Agenda item

Healthwatch Leicester and Leicestershire submit their Annual Report, “Speaking up for Better Care” to the Commission.

Healthwatch Leicester and Leicestershire submitted their Annual Report, “Speaking up for Better Care” to the Commission.

The Chair of Healthwatch Leicester and Leicestershire provided an overview of the report. Key points to note were as follows:

• Healthwatch Leicester and Leicestershire was an independent structured consumer champion for Health and Social Care. The experiences, views and concerns of patients, residents, service users and the local community were heard and used to influence the planning, commissioning and delivery of health and care services across the city and county.
• During 2025, Healthwatch had engaged with over 46,000 people, receiving information on health experiences, also providing information and signposting.
• 38 enter and views had taken place, and a number of reports had been published.
• 8 GP practices within the Willow Group had been visited as requested by the ICB. Inconsistencies had been identified which resulted in commitments to improve.
• A survey review was planned to identify any underrepresented groups and encourage wider participation.
• 24 neighbourhood mental cafes had been visited, and referral pathways were being improved.
• Women’s health focus had included access to specialist support, continuity of care, better information and joined-up pathways.
• A review had been undertaken on supported living. Issues included communication, inclusion, health instability, social isolation and support and planning.
• A further significant area of focus was hospital discharge, experiences were gathered and issues identified around decision making, medication, follow up support, planning and communication.
• Work around access to healthcare for the deaf and hard of hearing community was revisited, significant barriers were found to remain around booking appointments, interpreters and receiving accessible information.
• For 2027, the three main areas of focus would include:
• Pharmacy First. A survey had gone live in July 2026 and there would be an inclusivity drive.
• Digital access to NHS services, particularly within Primary Care.
• Tackling health inequalities whilst strengthening partnerships.
• Young people’s experiences around healthy weight and lifestyles would be explored.
• 20 enter and views were planned throughout the year, to include same day access.

In response to Member questions and comments, the following was noted:

·       Survey findings were shared with relevant bodies, including the ICB, with follow-up reviews undertaken to assess progress. Where improvements were not evident, matters would be escalated.

·       Regarding patient feedback for The Willows, an improvement had been seen through the quality group, it was important to capture patient voices alongside metrics.

·       Concerns about GP practices were triangulated with the CQC and ICB, with findings reported to stakeholders and follow-up undertaken to monitor recommendations and escalate unresolved issues where necessary. Safeguarding issues were raised immediately.

·       A wider report could come back to the scrutiny commission in the future on wider practice issues.

·       Further communications were planned to promote the Mental Health Cafes. It was noted that utilisation had increased.

·       Conversations were ongoing with UHL and the ICB regarding digital access barriers, with a refresh of the digital strategy.

·       Addition support had come from the Local Authority to fund work on women’s health and a research project. Further information could be provided to the commission on additional funding.

AGREED:  

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    For further information on additional funding to be provided to members.