People’s real-life experiences of health and social care services in Dorset

More than 3,690 people have shared their views on the county’s GP surgeries, hospitals and social care over the last year with us – helping to shape and improve those services for all.

The year in numbers

• We heard from 3,695 people who shared their views.
• Our team visited 32 local services to understand people’s experiences of health and care.
• Our dedicated team of 75 volunteers helped carry out engagement work.
• And more than 2,780 people accessed heath advice and support thanks to being pointed in the right direction by us.

How your views have made a difference

• Last year, we listened to the views of over 230 women to find out about their experiences of cervical screening services to help inform local GPs and the national Cervical Screening Programme. Healthwatch groups across the region worked with Wessex Voices to find out what stopped women from attending screening appointments. They found out that many women didn’t know they were eligible for screening, some were put off going because they’d previously had a bad experience – and others thought it would be embarrassing and/or painful.
• A survey was carried out of all the care homes in Dorset to find out about resident’s experiences when accessing dental treatment. We found 38% of residents of the homes that responded to its survey didn’t receive any dental services at all. 59% of the homes that responded said their residents received poor or average dental services, while 41% said they received good or excellent services.
• And we also spoke to people who had been discharged from hospital to find out about the issues they faced when going home. A group of our volunteers spoke to over 70 patients on the wards at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and carried out 37 interviews 2-3 weeks after discharge. Following this, we recommended patient discharge should involve the patient, family, friends and carers. Plans should be shared in written form, with clear information, that gives people the opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns.

Louise Bate, Healthwatch Dorset Manager, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to our wonderful team of volunteers and everyone who has shared their views with us.

“We’re now on the look-out for new Steering Group members to join the team and help set the work priorities for the year ahead.

“Everyone’s health and care story is vital to the work we do and we look forward to helping more people have their say about health and care services over the coming year.”