Healthwatch
Engaging Communities South West is part of the partnership that delivers Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth & Torbay. Together, we help local people share their experiences of health and care services and make sure those experiences lead to improvement.
This work shows how listening properly – and acting on what people say – leads to safer services, better access, and real improvements to people’s lives.
What local Healthwatch did in 2024 – 2025
- Supported wide-reaching community engagement across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
- Helped gather and analyse thousands of patient and carer experiences
- Produced clear, evidence-based reports for commissioners and decision-makers
- Worked with partners to co-design solutions based on what people told us
Impact and outcomes in 2024-2025
- 5,764 people supported to share their views or get advice and information
- 3,500 pieces of local feedback gathered to shape the NHS 10-Year Health Plan
- 240 unpaid carers’ experiences informed local Carer Support Plans and a Parliamentary Inquiry into Adult Social Care
- New dementia awareness training launched for carers as a direct result of feedback
- A new pedestrian crossing installed following patient feedback about safety at the Royal Eye Infirmary
- Improved GP access locally, including faster appointments, better phone access and more online services
- Community blood pressure checks identified 131 people with raised readings, supporting early intervention
Key Healthwatch Reports
Below are recent Healthwatch reports produced with real community experiences across Devon, Plymouth & Torbay. Each report shows how local feedback has led to change.
Latest news and events
This project is ongoing. Here are the latest updates, news and events.
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Falls and Frailty event brings practical support to Paignton residents
The event offered practical advice and support to help people live safely, confidently and independently. -
What next for patient voice? Learning from the Healthwatch model
A new national report from the The King’s Fund highlights both the strengths and limitations of the Healthwatch model, as the health and care system prepares for significant change. -
ECSW publishes its Annual Report for 2024–25
Engaging Communities South West (ECSW) has published its Annual Report for April 2024 to March 2025.
