The views and experiences of children, young people and parents using health and social care services in Waltham Forest
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Healthwatch Waltham Forest undertook research on the views and experiences of children, young people and parents using health and social care services in the borough. They spoke to 362 members of the public between January and May 2015 through 26 focus groups and interviews, with a particular focus on children, young people and minority ethnic communities, including Eastern European residents.
Participants reported widespread difficulties accessing GP appointments, with long waits, problems getting through on the telephone and limited same-day availability often leading families to attend A&E instead. Awareness of services such as NHS 111, CAMHS and walk-in centres was generally low, and many people struggled to obtain reliable health information. Language barriers were a recurring issue, particularly for residents whose first language was not English, with concerns about access to interpreters and difficulties understanding health information and navigating services.
Children and young people felt they were not always involved in decisions about their healthcare and that professionals often spoke primarily to parents rather than directly to them. Concerns were also raised about confidentiality, access to mental health support, transitions between children's and adult services, and the availability of support for young people with disabilities and special educational needs. Parents highlighted inconsistent advice on issues such as breastfeeding and weaning, difficulties accessing health visitors, and challenges obtaining timely support for children with complex needs.
Healthwatch concluded that there were significant challenges around access to services, communication, public awareness and support for vulnerable groups. The report recommended improving access to GP and mental health services, increasing community outreach and health education, strengthening interpreting provision, involving children and young people more fully in decisions about their care, improving transitions to adult services, and ensuring services work more collaboratively to meet the needs of local families.