Blogs

Jules Horton explains why no source of patient feedback should be overlooked – instead they should be cherished as untapped goldmines that could transform the way the NHS works for the better.

Tips on how voluntary sector organisations can work with Healthwatch:

• Have a local campaign you’d like to work with them on? Approach the regional managers to see if they can help get the word out.
   
• Offering a service? Contact your local Healthwatch so they know to signpost to you.
   
• Delve into all that data they collect: Healthwatch hears from over 400,000 people a year which means there is always more data than they can publish. But they are happy work with charities to provide access to their evidence and help build a shared understanding of specific issues. You can email research@healthwatch.co.uk with requests.

With a new question in the General Practice Patient Survey on involvement in decisions, Don Redding compares how often shared decision making happens in general practice with other care environments.

Jane Silvester shares why people who use social care services should be given care and support based on what they can already do, what they want to achieve and the help they need to live their lives in the way they want to.