Our key projects
Read the Healthwatch Decision Making Policy & Procedure to find out how we decide on our key projects.
Key projects
Alongside our day-to-day work we carry out key projects to find out more about particular issues or services.
Find out what we're working on
Everything we do is guided by what people tell us about their experiences of health and social care. Find out more about our current projects and how you can get involved.
Patient experience of GP access and appointments
Our 2022 report highlighted the challenges in accessing GP services, many of which had been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Four years on, despite significant changes to appointment access driven by national initiatives, we continue to hear concerns from local residents about the quality of access to GP services. Many people report that obtaining an appointment remains difficult, indicating that access issues persist for a considerable number of service users.
That is why this summer, we want to hear from patients currently accessing GP appointments to get a better understanding of their experiences, and to ensure that their voice contributes to improving GP services in Wolverhampton.
Strengthening social care insight alongside integrated teams
Adult social care plays a vital role in the lives of local people and it matters that services work well for everyone who relies on them. Building on our recent engagement and partnership work, we know there are important issues and experiences that need to be heard. This ongoing review provides an opportunity to ensure local voices shape the transition to integrated neighbourhood services in Wolverhampton.
That is why we want to hear from people using adult social care services in Wolverhampton to get a stronger insight of their experiences. We want to know the types of services residents are receiving, how well these services work together, and where there might be room for improvement through a community-based approach.
Our future healthcare
The government's proposal to abolish Healthwatch presents a risk to the protection of an independent voice and feedback system. Our engagement activities and methods are even more important this year to ensure we reach all parts of society and enabled their voice to live on long into the future.
This project aims to devise a legacy for Healthwatch Wolverhampton through the creation of a physical piece of artwork . By developing a tangible item, we seek to leave providers with a much-improved system of care, in which the voice of residents is to be amplified - particularly those who have felt hurt, ignored, let down and frustrated within local Wolverhampton NHS services.
Improving the quality of care homes
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 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: Leylands Residential Care Home | Atholl House Nursing Home | Penn Manor Medical Centre | Wrottesley Park House Care Home
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