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We've published our Annual Report!
We listened to your feedback and took action when you told us about your struggles in following the maps and signage at Southend Hospital, as well as when Southend Council had plans to start charging for their sharps waste collection service. We've listened to the views of deaf people about seeing a GP. Hundreds of you have asked us for advice about local services. We've been to many community meetings to hear your experiences. All this is fed into meetings with the NHS and Southend Council - we use your stories to let the people in charge know what works well and what could be improved.
Without hearing your stories, we can't push for change. Keep letting us know the successes and challenges you face.
What we've been up to...
Southend Pride
We attended Southend Pride on Saturday 13 July, where we had the chance to speak with many of you, hear your feedback, and join in with the celebrations for the LGBTQ+ community.
Hamlet Court Road in Harmony
We attended the festival on Sunday 26 May and had the chance to meet lots of you, listen to your feedback, and carry out a poll to see what areas you think we should focus on.
Slipper swap and library sessions
We held six library sessions in various libraries across Southend in May, June, and July, as well as attending Southend City Council’s slipper swap at the Ekco Social and Sports Club in Southend.
Holding an event and would like us to give a talk?
If you, or someone you know, is looking for speakers for an event or for your community group, please get in touch as we’d love to share what we do and see how we can help more residents of Southend.
You can email us at info@healthwatchsouthend.co.uk.
A few updates..
We celebrated Volunteers Week in June by giving thanks to those to give up their free time to help us, and by sharing the story of one of our volunteers, Viv.
We did a follow-up visit to Southend Hospital to see if any of our recommendations had been implemented from our September wayfinding report.
Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) have responded to our report on unpaid carers' experiences of general practice.
Community inpatient beds: our volunteer made the journey from Southend to Brentwood Community Hospital to share with the Integrated Care Board.
Spend a quarter with Healthwatch Southend
Healthwatch Southend in the news
The Echo: Southend Hospital wards locked windows and without hot water
Yellow Advertiser: Southend Hospital patients sweat as windows are locked shut while hot water still not available
What's going on in Southend?
Patients who test positive for COVID-19 can now refer themselves to the COVID-19 Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU).
A new website is launching in mid and south Essex to give you the latest information on palliative and end of life care.
Download some free resources from NHS Mid and South Essex, including a free toothbrushing chart to help improve oral health for Southend residents.
Join Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust's (EPUT) Co-Production Champions Network of lived experience ambassadors.
Eastwood Group practice consultation: the future of the Rayleigh Road surgery
There is to be further consultation with patients at the Eastwood Group practice about the future of the Rayleigh Road surgery. If you are a patient, or know someone who is, make sure you ask the practice for details of the consultation.
