A Derbyshire-based charity which works to advocate for people’s health and social care has been shortlisted for a national award.
Healthwatch Derbyshire is in the running to win an award for its team’s work on improving hospital discharge for local people.
Following a report by Healthwatch Derbyshire which highlighted a greater need for clear information and better communication as a number one priority when being discharged from hospital, a new role was created to help embed patient experiences into hospital discharge pathways.
Helen Henderson, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Derbyshire said: “Our team is passionate about making sure health and care services truly reflect the needs of the people who use them. This nomination is a recognition of the power of patient voices in shaping meaningful change.”
The National Healthwatch Impact Award recognises outstanding examples of people sharing their experiences to improve care for their community.
As a direct result of Healthwatch Derbyshire’s 2023 Hospital Discharge Report, the Derbyshire Integrated Care System (ICS) created a Discharge Improvement Engagement role within Healthwatch Derbyshire.
Helen said: “Over the course of this project, we’ve spoken to patients, carers, and their families, and their experiences have been so important in driving improvements.
“We couldn’t have achieved this without the people who shared their experiences so openly. Their voices are at the heart of everything we do, and this achievement belongs to everyone in Derbyshire who has contributed to improving care for our community.”
The report highlighted that leaving hospital can be a confusing time for patients, their family and carers. Local people listed their need for clear information and better communication as the number one priority when being discharged from hospital. They said it was important to have information that they can personalise and access at the right time, in the right format for them.
The new role means people’s stories and feedback are now at the core of the improvements being made to support better outcomes in the hospital discharge process across Derbyshire.
Healthwatch Derbyshire is now being recognised as an equal partner in influencing improvements across health and care. One major outcome has been the development of a discharge information pack, designed in partnership with Joined Up Care Derbyshire communication leads, the people of Derbyshire and healthcare staff.
Hearing from people with dementia or in palliative care has also helped to provide evidence to a business case for funding. It is also helping with a shift in culture so that people’s voices are not just heard but acted upon.
The ICS is also using this project to show how patient experiences can solve complex care issues and improve outcomes for people experiencing inequalities.
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 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 finalist will be announced at a national event on Thursday, March 13.
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."
To take part in Share for Better Care Week and share your experience of health or social care services visit: www.healthwatchderbyshire.co.
uk/have-your-say
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