Our key projects
Read the Healthwatch Decision Making Policy & Procedure to find out how we decide on our key projects.
Key projects
Alongside our day-to-day work we carry out key projects to find out more about particular issues or services.
Find out what we're working on
Everything we do is guided by what people tell us about their experiences of health and social care. Find out more about our current projects and how you can get involved.
Integrated Neighbourhood Teams
Evidence shows that as well as access to good quality healthcare, the wider conditions of people’s lives – housing, income, employment and environment – have a great impact on their health. Services that support people with these issues have a role to play in improving people’s health. So, the NHS, local government, voluntary sector and wider partners are working together to build Integrated Neighbourhood Teams around the natural communities of Dorset to better meet the needs of local people.
During July and August 2024, we engaged with people living in Boscombe (a suburb of Bournemouth) about their experiences of local health, social and community care services and how they would like to see local services developed and delivered to better meet people’s needs. Our findings will help shape the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams across Dorset.
Boscombe Voices: Shaping better health and social care in Dorset's local communities (Report, February 2025)
Health inequalities: People experiencing homelessness
The COVID-19 pandemic shone a light on the impact of inequalities in health and social care services, particularly for those who are vulnerable, isolated or marginalised, and for those who often go unheard. People experiencing homelessness face some of the most severe inequalities in their mental and physical health, as well as significant barriers when accessing healthcare.
In January 2024, we engaged with people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who were experiencing homelessness or who were vulnerably housed, and the people who support them, to find out about the barriers and challenges they face when trying to access health and social care services.
Voiceless, unheard and socially excluded (Report, September 2024)
Getting the right care and support at the right time - Joe’s story about battling addiction while homeless (Blog, January 2025)
Local pharmacies
The NHS wants to make it easier for patients to access the care they need through their local pharmacy. The Pharmacy First service means that people can now get prescription-only treatment for seven common conditions at their high street pharmacy without needing to see a GP. However, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has warned of 'skyrocketing' levels of pharmacy closures, and it is clear from the feedback that we receive that Dorset residents have been finding it difficult to get the medication they need. We have also heard concerns about pharmacy closures, prescription costs, and problems faced by young carers and looked after children trying to access free prescriptions.
In October 2024, we asked local people about their experiences of using pharmacies. Our report, which will be published spring 2025, will inform the local Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment which looks at what’s available across Dorset and what is needed for the future.
Hospital at home
Also known as virtual wards, this is an NHS service that provides short-term hospital care to patients in their own homes or care/nursing homes, rather than being in hospital.
In February and March 2025, we will be gathering feedback from those who have experienced hospitals at home, either as a patient or as a carer, family member or friend. We will share their stories and insights with NHS Dorset to help improve the service and the information that’s available about it.
If you’d like to share your experience, please contact us and we’ll arrange a convenient time to call you.
0300 111 0102
Other work
Alongside our key projects, we often get involved in other work that arises in response to current and emerging developments in health and social care, through our work with local partners and Healthwatch England.
