Insight bulletin - Heard in hospitals - October 2026
Heard in hospital
From April to July we visited a different hospital and local community settings each month to find out people's experiences of their local hospital. In discussions with the hospitals, some of this engagement was about specific care or departments within the hospital but people were also free to share any experiences about the local hospital with us. We have shared reports detailing our findings and addressing specific areas of interest with the relevant Trusts. This Insight bulletin focuses on some recurring themes that emerged across all four Trusts, in the following areas:
- Thanks and praise
- Communication and information gaps
- System pressures leading to environmental pressures
- Meeting individual needs and reasonable adjustments
- Discharge planning and follow up support.
We also include how the lived experience shared with us is making a difference.
This project is ongoing and, as well as continuing our engagement work, people can also share their experiences via our hospital feedback survey. This is open to anyone - whether you’ve been for a short appointment or a longer stay, or even just visited a friend or relative.
Oral health in care homes
We are visiting care homes in Surrey to discuss oral health (teeth and mouth care), with residents and staff. You also have the opportunity to take part via our online survey or via our Helpdesk.
If you or your friend or relative live in a care home, then please complete this survey - Oral health in care homes - residents and family survey Healthwatch Surrey 2026-27
If you work in a care home, please complete this one - Oral health in care homes staff survey Healthwatch Surrey 2026-27.
This survey closes on 15 November 2026.
If you need a paper copy, or would prefer to share your experience in your own words, please get in touch with our Helpdesk.
Update on the Health Bill
The Health Bill, which (amongst other things) proposes the abolition of NHS England, the introduction of a Single Patient Record and transferring the functions of local Healthwatch to ICBs and Local authorities, is progressing through Parliament.
It has already been debated in the House of Commons and has now moved to the House of Lords, where it had its Second Reading on Tuesday 13 October. Further scrutiny is expected during the Lords Committee Stage, beginning on 28 October.
Find out more about the Health Bill's progress on page 7 of our Insight bulletin.
And remember, whilst these discussions continue, we are very much still here and proud of our independent and impartial role, championing the voice of local people to shape, improve and get the best from NHS, health and social care services.
Insight bulletin downloads
“There was no understanding of how traumatic and scary appointments could be for my autistic son, he was told he was wrong when he said the intravenous antibiotic was hurting, he has sensory differences and experiences some things as pain that others may not, there was no patience to take time to make him feel safe.”
