Healthwatch England Annual Report 2016/17
Across the country Healthwatch have been helping local health and care leaders to use this insight to make positive and practical changes – from helping GP practices in Crawley become more autism friendly to ensuring care homes in Middlesbrough are properly equipped to support people with dementia.
In total Healthwatch England's network of 152 local Healthwatch has published more than 1,745 reports creating an unparalleled source of feedback from people about how the NHS and social care services are performing in the current climate.
The collective feedback paints a mixed picture of good care with some variation in quality and access. The area where most comments were received was primary care. However, it is mental health services that stand out with an overwhelming majority of people’s comments reflecting a negative experience.
Report highlights
- Over 300,000 people share experiences of hospitals, GPs and care homes with Healthwatch in 2016/17.
- Their stories form the basis of new report to MPs on the state of health and care services in England.
- Findings show a real mix of feedback, with some people continuing to receive outstanding care whilst others struggle to access the support they need.
