Championing what matters to you through difficult times

Championing What Matters to You, our annual report, showcases how we've been making a difference during a difficult year. 

Sharing your feedback really does make a difference – not only have we been able to make 78 recommendations to services for improvements, we’re delighted to see that changes are being made thanks to what you told us, such as at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, at the new Devizes Health Centre and in the development of local mental health services. 

The year in numbers

In the past year (2021-22):

• 4,400 people have shared their experiences with us.
• 7,140 people have accessed our advice and information online or contacted us with questions about local support.
• We have published 12 reports and made 78 recommendations to services to make health and care better in Wiltshire.
• We reached 133,370 people on social media.
• We have 40 volunteers helping us to carry out our work, giving 1,480 hours of their own time.

Looking ahead

As ever the work doesn't stop there. We'll be looking at how our survey, which gathered the views of patients and staff on access to GP services during Covid-19, will bring about improvements to services across the south of England in 2022 and beyond. 

Our priorities for 2022/23 are:

• Primary Care – continuing the previous year’s work.
• Mental health – with a focus on learning disabilities and autism.
• Children and young people – sexual health.
• Hospital discharge – exploring the links between discharge and social care.

Catharine Symington, Interim Manager at Healthwatch Wiltshire, said:

“Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their experiences with us during what has been another difficult 12 months.

"With the introduction of the new Integrated Care System on 1 July, there are lots of changes expected within the health and care system and we want to make sure that local people continue to play a key role in helping to shape services. 

"Please keep sharing your experiences with us so that we can champion your views and needs both locally and nationally.”