Agenda item

Emma Whitby, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Islington, introduced the report. The following main points were noted in the discussion:

·        The Committee noted Healthwatch’s key achievements over the 2023-24 year. Over 800 people had shared their experiences of health and care services and 12,000 had approached the organisation for advice and information. In particular, the Committee noted the way in which Healthwatch supports those with long term conditions, helping them to receive quality advice from medical professionals on how best to manage their condition.

·        Healthwatch Islington had been working with Somali and Turkish communities to encourage take up of cervical screening, and to understand the reasons why these communities had relatively lower rates of take up. This information then allowed services to better target information, providing accurate advice and addressing any concerns.

·        Ms Whitby praised the volunteer team at Healthwatch for their work in providing support and advice to residents.

·        It was noted that Healthwatch Islington was no longer able to provide the Digital Inclusion service due to a shortfall in funding; however the importance of digital inclusion and ensuring services are accessible was emphasised. While it has been difficult to measure impact of the programme, those working on the scheme knew the significant impact of supporting residents to access online services.

·        Following a question, it was advised that the digital inclusion work was funded through various organisations, and while digital inclusion was a significant priority during the pandemic, other issues had since taken priority for those funders.

·        Following a question, it was commented that having a variety of contact options for health and care services was crucial as not everyone could access online services. Organisations also had to avoid stereotypes about the digital skills of older and younger generations; digital skills were varied among all age groups. It was also commented that having an easy-to-use online interface was crucial. It was reported that some health service websites were difficult to use, even for those with high levels of digital literacy. 

·        Healthwatch had worked with the council to seek feedback on the home care service, holding interviews with service users, next of kin and staff.

·        It was noted that Islington was behind other London Boroughs on childhood immunisations and Healthwatch had attended various community events to speak to residents about the barriers to and benefits of immunisation.

·        Ms Whitby commented on the positive working relationship with the council and welcomed the council’s Evidence Islington programme, as well as Islington’s focus on addressing the wider determinants of health and health inequalities.

·        Healthwatch had worked with residents to understand the barriers to accessing mental health services; this identified the importance of building trust between services and service users, ensuring consistency in staffing, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in services.

·        Healthwatch had used the Challenging Inequality toolkit to identify any areas for development in their own service; as a result, Healthwatch was seeking more board members aged over 45, as they currently had a very young board. 

·        The Committee asked how the council could best support Healthwatch, and what made the working relationship between the council and Healthwatch a success. In response, it was advised that having certainty over funding through a multi-year contract allowed the organisation to plan and carry out detailed work over multiple years. It was also commented that Islington Council invited Healthwatch to attend a variety of meetings, having an organisational culture that viewed Healthwatch as a trusted and respected partner in those meetings led to effective partnership working. It was also though that monitoring outcomes in the right way was an important factor in effective joint working.

·        Following a question on equalities and engagement with men, it was commented that some men were not coming forward for prostate cancer screening, and it was also known that men tended to have lower rates of engagement with mental health services.

·        The Committee commented on the importance of residents having positive experiences of health and care services; how patients feel about services will impact how they share their experiences with friends and family. Ensuring positive experiences of health and care services helps to build trust in communities.

·        The Chair noted that Emma Whitby would soon be leaving her role at Healthwatch to take up a new opportunity elsewhere. The Committee thanked Emma for her contributions, praising her dedication to supporting the health and wellbeing of Islington residents.

RESOLVED:

That the Healthwatch Islington Annual Report for 2023-24 be noted.