Looking back over 2024

Healthwatch Southend is pleased to share its Annual Report for 2024-25.

We are set up by an Act of Parliament to:

• give you free, independent and confidential information about NHS and social care services

• listen to your experiences and take these back to the NHS and City Council to push for improvements

• act as a critical friend, making sure the NHS and Council think about your needs

Over the last year, we've heard from hundreds of local people and given advice to around 400 residents who wanted to know more about making GP appointments or what to do whilst waiting for treatment. We carried out some research into your views about Pharmacy First and long-acting reversible contraception. We also went back to Southend Hospital to see whether signposting had improved since our last visit.

You can read our Annual Report here:

Annual report 2024 - final.pdf

Download PDF • 3.13MB

In 2025-26, we want to work more with children and young people, as well as residents from other backgrounds ( for example, sight loss or ethnicity) who often do not have good experiences of care. We also want to explore some aspects of social care.

You may have heard that the Government is proposing to abolish Healthwatch England and all the local Healthwatch Services, including ours. We do not know much more at present, but want to let you know that we are still here to give you advice and information. Keep sharing your experiences with us. The more evidence we have, the easier it is to call for change.