Healthwatch Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Annual Report 2018/19
Over the year, Healthwatch received 343 detailed experiences of health and social care, plus 2,702 responses through in-depth project surveys and focus groups. It was supported by 49 active volunteers who contributed 1,133 hours, visited 106 locations (leading to 48 recommendations for improvement), helped 3,566 people access information and advice, and reached 59,842 people through social media.
Key pieces of work included: working with the Nottinghamshire Appliance Management Service (NAMS) to resolve widespread issues with stoma product prescribing and delivery; a safeguarding awareness report (485 people surveyed) commissioned by the City and County Safeguarding Adults Boards, which led to a new Safeguarding Leads forum; and a "Question of the Month" survey on digital technology in health and care, which contributed to a new digital and social inclusion project. The report also highlights the organisation's role in the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Maternity Voices Partnership, recruiting and training volunteers to gather new mothers' experiences of maternity services.
The report closes with the organisation's refreshed strategy for 2019–21 — prioritising frail elderly support, young people's mental health services, and continued work with seldom-heard communities — along with details of volunteers, governance, and the 2018/19 financial statement (total income £403,352).
