Insight Bulletin March 2025

Healthwatch Surrey’s insight bulletin summarises what they have heard from local residents about health and social care services in the month leading up to March 2025.

The team have heard from 181 people across Surrey via the Helpdesk and community engagement events.

 Key insights include:

• GP practices: Some residents reported positive experiences with online appointment booking and access, though concerns about availability remain.
• Eye care: Long waiting times and high costs were highlighted, with some experiencing deterioration in vision while awaiting treatment. Some praised opticians for their service.
• Social care: Residents continue to struggle with understanding and securing funding. Cases were shared about unexpected self-funding requirements and their financial impact.
• Hospitals: Some patients feel their complaints are not being handled effectively, with delays in responses and a lack of accountability.

The report also highlights Healthwatch Surrey’s recent impact, including their quarterly engagement, advocacy efforts, and upcoming surveys. They continue to gather feedback to improve services across Surrey.