What we're hearing about Guildford and Waverley
Download (PDF 224.44 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Surrey undertook research on local people’s experiences of health and social care services in Guildford and Waverley. The report draws on feedback gathered through engagement events and enquiries to Healthwatch Surrey between November 2023 and April 2024 and focuses on support for parents of young children, pharmacy services, general practice and care provided by Royal Surrey County Hospital.
The report found that many parents of preschool children relied heavily on peer support because of reduced health visiting services and fewer community support opportunities. Parents valued support groups and health visitor clinics but often did not know what services were available locally, while the cost of attending groups was a barrier for some families. Healthwatch Surrey recommended improving information about local support networks and ensuring frontline staff consistently signpost parents to available services.
Access to pharmacy and primary care services was another key theme. Residents valued local pharmacies and recognised their clinical expertise, but concerns were raised about the impact of pharmacy closures, long waiting times and difficulties accessing prescriptions. Some members of the Cantonese community reported ongoing challenges obtaining interpreter support in GP settings, while others described confusion and delays within repeat prescription systems. Despite these issues, many residents reported positive experiences of their GP practices, particularly where appointments were accessible and staff provided compassionate care.
Feedback about Royal Surrey County Hospital was largely positive, with patients praising clear communication, supportive staff and personalised care. However, some people found information about the NHS MyCare patient portal confusing and difficult to use. Healthwatch Surrey recommended improving communication about the portal, clarifying repeat prescription processes and ensuring patients are aware of their rights to language support and interpretation services.