March has been a busy month for the Healthwatch Team. We have been out and about in the community talking to people about their experiences of health and social care in Cheshire East. We would like to thank staff and volunteers at both Leighton and Macclesfield hospitals for making us so welcome.
We have carried out ward visits, talked to people about cancer care in the Macmillan Information and Support Centres and even hopped aboard the Macmillan Cancer Support Info Bus in Crewe Town Centre!
We plan to attend as many events as we can so that we can keep talking to people and encouraging you to have your say! We post most of our plans on Facebook and Twitter so why not like/ follow us and find out when we are in your area.
If you are hosting an event and think that we should come along, please do give us a shout and we will do our very best to be there.
Don’t forget, we are here to listen to you, help us by sharing your feedback and comments.
Simply click here, email info@healthwatchcheshireeast.co.uk or by call 03300 882843.
WelcomeWe are pleased to announce the appointment of our new manager Veronica Kitton. Veronica brings a wealth of experience in health and social care to Healthwatch and is planning to hit the ground running!
Here is what she had to say: ‘The team and I will be planning our schedule of work for the next six months focussing on both local and national health and social care themes. We are very happy to receive suggestions of topics that we could be looking in to and hope that you will get in touch with your ideas. We will update you with our plans in the next bulletin.’
Care at Home SurveyWe have had a fabulous response to our Care at Home Survey but, as always, would be very happy to hear from even more people. If you receive care in your home or know someone who does then why not fill in our survey? It won’t take you many minutes and means that your opinions and experiences will help to shape future care services.
Health and Social Care and HomelessnessOur Engagement Team have been attending drop in sessions at the Salvation Army in Crewe to talk to people experiencing homelessness. It has become clear that one of the major challenges faced by members of the community who have housing issues is being able to access appropriate health and social care.
We will continue to attend the drop in sessions to listen to people and identify gaps in provision. Thank you to the Salvation Army for making us welcome at these busy sessions.
Have you been affected by cancer?We would like to hear your experiences of living with cancer. You may like to share your thoughts on screening, getting your diagnosis, treatment received and after care; we are all ears on experiences good or bad. If you have a story to share please contact Loreen or go to our website by 30/04/16. Feedback will be passed on to Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG’s) to help to influence services for the future.
Respite Care SurveyWe are working with the East Cheshire Branch of the MS Society to find out if the respite beds that are available in the region are fit for purpose and provide effective respite care for people with multiple sclerosis and other physically disabled people. If you or a relative access respite care we need to hear from you! To share your experiences or to recommend a group we could visit to gather feedback please contact Julia at Healthwatch on 03300 882843.
Children and Young People’s Understanding of Mental HealthThe Engagement Team have been working with young people in local schools to get a better picture of their experience, knowledge and understanding of mental health. We are nearing the end of many months work and the report of our findings will be issued soon. Watch this space!
Scrutiny VisitsThe reports, including responses from the recent scrutiny visit to Leighton Hospital are available to read now!
Waters Green Carpark ClosureWe have been advised that the multi-story carpark at Waters Green Medical Centre, Macclesfield will be closed for essential repairs from 04/04/16-03/05/16. Please allow extra time when planning your visit. The car park will remain open to blue badge holders throughout this time.
Signposting ServiceNeed to access a service but not sure where to turn? Don’t forget we offer a signposting service, go to the website or give us a ring on 03300 882843 and we will try our very best to help.
We want to hear about all health and social care services!Finally, we are not just about GPs and hospitals! We want to hear about your experiences with all health social care services, these could be about: Care HomesCare received in your homeClinics (out patients)Day centresDentistsHearing centresOpticiansPharmacies Respite careMrs Jones took time to feedback about her recent trip to the dentist: ‘I rang the dentist for an emergency appointment as I was in a lot of pain. I was seen immediately and received excellent emergency care, prescribed antibiotics and the pain quickly eased. The service was 10 out of 10!’
Remember, we want your stories good and bad! Share your story here. | 
