Healthwatch Hertfordshire’s Annual Report 2013/14
This Annual Report provides an outline of our work and the impact it has had over the past year. It also looks to the future, outlining key priorities and planned activities for the year ahead.
Welcome to the first Annual Report for Healthwatch Hertfordshire. After a busy first year we are delighted to be able to share with you the highlights of the work which has been undertaken by our staff and volunteers in our role as consumer champion for health, public health and social care services in Hertfordshire.
Healthwatch Hertfordshire has worked hard to raise its profile so that more people know who we are, how to contact us and how we can help. We value the strong relationship with have built with service providers, commissioners and other partners over the year.
Here are some areas where we received most feedback during the year:
- GP Access – People told us how difficult it can be to get a GP appointment at the right time and with the right doctor. In response to this we are carrying out a targeted piece of research to gather more detailed information and find out what is working well and what needs improvement.
- Referral to treatment waiting times – We have heard from people who are frustrated at having to wait for a long time to see a hospital consultant or for surgery. Issues raised include poor communication about estimated waiting times and repeated cancellation of surgery. We have been able to feedback and challenge providers where trends have shown a particular problem.
Engaging with groups we hear from less:
We realise that certain sections of the community are underrepresented in the feedback we gather. We understand that some of these groups might be disadvantaged in their access to health and care so we have prioritised trying to reach them and hear their views. For example, creating a Youth Health Ambassador role to increase young people’s participation and give them a voice to influence service improvement.
