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Healthwatch Isle of Wight and Healthwatch West Sussex shortlisted for National Award

We are delighted to announce that our teams at Healthwatch West Sussex and Healthwatch Isle of Wight in partnership with local Healthwatch teams in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton, have been shortlisted for a national award for their work in improving the care of local people. The National Healthwatch Impact Award recognises outstanding examples of people sharing their experiences to improve care for their community.

A collaborative effort led by Healthwatch Isle of Wight saw Healthwatch in Hampshire, Southampton, and Portsmouth come together to raise awareness of the Accessible Information Standard (AIS). They are working with their respective Trusts on local action plans to improve Accessible Information Standard awareness and delivery and have supported the formation of an action plan for the new System Group.

In Sussex, after local people spoke up about the challenges they encountered when trying to use Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services, the Healthwatch in Sussex came together to address the issue at a region-wide level. Using people’s feedback to understand what the challenges were and how best to move forward the working group’s recommendations were integrated into the 2023 recommissioning of patient transport services locally. They also helped to improve patient communications and provide clearer guidance around eligibility and better information on alternatives to NEPTS.

Commenting on the news that they have made the shortlist, Joanna Smith manager of Healthwatch Isle of Wight said:

“Our staff and volunteers are committed to ensuring that health and care services meet the needs of local people, but it’s the firsthand experiences of our residents that drive our work.

“Being shortlisted for this award is a proud moment for us, but the real recognition goes to everyone in the community who continuously supports our mission. This is an achievement for everyone on the Island.”

Also commenting on the news, Louise Ansari, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England, said,

“Getting shortlisted for this award is a huge achievement. It highlights how the views, experiences and ideas of local people are key to finding new ways to improve health and care services.

“This story shows what we can achieve when local people speak up, and those who run services listen. If you have a spare moment this week, please share your care experiences with us, as positive change begins with your voice.”

The annual award highlights outstanding examples of where the views and experiences of local people have been used by their local Healthwatch to make care better.

The nominees were announced as part of ‘Share for Better Care Week’, a campaign to encourage people to share their experiences of NHS and adult social care services across England to help improve care for everyone. Eighteen projects from across England are in the running for the National Healthwatch Impact Award. The finalist will be announced at a national event on 13th March 2025.

Read more here.

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