients understand their options is important.

Consider running “Wellbeing Events” at GP Practices across the Borough. The Redwood House event was well received by patients. This would also provide an opportunity for education around self-care and to engage with patients. 

Public Health – Vaping

Vaping insights project on-going in Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury. Public Health to use this insight alongside feedback provided by the Youth Council to the Children and Young People’s transformation board to provide improved information for young people and their parents or carers regarding the effects of vaping on health and the environment. 

Young people in our communities

Children and Young People’s transformation board to include feedback in future planning for RBWM. Royal Borough of Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead to plan engagement with young people before change or closure of youth services. 

Safety:

Share communications with young residents on how to stay safe, what to do and how to report crimes.

Consider increasing presence of police, community support officers or RBWM community wardens in Windsor town centre. 

Maidenhead Town Centre:

Communicate any plans for town centre re-generation clearly with residents. Involve local people in the planning stage and consultation for any community spaces.

There are follow up actions in this report. The work will be shared with the health and wellbeing board, the place committee, the council, the one borough group and Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust. 

The ICB has responded to the report.