How we make a difference
Your feedback is helping to improve the NHS and social care
You might think, 'What's the point? Nothing changes.' But every story shared with us matters. Thanks to thousands of people, just like you, speaking up, we've been able to champion some big healthcare changes.
Helping people get the right aids and equipment on time
Delays and unclear processes left many struggling without essential equipment. By raising these concerns, we helped drive improvements that mean faster support and better communication for those who need it most.
Improving accessible information for people needing healthcare
Many people are not getting information from doctors (GP practices), hospitals, dentists, care providers and others in formats that meet their needs. But thanks to your feedback, you have helped services make some big changes that promote inclusivity and better communication practices.
Making it easier to get help from your GP practice online
Healthwatch volunteers reviewed 84 GP websites and significant accessibility and usability issues, prompting many practices to implement improvements such as enhanced accessibility features, adoption of NHS standard formats, and better integration of online services to improve patient experience.
Improving delivery of NHS letters
Thanks to your feedback we have been working with Royal Mail and Healthwatch England to ensure vital NHS communications are delivered to patients on time.
Improving mental health support by listening to experiences
People shared their experiences of local mental health services, including gaps in support and how they were treated. We raised these issues with decision-makers, leading to more timely help through trained mental health staff in GP practices, better support for people with complex emotional needs, and wider use of trauma-informed care to ensure people feel understood and respected.
Making continence care more compassionate and consistent
We’ve listened to people’s experiences of continence care and raised concerns about the gaps in support, leading to improvements that ensure everyone receives the respectful, timely, and dignified care they deserve.
Our annual report
Our annual report summarises the experiences people have shared with us and highlights our actions in response. Take a look to see how people’s views are impacting decisions made by NHS and social care leaders.
Our impact this year - in numbers
3,626
People reached and who we spoke with and raised awareness about who Healthwatch are and how we can help them.
2,468
People shared their feedback about health and social care by phone, email, letter, at events and through interviews
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