Healthwatch Lincolnshire - We’re here to help during this difficult time

Our job at Healthwatch is simple. We're here to help make health and social care work better for you. During this challenging time this role has never been more important. Whether you are struggling to find the right health and care information or you have an experience of care that services need to hear / your care has been affected by the response to COVID-19 – we want to hear from you.

Help with advice and information

NHS and social care services have had to change the way they are working in response to COVID-19. So, if you are facing a difficult health or care decision or just don't know how to find out about what support options are available, we are here. If we can’t help you, we will try and point you in the direction of the right services who can.

We are all ears

NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during this crisis, but there might be things that can be improved.

You can help services understand the issues that are affecting care for you and your loved ones by telling us. It's our job to listen to people's experiences sharing their views with those who can do something about it.

If you’ve recently used a health service and want to share your experience, we’re here to listen.

John did not know he could access emergency dental care

"John was told by his dentist that non-urgent dental care has been suspended. When he started to have problems with his teeth, he thought that help was not available. Because John didn’t know that the NHS is still offering emergency dental treatment, he suffered considerable pain and discomfort before he finally got help. Thanks to people like John talking about their experiences, the NHS is now doing more to promote the emergency dental care available."

You can help the NHS spot what’s working and what needs addressing during these challenging times. Talk to Healthwatch

Fatima felt she would have to give birth without medical assistance

"Fatima’s midwife led unit stopped supporting home births because of COVID-19. It has now closed due to staffing issues and people are expected to go to the hospital. Fatima felt she was no longer receiving support and was concerned about catching COVID-19 if she gave birth in the local hospital. Fatima felt that she would have no choice but to give birth at home without medical assistance. Thanks to people like Fatima sharing their experience, the local NHS is now looking into commissioning independent midwives and private ambulances to be able to provide more support."

During these challenging times, you can help the NHS spot how your care has been affected by sharing your experiences. Talk to your local Healthwatch.

When we need care NHS and social care services are there for us. You can be there for the NHS by telling us about your experiences of services so everyone can continue receiving high-quality and safe support. So, help make services better in your community share your thoughts and experiences with us and if you have a question why not get in touch?

Healthwatch Lincolnshire wants to understand what is going on for you at different stages of the pandemic, what you find helpful but also what your biggest concerns are. You can take part in this short survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VBTW2PB

You can also find the latest results of this survey on our website: https://www.healthwatchlincolnshire.co.uk/news-and-reports/