Agenda item

To consider the Healthwatch Wokingham Annual Report 2019-2020.

The Committee considered the Healthwatch Wokingham Annual Report 2019-20.

During the discussion of this item, the following points were made:

·         Jim Stockley indicated that Healthwatch would be producing a report on perinatal health.

·         Councillor Jones questioned whether Healthwatch had sufficient budget to undertake all of its work in 2020/21 and what more it could have done had it not had an 11% budget cut.  Jim Stockley commented that it was difficult to say what more Healthwatch would have done, as it had not had the opportunity to do it.  If it had had more full time staff, it could have done more.  He went on to praise the Healthwatch lead and Healthwatch officer. 

·         Healthwatch had maintained an online and phone presence during the pandemic.  Nick Durman indicated that one of the statutory duties of Healthwatch was to undertake enter and views.  However, this had been difficult due to the restrictions brought about by the pandemic.

·         Councillor Jones questioned whether Healthwatch would be asking for residents’ views on accessing different health services during the pandemic.  Nick Durman referred to the survey that Healthwatch were undertaking on residents’ experiences of NHS services.  It was due to run until the end of the week and 180 responses had been received so far.  A report would be produced. 

·         Nick Durman went on to summarise some of the responses received so far.  There had been a lot of praise for GP surgeries.  Equally, many people had felt that their issue could wait and had therefore not used the health services.  A number of people who had responded had found it difficult to find information on changes to dental services during the pandemic.  Nick also referred to the difficulty that some people had had in finding information that was accessible for those with learning difficulties.

·         Nick Durman commented that following the pandemic there was likely to be an increasing mental health problem.  He suggested that the Committee might wish to speak to Prospect Park at a future committee meeting.

·         Members were informed that Morrison’s pharmacy had cancelled the nomad packs for all customers.  Healthwatch had sought clarification as to the reason for this but had not yet received a response.

·         Councillor Frewin asked when the mental health report would be ready and if the Committee could receive a copy.  Jim Stockley indicated that it would be available to Members within 3 to 4 weeks.

·         Councillor Frewin went on to ask how the Committee could support Healthwatch in its work.  Jim Stockley stated that Healthwatch valued information from the Members.

·         Nick Durman informed Members that Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust would be modernising its estate.  Healthwatch would be attending an engagement event with the company leading the project. 

·         Councillor Mather questioned whether Healthwatch surveyed residents about volunteer transport and parking and collection arrangements at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.  Councillor Loyes agreed that parking at the hospital remained an issue and asked that Healthwatch look into this matter.  Nick Durman commented that there was no specific data but that they could raise the issue at the engagement event.  Jim Stockley offered to provide a report previously undertaken regarding volunteer drivers. 

RESOLVED:  That

1)         Jim Stockley and Nick Durman be thanked for their attendance;

2)         the Healthwatch Annual Report be noted.