Issue - meetings

The Panel considered the report of Healthwatch Southampton which updated the Panel on the current health and social care issues being raised by the public to Healthwatch Southampton.

Amanda Kelly, Healthwatch Southampton Manager was in attendance and, with the consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting.

The Panel discussed a number of points including:

·  Healthwatch was part of a national network that guided councils and local decision makers on public views regarding health services.  Feedback was gathered by Healthwatch through surveys, community engagement events and visits to local health services throughout the year.

·  The priorities remained similar to the previous year with most comments from the public focussing on access to GP appointments, dental services, adult mental health and day services.

·  Members felt there were many residents who were not aware of Healthwatch Southampton.

·  Promotional material was distributed to health centres however it had been observed that there were fewer poster and leaflets on display in waiting rooms since the pandemic.

·  There had been an increase in the number of people who completed the Healthwatch survey this year.

·  There had been a steady rise in the number of reports of problems with getting to appointments and Healthwatch had initiated research to look at how people travel to access appointments at the local hospitals.

RESOLVED  that, to raise the profile of Healthwatch Southampton and the important role the organisation played, Healthwatch Southampton would seek to promote itself as widely as possible, including posters and leaflets in Southampton GP practices.