This article was received from Healthwatch Suffolk and is the publication of their Annual Report for 2015/16.
Healthwatch Suffolk strengthens its influence in 2015/16 to
make a difference for Suffolk residents
Healthwatch Suffolk makes sure that your voice is heard to improve health (NHS) and social care services in Suffolk. It has published its annual report for the year 2015/16, which shows the difference that has been made throughout the year for people using services in the county.
2015/16 has seen Healthwatch Suffolk continue to raise its profile in the county, reaching more people for their views than ever before. It launched a new website for obtaining views from people and well over 3,000 people have already rated their care. It also completed high profile research projects including innovative work with hospitals to listen to the needs of mums and birthing partners who had accessed maternity services.
A number of notable outcomes are highlighted, including the following examples:
- Ipswich Hospital revised its policy to allow birthing partners to stay with mum overnight so that they might provide much needed support with baby care and emotional wellbeing.
- It visited seven care homes to talk to residents about their care and treatment. Recommendations were made which have led to a good number of improvements in services.
- It influenced the decision to slow down the implementation of new domiciliary care services in the county so that people could have more time to make better decisions about how they wanted their care to be delivered.
- West Suffolk Hospital improved support and information for carers and implemented actions to address concerns about poorly coordinated care for patients at the end of life.
- Ipswich Hospital took action to address negative feedback about the way it had treated a patient with end term cancer.
- The Care Quality Commission worked closely with Healthwatch Suffolk to hear the views of local people when inspecting local services.
Andy Yacoub (Chief Executive of Healthwatch Suffolk) said:
“We have been pleased with the impact we have made throughout the year. We have achieved some very definite outcomes that will improve the experience of people accessing our local services and we have seen continued support from our local communities for which we are grateful. It is with the strength of public voice behind us that we can make the greatest impact on shaping, influencing and improving local care.”
For more information about Healthwatch Suffolk; it’s current projects and most recent outcomes, please visit www.healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk where you can download a copy of the annual report or take a few moment to watch it’s supporting video. You can also use the website to share your experiences of health and social care services in the county so that they can be used to shape local services now and for the future.