Who are we?
Healthwatch Surrey champions the voice of local people to shape, improve and get the best from NHS, health and social care services. We are independent and have statutory powers to make sure decision makers listen to the experiences of local people.
It’s really important that you share your experiences – both good or bad. We passionately believe that listening and responding to your experiences is vital to create health and social care services that meet the needs of people in Surrey.
We can also provide reliable and trustworthy information and signposting about local health and social care services to help you get the support you need.
We are part of a network of over 150 local Healthwatch across the country. Last year, the Healthwatch network helped nearly a million people like you to have your say and get the support you need. So if you need information or are ready to share your experience about health and social care services – please contact us.
Latest Reports and Papers
We were asked to gather patient insights about using the EMED non-emergency patient transport service which has been operating since April 2024.
This report explores the themes we have been hearing through our social media, website, Helpdesk, and engagements at hospitals in Surrey Heartlands.
This report highlights our major impacts throughout our forth quarter of 2024/25 (January to March 2025). The report looks at our impact in relation to:
- Information and signpost
- Delivering our thematic priorities
- Making a difference at system level
- Involving people in health and social care.
This report provides insights into local people’s views on, and experiences of, health and social care services in East Surrey. It is based on what people have told us at a series of engagement events during our East Surrey Spotlight month in January 2025.
In addition to speaking to people at these events, people have also shared their experiences of health and social care services through our Helpdesk, Independent Health Complaints Advocacy service, Giving Carers a Voice’ engagement, online Feedback Centre and postal submissions.
Our Latest News...
Response from Glenlyn Medical Centre
We are pleased to receive a detailed response to our report and recommendations about Glenlyn Medical Centre. They told us … Read more
Eye care costs a barrier for people on low incomes: new report from Healthwatch England
An estimated 50% of sight loss is avoidable. That’s why it’s vital that people can have their eyesight tested regularly … Read more
We’ve been shortlisted for the national Healthwatch Impact Award
As part of #ShareForBetterCare week, we are thrilled to have been shortlisted for the national Healthwatch Impact Award. We are … Read more
Personal experiences
Supporting people through our Helpdesk
Rosie called the Helpdesk concerned about the lack of support she was receiving from her social worker. Rosie has a physical disability and struggles with her mental health and has a social worker to support her to become more independent in her home. Rosie also disclosed that she was unable to advocate for herself as she didn’t have the required documentation.
The Helpdesk advisor informed Rosie that, under the Care Act, she has a right to have a written copy of her care plan and suggested that she request this, so that she could raise her concerns and request any amendments to be made.
Outcome
The Helpdesk were able to provide Rosie with critical information on her rights that she hadn’t been able to obtain elsewhere. Thanks to the advice provided Rosie felt empowered to request a copy of her Care Plan. She was then able to advocate for herself and have her voice heard by her social worker.
Read more about our impact in our Quarterly impact reports
*Names have been changed to protect identities
Contact our Helpdesk for information and signposting
Advocacy and complaints
Sarah contacted the IHCA following delays in her cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some of these delays – caused due to system failings related to a change in the consultant in charge of her care – fell outside cancer treatment pathway guidelines. Failings could be identified across two separate hospitals, which made the complaints process challenging for Sarah to navigate at what was a very difficult time.
The IHCA were able to explain the complaints process and how it operates when more than one provider is involved. They worked with Sarah to think about what questions she wanted answering and what outcomes she was seeking, and to articulate those in the best way possible. The IHCA drafted the complaint and monitored for a reply, and kept Sarah informed if and when appropriate based on her current health and stage in her treatment journey.
Find out more about the outcomes for Sarah and service providers in our latest Quarterly report.
*Names have been changed to protect identities
Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service
Accessible Information Standard
In March 2023 we sought clarification from Surrey Heartlands on the duties and responsibilities of the ICB in monitoring the implementation of the Standard. A meeting with Surrey Heartlands representatives followed, and – in November 2023 – we were invited to be part of the new AIS Working Group.
How did we make a difference?
As a direct result of the work of this group an Accessible Information Standard listening event was held in November. At this event we showed a video, created with a parent carer and her daughter who is neurodivergent, highlighting the personal impact of not adhering to the standard. We hope this video will help with awareness and improve compliance – hospitals plan to share the videos as part of staff training and NHS England plan to use the video on their South East region patient experience and involvement futures workspace.
Read more about our impact in our Quarterly impact reports.
Our video about the impact of the Accessible Information Standard