We recently asked people waiting for hospital treatment or those who have recently had it to share their experiences with us. We are pleased to be able to share our findings in our newly published report.
Background
The Involving People Project brings together four local Healthwatch in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton to collaborate on projects regarding peoples’ experiences of health and social care and to amplify residents collective voice to NHS and social care leaders.
This Waiting Times Project was a collaboration between the four local Healthwatch, Involving People and the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Integrated Care System
Overview
Many people have had their hospital treatment delayed by the pandemic and it is therefore vital that NHS decision makers hear about people’s experiences and views so they can inform work being undertaken by the NHS to reduce waiting times for planned hospital treatment.
The four local Healthwatch have been asking the public to share their experiences and views of waiting for hospital treatment. They wanted to know whether people were getting the advice and information they needed while they waited for treatment and whether they would consider treatment at an alternative hospital (a new facility) in Winchester if it was available.
The four local Healthwatch ran an online survey for those waiting for treatment, or having recently waited for treatment, to explore these questions. The survey ran between May and August 2022, with 3607 people responding. Feedback will be shared anonymously with local NHS decision makers to help them understand what needs to be put in place to better support people waiting for treatment.
Next steps Further patient engagement will take place, building on the findings from the survey.