News and reports

Amplifying the voices of people who face barriers to accessing support, and those at risk of health inequalities, we listened to the views, insights and opinions of those with learning disabilities, as well as their families and carers, across Surrey.

70 people with learning disabilities joined us at 5 focus groups and 32 parents and carers shared their experiences via an online survey.

Through May and June we asked parents of school age children about whether their children had sight (eye) tests and if there were any barriers to having these tests. 87 people responded to our survey or spoke to us at community events.

Primary care is an important point of contact for people to ask for help when experiencing domestic abuse, but little was known about this experience.

The aim of this research project was to explore whether general practice is meeting the needs of people who are experiencing domestic abuse within Surrey, and what improvements could be made to better meet these needs.

Earlier this week the Dash Patient Safety review was published. Its recommendations have been incorporated into the NHS 10 Year Health plan, including transferring the functions of local Healthwatch into NHS Integrated Care Boards and local authorities.

Our 2024 – 2025 annual report ‘Unlocking the power of people‑driven care’ highlights our impact throughout the year supported by our volunteers, with the lived experience of Surrey residents being the driver of our work.

Our short video also captures the key highlights.

This report provides insights into local people’s views on, and experiences of Public Health services across Surrey. It is based on what people have told us at our agenda free listening engagement events, and via our Helpdesk, Independent Health Complaints Advocacy service, Giving Carers a Voice engagement, Combating Drugs Partnership Public Involvement, online Feedback Centre, postal submissions and Healthwatch England’s website.

This report provides insights into local people’s views on, and experiences of health and social care services in Surrey Heath and Farnham. It is based on what people have told us at a series of engagement events in the area, as well as enquiries to our Helpdesk, between June 2024 and December 2024.

Ashmount is a 6 bed home for men with moderate to severe learning disability and autism. We visited Ashmount in March 2025 and spoke to family members to get their impressions of the service, both face to face and also using a survey that was emailed to the families who were happy for communication that way. We had feedback from 2 parents. No one living at Ashmount had capacity to speak to us and none of them communicated verbally.

This latest report aims to provide an update on what waiting for treatment is like for people in Surrey, as, despite progress being made to reduce the time people wait, many are still experiencing a difficult wait which is significantly impacting their lives.

Our one pager report based on the new data from NHS England and Healthwatch England regarding ADHD and diagnosis, also highlights what residents of Surrey experience.

In May 2025 we attended a health promotion event at HMP Coldingley to hear about experiences of healthcare whilst in prison. 14 men shared their experiences of physical and mental health support with us.

This report provides insights into local people’s views on, and experiences of health and social care services in Surrey Heath and Farnham. It is based on what people have told us at a series of engagement events in the area, as well as enquiries to our Helpdesk, between October 2024 and March 2025.