The independent champion for people who use health and social care services in our region is asking the public to support a new campaign to share their experiences, both good and bad, to help improve services.
Healthwatch Newcastle and Healthwatch Gateshead are participating in the initiative from Healthwatch England and the Care Quality Commission entitled #BecauseWeAllCare.
As health and social care services work to provide the best possible care during COVID-19, public feedback can play a crucial role to help identify and address issues that affect the quality of people’s care.
Cynthia Atkin, Interim Operations Manager at Healthwatch Newcastle and Healthwatch Gateshead, said:
“We all care about our health and social care services and even more so with the Pandemic. Together we can help services across Newcastle and Gateshead improve the care they provide now and in the future. We’re here to listen and act on public feedback to improve everyone’s care, to help patients, key workers, and our communities.”
Whilst the survey runs until next year, early findings have shown that there may be issues accessing dentistry services in some areas across Newcastle and Gateshead. Technology has helped during the Pandemic as people in the 50 – 79 age group have responded positively to accessing GPs by phone and video call. However, there was some concern about the lack of GP support to care home residents.
“We need to get a good, diverse cross-section from all areas of our community including all ages, gender and backgrounds so that we can make services better for everyone“ added Cynthia.
Anyone wishing to comment on their experience with a health or social care service, either as a patient or carer can share their feedback – both positive and negative, by completing an online form.
www.healthwatch.co.uk/because-we-all-care
