Issue - meetings

Report from Healthwatch Havering attached.

Whilst separate versions of the report had been produced by each borough Healthwatch, it was noted that a number of the general findings applied to all three boroughs. All Healthwatch organisations in England had been commissioned by NHS England to undertake a survey of local residents on how they would like to see the NHS develop during the period of NHS England’s long term plan.

Key concerns raised by respondents included the time taken to obtain a GP appointment and improvements needed at A & E. NHS terminology was often confusing and, in Havering, there had been a low take-up of digital services with face to face consultations being preferred. Recommendations by the Healthwatch organisations covered the increased use of social prescribing, cancer care, phlebotomy services and signposting patients to available support.

The report on the equivalent survey compiled by Healthwatch Redbridge would also be forwarded to the Committee for information. Social prescribing was used more extensively in Redbridge and work was also in progress with the CCG to improve refugee and migrant access to healthcare. The main theme of findings in Barking & Dagenham related to primary care and in particular the lack of out of hours appointments. Some 89% of respondents in Barking & Dagenham wanted better access to GP appointments with 60% wanting to see a GP within one week.

The Healthwatch Havering officer would check if it was correct that 90% of respondents in that borough had been aged over 65. The survey would feed into development of the 10 year NHS plan and the findings, although not raising any new issues did reinforce what the concerns of local residents were. The relevant CCG had agreed an action plan following the Healthwatch Barking & Dagenham survey and were happy to do the same for Havering and Redbridge.

The Committee noted the survey work undertaken by the Local Healthwatch organiations.