We would like to hear your health and social care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
We are supporting the NHS and social care in helping them to understand what is working well and not so well for local people in health and social care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can share your experience with us by completing our online feedback form or by using one of the other methods listed below.
Reporting What We've Heard
One of the statutory duties of Healthwatch is to obtain the views of local people regarding their needs for, and experiences of, local care services and importantly, to make these views known. During the pandemic we have been asked by the government and the NHS to continue to gather feedback, and to use our experience in engagement to ensure that seldom-heard groups are not overlooked locally.
We are producing reports to summarise key themes and findings from what we've heard and the reports can be found here.
Information on Coronavirus
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that can affect your lungs and airways. For the latest information and advice on symptoms, risks and getting treatment, please visit the NHS England website or Public Health England website. An easy read version has been produced by Easy-Read-Online based on advice from Public Health England. We have a dedicated Coronavirus page providing details of help & support services in Surrey including our Helpdesk, local voluntary and community groups, Surrey Police etc. We have also have details on changes to health and care services in Surrey during the COVID-19 pandemic here.
Message from our CEO
Read the latest message from our CEO, Kate Scribbins on Healthwatch Surrey's workplan during the coronavirus pandemic: CEO message
Engagement events cancelled until further notice
We have been monitoring the rapidly unfolding situation around COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on a daily basis to consider its impact on how we work and how we best support our staff and volunteers. We have also taken note of Government communications on social distancing to protect the elderly and vulnerable members of the public. Therefore, we have made the decision to cancel all face-to-face engagement events until further notice.
Our Helpdesk is still available to help with enquiries and signposting. You can call 0303 303 0023, text 07952 787533 or email enquiries@healthwatchsurrey.co.uk.
We will continue to communicate information about Coronavirus from trusted sources on our website and across our social media channels. We will also look at how we can work more closely with local voluntary groups to support our community during this difficult time.
Information, advice and support
You can contact us for information and advice on health and social care in Surrey by contacting our Helpdesk to speak to one of our trained, independent advisors.
For further support on NHS issues, you can contact our independent advocacy service who can guide and support you through the NHS complaints procedure. Please note that during the COVID-19 pandemic this service will continue but there may be implications in terms of response time.
Healthwatch Surrey Annual Report 2019-2020
We are delighted to share our Annual Report 2019-20. Find out about the work we've done throughout the year to raise awareness of health and social care issues that matter to people in Surrey.
You can download a copy of the report here.
A plain text version of the report will be available soon.
If you would like a copy the report in an alternative format please contact us.
Healthwatch Surrey volunteer receives award for 'outstanding' work
We are delighted to announce our volunteer Liz Sawyer has been recognised as highly commended in the 'Outstanding individuals who've made a difference' category at the 2019 Healthwatch Network Awards.
Liz has been helping us to champion improvements in sexual health services in Surrey and with Liz's help we will continue to monitor feedback and work with commissioners to drive improvements to services.
Liz says: "my involvement with sexual health services over the last 2 years has shown how Healthwatch can amplify patients' needs and experiences in a way which truly influences commissioners and service providers. And, as I volunteer with Healthwatch I can really make a difference to services I care passionately about."
Click here to find out more about our work on sexual health services.
