Healthwatch England Annual Report 2021-22

What we've taken action on

• In 2021-22, we supported more than two million people to have their say on care and get the right advice. Here are just some of the ways we made a difference:
• Explored vaccine confidence with people from different backgrounds.
• Highlighted the negative impact poor NHS admin can have.
• Helped the Government update key hospital discharge guidance to put patient safety first.
• Raised public concerns about how the NHS collects and uses patient data.
• Pushed for improvements to non-emergency patient transport services.
• Called for an urgent response to hospital waiting lists, and better interim communication.
• Warned that improvements to NHS dentistry are too slow, leaving thousands in pain.
• Uncovered that only a third of NHS Trusts fully comply with their duty to help patients with sensory impairments and learning disabilities.
• Campaigned for everyone to be given healthcare information in a way they understand.

What next?

The NHS and social care system, which we value and rely on, faces enourmous challenges. Millions of people are currently on NHS waiting lists for vital surgery and treatment. Waiting times at A&E departments have risen. Seeing essential community services, like a GP or dentist, has become more difficult. And there's a similar picture in social care.

Our Interim Chair, Belinda Black,  sets out how we will to help address the health and care challenges our nation faces in our report.

Three ways we'll play our part:

1. Continue to support those who face the most signficant health inequalities
2. Focus on the areas where people are facing the biggest challenges
3. Work to ensure patients have a strong voice in plans as the NHS reorganises itself into Integrated Care Systems.