Community Insights Report: Born Well Growing Well

Healthwatch Tower Hamlets analysed feedback collected between 2016 and 2018 from 655 maternity service users, 431 parents and carers, and 158 young people. The report found that maternity services had improved significantly since 2016, particularly at the Royal London Hospital. Women reported better support during pregnancy and birth, more positive attitudes from midwives and improved postnatal care. New options such as the Lotus Birth Centre and the Homebirth Team increased choice, although difficulties contacting maternity services by telephone and ongoing administrative problems continued to cause frustration. 

Experiences of children's services were more mixed. Parents generally praised GPs, describing them as professional, caring and responsive, particularly when children required urgent appointments. However, many reported difficulties booking appointments and contacting surgeries by phone. Hospital services showed some improvement, with better staff attitudes and treatment experiences, but concerns remained about long waits for appointments and treatment, cancelled procedures, communication problems and delays caused by administrative errors. 

Young people were generally positive about NHS services. They reported good experiences with hospital care, GP services and mental health support, praising staff professionalism, communication and quality of treatment. The main concerns raised were long waits for hospital appointments, difficulties booking GP appointments and delays accessing some mental health services. Most young people who had used mental health support services felt well supported once they were able to access them. 

Healthwatch concluded that services for maternity, children and young people had improved overall, particularly maternity care and postnatal support. Key recommendations included improving telephone access and communication, reducing administrative errors, ensuring timely access to children's and mental health services, promoting home birth options, and continuing to share examples of good practice across local services.