Healthwatch England evidence review

The review from Heathwatch England examines the common issues people face and taking into account what's happening in policy and practice.

What did people speak to Healthwatch about this quarter? 

Doctors surgeries, dentists, pharmacists, and other primary care support? 

What's new this quarter? 

• People are finding it difficult to get their medication when they need it. 

What do we continue to hear? 

• It is not always easy to get an appointment to see a GP
• Communication between GPs and Patients can be poor
• It is difficult to register and /or make an appointment with a dentist 
• Poor quality dental work can lead to further treatment 

Hospital care including urgent and emergency care

What's new this quarter? 

• Some people felt they waiting too long before being discharged from hospital and others felt they were discharged too soon
• People are not always able to choose where they receive treatment 
• Experiences of receiving support in A&E for mental health emergencies can be poor 
• People are having difficulties finding somewhere appropriate to park when arriving at hospital 

What do we continue to hear? 

• People continue to wait too long for treatment in A&E
• The quality of medical treatment in hospitals is good although customer care may not be 
• People are waiting too long for appointments and operations at hospitals 
• Parents and carers are not supported while they wait in A&E
• Follow up communication and information sharing can be limited and untimely 

Social Care

What's new this quarter?

• There is variation in the quality of care delivered to people in their homes 
• The cost of care home service is not always clear and transparent 
• Families are finding it hard to get care plans reviewed when they believe their relatives care needs appear to be unmet 

What do we continue to hear? 

• People need to know how to access information about care assessments, care homes and care at home
• Some people have difficulty finding the most appropriate home care services for themselves or a loved one 
• More variation in stimulation for care home residents is needed
• Levels of training among staff need to be improved particularly for dementia care

Mental Health 

What's new this quarter? 

• Some groups of people face difficulties in accessing support because they do not meet the necessary criteria 

What do we continue to hear? 

• There is no straightforward pathway to access support for mental health challenges
• Children and adults are waiting a long time to get the support they need