HEALTHWATCH Devon engaged with more than 3,240 people between April 1 and September 30, 2017.

This engagement was carried out through events, activities, project work and surveys.

Included in this figure is the 151 people who used Healthwatch Devon’s "have your say" feedback form to share their experiences of health and social care services in Devon.

The following are the services that were reported to Healthwatch Devon:

• Hospital services (31 per cent) including outpatient services at community hospitals.

• Primary care services (30 per cent) including accessing GPs and issues with appointment systems.

• Adult social care (27 per cent) including residential and nursing care homes.

• Mental health services (10 per cent) including community mental health teams.

Healthwatch Devon recently joined a national campaign, #SpeakUP, launched by Healthwatch England, to get more people to share their views about these and other issues.

The public’s views can be shared with those who have the power to make change happen. Everyone is urged to contact Healthwatch Devon to speak up about ideas and experiences.

Those who have an idea that could help improve health and social care for themselves, a loved one or community, is asked to make contact via: www.healthwatchdevon.co.uk and #SpeakUp. No matter how big or small the issue, Healthwatch Devon want to hear about it.

Colin Potter, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Devon said: “The more that people share their ideas, experiences and concerns about NHS and social care, the more services can understand when improvements are needed.

“That is why we are encouraging people to #SpeakUp in 2018 to help make services better for the people of Devon.”

Healthwatch England has reported nationally on the top five priorities people said they would like Healthwatch Devon to look into further:

• Mental health services (99 of 152 - 65 per cent), with specific reoccurring issues notably Mental Health in Children and Young People

• Adult social care, including residential care homes or care at home - 77 of 152 (51 per cent)

• Service changes, especially Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs) – 52 of 152 (34 per cent)

• Hospital care, including discharge and Accident and Emergency services - 48 of 152 (32 per cent)

• Access to GP and dental services – 42 of 152 (28 per cent).

Mental health was the top priority for the third year running. People raised this as an issue in 65 per cent of areas.

Care and support available to children and young people was the most notable concern. The lack of mental health awareness, early intervention and difficulty accessing effective and appropriate support were key themes.

Adult social care, particularly support for the elderly and their carers, has come a close second with local Healthwatch covering half of the country planning to do work on this issue in the next 12 months.

Third on the list are service changes, especially Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs), which aim to help make health and social care services more integrated and better at delivering tailored support.

Mr Petter continued: “With hospital care people told us that emergency care - getting to appointments and leaving hospital - can vary greatly. Specific reoccurring themes include discharge and emergency care.

“With GP services, specific themes include access and extended hours. Poor access to primary care services has a knock-on effect, as long waits to be seen by a doctor or dentist can prevent people from receiving the right diagnosis, treatment or referral to specialist services.

“This list of priorities will shape Healthwatch Devon’s work in the next 12 months. Last year, more than 340,000 people spoke up about their experiences and shared their ideas with Healthwatch England. These views helped result in changes across England. In 2018, it is hoped more people will have their say.”

Imelda Redmond, National Director of Healthwatch England, said: “We want to see all working in health and social care to work with people as partners in designing the future of services.

“Healthwatch helps improve care by making sure services hear people’s views - what is working for you and what is not. As we approach the 70th birthday of the NHS, if anyone has a story they want to share or an idea they think might help, I urge them to get involved and speak to their local Healthwatch.” 

Alan Quick