Real Impact, Real Change: Transforming Health and Care Through Your Voice
About Us
At Healthwatch Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, we are driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to quality health and care services. This year, our work has made a tangible difference in the lives of thousands, from improving mental health services to empowering patients with diabetes to regain control over their own care.
We believe in the power of community voices to create lasting change, and the stories shared with us highlight the impact of this work. Here are just a few examples of how we’ve helped make a difference.
What We’ve Achieved in 2023/2024
- 2,001 underrepresented voices heard: We reached people often excluded from health conversations.
- 960 stories shared: Your experiences helped us advocate for better care.
- Improved care: Changes in neurology referrals, diabetes management in hospitals, and patient communication.
- Dedicated volunteers: 53 volunteers gave over 1,000 hours to support our work.
“Listening to people and taking action based on their experiences isn’t just important – it’s essential for improving health and care. This year, we’ve seen just how powerful community voices can be in making real change happen.”
How We Are Making a Difference
Giving Diabetes Patients More Control
For many people with diabetes, managing their condition is a daily task that becomes second nature. But for Sarah, a hospital stay took away that control. During her treatment, nurses took over her insulin management, leaving Sarah feeling anxious and powerless.
“It’s scary to suddenly lose control of something that keeps you alive,” Sarah shared. “I felt like I was just waiting for the next injection, completely dependent on others.”
Sarah’s story is far from unique. Many patients shared similar concerns, feeling disempowered in the hospital. Through the feedback we gathered, we were able to raise awareness of this issue, ultimately leading to a significant change in hospital policy. Now, patients can manage their own insulin while hospitalised, provided it’s safe to do so.
This shift has made a huge difference to Sarah and others. “Now, I feel in control again,” Sarah said. “I know what works for me, and I can take charge of my health, even when I’m in the hospital.”
This change not only helped Sarah but also sparked broader conversations about respecting patient autonomy in other areas of care. Nurses are now trained to support this choice, and hospitals are implementing clearer communication to ensure patients understand their options.
Improving Mental Health Services
Daniel, a young man struggling with mental health challenges, reached out for help, but what he encountered was a confusing web of delays and miscommunication. “It felt like I was doing all the work just to get the help I needed,” he said. “It was frustrating and exhausting.”
His experience is one of many. After hearing stories like Daniel’s, we launched a report focusing on specialised community mental health services. We gathered feedback from 367 individuals, identifying critical gaps between service expectations and patient experiences.
The results of this report were far-reaching. Our findings helped guide the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in its review of local mental health services, and we’ve already seen positive changes. Services are being re-evaluated, and new strategies are being implemented to reduce waiting times and ensure better care for people like Daniel.
Daniel’s experience is changing how mental health care is delivered in Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, and for him, it’s a step toward finally receiving the support he needs. “I’m hopeful now. Things are improving, and I’m not feeling as lost in the system,” he said.
Community Roadshows: Your Voice Matters
When Rita attended one of our Community Roadshows in Bassetlaw, she didn’t expect to feel heard. For years, she’d struggled with limited access to GP services in her area, but at the roadshow, she finally got the chance to speak up. “I didn’t think anyone cared about what people like me had to say,” Rita shared. “But when I spoke to the decision-makers at the event, I felt like my voice was finally being heard.”
Rita wasn’t alone. Through our Community Roadshows, we connected 128 people and 30 organisations across the region, creating a space for communities to share their concerns directly with health and care providers. These events allowed people like Rita to express their challenges and offer solutions, creating a platform for real change.
The impact of these events has been profound. Not only have community members built stronger relationships with service providers, but they’ve also gained new skills to advocate for themselves. Through training and support, local groups are now better equipped to gather and use data to drive improvements in care.
For Rita, the roadshow provided a tangible outcome: “I now know who to talk to if I have an issue with my GP, and I’m not afraid to ask for what I need,” she said.
The Power of Sharing Your Story
These stories represent just a fraction of the real-world changes we’ve helped bring about. From policy changes in mental health services to empowering hospital patients to take control of their care, the impact of our work is measurable. In fact, over 2,000 people from underrepresented communities shared their experiences with us this year, directly shaping the improvements we’ve seen in services.
But the results don’t stop there. By addressing gaps in care and raising awareness of local issues, we’ve made it easier for communities to connect with health services and for providers to understand the needs of the people they serve.
Disclaimer: The names of the patients in these stories have been changed to protect their confidentiality.
What’s Next: Continuing the Work
As we look ahead, we’re committed to continuing this vital work. Our focus will remain on amplifying voices that are often left unheard and driving improvements in services that truly meet people’s needs.
Sarah Collis, Healthwatch Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Chair, reflects: “As I reflect on the last year, I have noticed that quality and standards of health and care are still a concern for us at HWNN. As we bring our Enter & View function back online, we will be talking to even more patients in the year ahead.”
Get Involved
Want to help make a difference? Share your story or volunteer with us today. Your voice could help shape the future of health and care in Nottingham & Nottinghamshire.
