News and reports

New research has just been published by Healthwatch England which confirms that the picture of health and social care complaints handling in Shropshire that we found in October 2023 is seen right across the country.

It’s always great when we meet with staff from organisations which really value the voice of patients and their families.

We have heard from some patients that they are unable to access ear irrigation services (ear wax removal) from their local GP

You told us that you were having problems using the new central service to book blood tests, long call times and long waits for appointments.

We have been contacted by people who have been having problems getting through to the POD on the telephone especially around Bank Holidays. Callers report long waits and having to make repeated calls to get through.

This Volunteers’ Week we’d like to thank all of our dedicated volunteers for their contributions to the work of Healthwatch Shropshire.

During the Covid-19 pandemic hospitals have had to place restrictions on visiting patients. This means that families and friends are reliant on speaking to their loved ones and those looking after them by phone.

Healthwatch Shropshire and Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin are concerned that patients, families and staff, past and present, will receive the support they need during and after the review of Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust Maternity Services

You told us that is was really difficult to book a blood test and were left waiting in a call line queue for a long time while paying to call an 01 number. We contacted the service and explained the problems.

You told us that the car parking charging system at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust (SaTH) for cancer patients was unclear and staff were interpreting the rules in various ways.

We received several reports that emergency ambulances had problems locating the patient.

We are really pleased to see that the Local Maternity Service has taken your views into account