Our key projects
Read the Healthwatch Decision Making Policy & Procedure to find out how we decide on our key projects.
Improving access to GP appointments
It is clear from the feedback and enquiries that we receive that access to GP services remains the greatest area of concern for local people. There is also growing evidence that difficulties accessing primary care services, such as GPs, is leading to increased pressure on acute services, such as hospitals.
During October and November 2023, we evaluated how easy it is for people to access GP appointments by phone and via GP websites. In March 2024, we published our findings and made recommendations to help GPs improve patient’s access and experience.
Read our previous reports on access to GP services: May 2023 report | June 2022 report | December 2021 report
Support for adults with autism
Early diagnosis and support for autism and mental health issues can prevent escalation and crisis. However, as demand for services is increasing, nationally and locally, so are waiting times. We want to understand how to improve support for people in Wolverhampton.
In February-March 2024, we asked people to share their views with us by completing our confidential survey and by talking to us in the community. We are currently analysing all the feedback we received, and we will report our findings later in 2024.
Improving the quality of residential care homes
Improving the quality of residential care homes in Wolverhampton is a local priority. As part of our partnership working with the City of Wolverhampton Council and the Care Quality Commission, we will use our statutory powers to ‘Enter and View’ publicly funded care homes in the city to speak to people about their experience of using the service.
During these visits, we will look at the quality of service and the environment; collect feedback from patients, residents, carers, and relatives; and we may also speak to care home staff. We will identify areas for improvement and areas of best practice, and we will report our findings, including recommendations for change based on what people tell us.
Read our latest reports: Primrose Hill Nursing Home | Penn House Care Home | Anville Court Care Home
Finding out what matters to you
Throughout the year, we raise awareness of our work among Wolverhampton’s diverse communities and gather your feedback about local health and social care services. We tell those responsible for NHS and social care in the city about the issues that matter to you and share your ideas for how things could be done differently to improve care.
