OVER the last two weeks Healthwatch Worcestershire has been out and about listening to local people. Parents of young children at Wacky Wednesday at the Hive in Worcester told us about their experiences of using and accessing health and social care services. We have been talking to people who use the foodbank in Kidderminster to find out their experiences and the difficulties many have in accessing services. Our survey looking into support for mental health and wellbeing is still running and we have been out and about at various groups helping people to complete it and hear about their experiences.

We continue to monitor the situation at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (WAHT) and their continuing challenges. During the last week we learnt that there are a considerable number of people on waiting lists to see consultants – don’t forget you have a choice of where you are treated – contact us if you have a problem with waiting lists or if you are not offered a choice. We have also met up with the Improvement Director appointed by the Trust Development Authority and attended the Trusts AGM where they were open about the problems they face.

The county council has recently reported on the financial challenges it faces in delivering some services and we are starting to receive reports on the impacts of this on local people. Please get in touch if this is something affecting you.

Our board meeting in public in Pershore was well attended by local people where they were given the opportunity to ask questions about Healthwatch, the work we do and also tell us about their experiences. A representative from WAHT attended the meeting to give an update on the trust and their plan to improve Urgent Care and patient flow.

If you want any further information, a paper copy of the Mental Health Survey or would like to share your experiences, please contact us at info@healthwatchworcestershire.co.uk or phone: 01386 550264.

PETER PINFIELD Chairman, Healthwatch