PRESS RELEASE: Study into homecare support in the Borough shows users are extremely satisfied but local Healthwatch suggests recommendations

News - 1 November 2018

A survey looking into the homecare and support people in Doncaster receive has revealed 62% are extremely satisfied with the service, however Healthwatch Doncaster recommendations have called for improvements
Man in a care home

245 people have their say

Through an extensive piece of work around care and support at home that saw staff and volunteers gather local people’s views by a variety of engagement methods, alongside an online survey, resulted in 245 people respond with 38% saying they were either not very satisfied or neutral of the service they received.

The origination of the project began via a discussion between volunteers of Healthwatch Doncaster, with the aim to provide an independent perspective on care and support provision in addition to the providers and local authority evaluations.

A brief summary of the findings showed:

  • 100% of people told us it was important that carers came at the agreed time, whilst many stated communication could be improved between providers and those receiving care
  • 126 people told us they are in receipt of some form of care and support at home
  • 96% of people in receipt of care told us it is important that they see carers they are familiar with – this result mirrored those people who are currently not receiving care
  • 89 people told us that the care and support they receive meets their needs and helps them to stay independent
  • 65 people told us that they are involved in the regular review of their care and support plan

The work undertaken was time consuming but worthwhile, in that the approach taken ensured a totally independent response from those taking part

Sandra Hodson, Engagement and Volunteer co-ordinator

“The study provides an excellent platform for further work on this topic, and a meeting has been arranged with commissioners to discuss the report’s findings and potential next steps.”

The full report is available to download from Healthwatch Doncaster’s website.

Report: Urgent and Emergency Care follow-up 2020

NOTES TO EDITORS

Healthwatch Doncaster is a Community Interest Company as of 1st July 2016, to continue its work across Doncaster supporting the improvement of health and care services through engagement, involvement and influence.

This entails engagement work throughout the community and signposting people to the right service.

Press release contact:

Engagement and Volunteer co-ordinator Sandra Hodson

[email protected] 

01302 965453 or mobile: 07834 686852

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