2024-25 Annual Report
Healthwatch is a statutory service established by the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use local health and social care services.
We are funded by the Local Authority (Council).
We are the independent voice for people who use NHS and publicly funded health and care services in Hammersmith and Fulham. Our research and local engagement puts local people at the heart of care and decision making about health and social care, to ensure that services are fit-for-purpose now and in future.
We are funded by the Local Authority (Council).
We are the independent voice for people who use NHS and publicly funded health and care services in Hammersmith and Fulham. Our research and local engagement puts local people at the heart of care and decision making about health and social care, to ensure that services are fit-for-purpose now and in future.
This report summarises our work throughout 2024-25, Through our engagement events and outreach initiatives, we have reached a significant number of residents, ensuring their voices shape local health services. Our work has also supported numerous volunteers in their efforts to improve community health.
Over the past year, we’ve listened to local people, championed their voices, and worked with partners to make health and social care better in Hammersmith & Fulham.
Our impact at a glance
- 5,113 people shared their experiences of health and care with us.
- 335 people received advice, information and signposting on services such as GPs, dentists, vaccinations and mental health.
- We published 24 reports, including our most read report on Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy.
- Supported by 21 volunteers who gave over 200 days of their time.
Mental health and suicide prevention
- We spoke to 122 people under 25 or recently discharged from inpatient care about suicidal thoughts and where they turn for support.
- 1 in 3 did not contact anyone when feeling suicidal. Those who did relied mainly on family and friends.
- Barriers included low awareness of services, negative past experiences, and isolation.
- Common triggers included family breakdown, bereavement, mental ill-health, homelessness and trauma.
- In response, we ran community events and training with partners like The Listening Place, Andy’s Man Club, HFEH Mind, and QPR Trust, reaching hundreds of residents through campaigns, pop-ups and workshops.
Vaccination engagement
- Promoted Covid-19, flu and MMR vaccination programmes.
- Partnered with the NWL Roving Team and LBHF to host free walk-in vaccination clinics with additional health checks.
- Gathered insights on vaccine confidence and hesitancy, feeding into NWL Immunisation & Vaccination Board strategy.
Patient experience
- Collected 4,711 reviews from 119 visits to local services.
- At H&F and Lakeside Mental Health Units, we spoke with 430 patients and made 45 recommendations.
- Outcomes included: clearer communication through ward meetings and care plans, improved cleanliness and bedding, and better discharge support.
Working together
- Partnered with other Healthwatch in North West London to influence Integrated Care System decisions, including extending consultation on GP access.
- Ensured residents’ voices fed into local and regional planning on mental health, primary care and hospital services.
Volunteers
- Our volunteers supported engagement at events, mental health wards, and suicide prevention projects.
- They also took part in training on mental health awareness, suicide prevention and supporting vulnerable communities.
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Annual report
