A Happy New Year from all of us at Healthwatch Norfolk.

It has certainly been a busy start to 2023 for all of us. You may have already met our engagement team who have been out across the county since early January at libraries and community centres.

As well as hearing about your health and social care experiences, we are particularly keen to find out how you have found health visitors in Norfolk. What has gone well for you, and does anything need improving? Do you see your health visitor enough? Is there more they can do, or are they just fantastic? Many mums have been in touch (and we would love to hear from more) but it would be good to hear from some dads as well to get their perspective. You can read more about this in the newsletter.

Health and social care have been very much in the news already in 2023. The pressures in the NHS, CQC reports published this week on some Norfolk care homes, and our own survey highlighting how the cost-of-living is making it hard for you to access help are just some of the things making the headlines and creating discussion and debate on social media.

This is why it is important for us to keep hearing your feedback. At the moment, we are also collecting data around the issues affecting dentistry in Norfolk for a document we are submitting to Parliament. While there is unfortunately no quick fix to the current issues, we can pledge to continue ensuring we share your stories and experiences with those who can make decisions about our health and social care.

Lots is going on and we are always grateful to hear your experiences whether chatting with us face-to-face, sharing your stories on the phone, or letting us know the problems you have been having via email. We are also in the process of organising another of our Healthwatch Norfolk Live events which will be happening in the Spring and in a new location. We are hoping to have everything confirmed shortly so we can update you more in our next newsletter.

In the meantime, can we thank all of you who have been in touch or have helped us in any way, and wish you all a Very Happy New Year?

 

The Healthwatch Norfolk Team