Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth & Torbay Annual Report 2023-2024
This report describes the wide range of engagement, representation and impact undertaken by Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay in 12 months from April 2023 to March 2024. A brief summary is further down this page.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WE HELPED
- 3395 people told us about their experiences with health and social care services. This helped raise awareness about issues and improve care.
- 620 people came to us to get clear advice and information. This was on topics like dental services and doctor appointments.
- We published 10 reports. The reports were about changes people want to see in health and social care services.
OUR PEOPLE
- We are fortunate to have 26 excellent volunteers.
- We now employ 15 staff members.
- Our Healthwatch Assist Network helps us connect with people in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. We now have 150 organisations in our Healthwatch network.
- Our local government funds us. Last year they gave us £560,000.
SOME WAYS WE HELPED THIS YEAR
- We worked with Healthwatch across the South West to find out more about people’s experiences of medical care provided in a hospital for patients who need urgent care.
- We visited Emergency Departments at Devon’s four main hospitals and spoke to 511 people during 34 visits at different times and days.
- People told us about their experiences with pharmacy services. We wrote a report about what 141 people told us.
- 70 local people gave their feedback and experiences on adult social care in Torbay. Our report and suggestions helped the Council further develop its adult social care strategy.
- We wanted to find out if the cost of living was affecting people in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. We also wanted to find out how it was affecting them.
- We supported Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust to get feedback from men of all ages who access healthcare services in Torbay and South Devon.
- Through our engagement with Carers, we started to hear that some Carers are experiencing difficulties. We raised the issues with the local authorities in Devon and Torbay.
- We independently chaired and collected feedback from some meetings about future plans for Teignmouth Hospital.
- We gathered feedback on accessibility issues at the new Royal Eye Infirmary (REI) building in Plymouth.
- We gave evidence at a review by Torbay Council looking at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
- We shared people’s dentist experiences with NHS Leaders. They were recommended to produce joint communications.
OTHER RECOGNITION
- We talked at the national Healthwatch leadership conference.
- We entered award nominations for awards for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay and won a commended award at the National Healthwatch Impact Awards.
- We shared lots of briefing documents about the work of the wider Healthwatch Network.
Downloads
File download
HWDPT Annual Report 2024
OUR PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT YEAR
- Using technology to help people access services at home.
- Helping people access social care services and care homes.
- Improving and joining up services for children and young people.
- Making sure all patients can access health services equally.
- Helping people access mental health services for conditions like depression.
- Helping people access GP, hospital and mental health services. GP means family doctor.
- How cost of living affects people’s health and wellbeing.
“I would like to thank all those that have supported Healthwatch in our mission to monitor and improve health and social care, particularly members of the public from our local communities. It is very important continue to feedback on the services they use so that we can all make a real difference.”
