Unlocking the Power of People-Driven Care: Our 2024-25 Annual Report Summary

Over the past year, over 5,000 residents shared their experiences with Healthwatch Solihull. We’ve listened, and together we have turned those stories into positive action. 
 
The NHS 10-Year Plan outlines how Healthwatch services will be brought into the NHS and local authorities in the future, raising serious questions about the loss of local patient and user voice. 
 
Many of the concerns raised with us – from digital access and services closer to home, to tackling inequalities – are exactly the type of issues the 10-Year Plan wants to address. But without Healthwatch independence, many concerns risk going unheard and unaddressed. 
 
Services can’t improve if they don’t know what’s wrong. Your experiences shine a light on issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. 
 
Below are just a few highlights of how your voice led to real change this year, and you can read the full report here.
 
Improving Access to Urgent Care 
 
We explored how well residents understood recent changes to urgent and emergency care services across Solihull – including the introduction of Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs). 
 
Some people told us they were unclear about what UTCs offer, how they differ from A&E, and when to use them. That feedback is now helping shape clearer local communications and service guidance. 
 
Improving urgent care access and reducing pressure on hospitals is a key part of the NHS 10-Year Plan – and your insights are helping make that possible. 
 
Tackling Gaps in Prostate Cancer Care 
 
We spoke to 93 people using the NHS prostate cancer pathway. Many described good care, but others raised concerns regarding: 
• Delays in diagnosis 
• Limited information about treatment options 
• A lack of post-treatment support 
 
After sharing our findings, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) reported the following actions: 
• Increased diagnostic capacity 
• Recruitment of specialist staff 
• More holistic assessments 
• Improved support services 
 
These improvements support key aims in the NHS 10-Year Plan, including faster diagnosis, more personalised care and a system that acts on what patients say they need.

Access to Pharmacies for Minor Health Issues 
 
We heard from 460 people about their experiences with community pharmacies. Some concerns raised included: 
• Awareness of services 
• Privacy concerns 
• Pharmacist expertise 
• Consultation room availability 
 
As a result, the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board has worked with us to improve public awareness through leaflets, radio adverts, school outreach and social media. Pharmacies now have greater access to translation services. 
 
Expanding access to Pharmacy First not only made it easier for people to get care locally – it directly supports the 10-Year Plan’s aim to provide more care in the community. 
 
Hearing from All Communities 
 
Everybody in Solihull should have the chance to share their feedback. Reaching people who are often excluded is essential to a future system built on prevention and equity – both key goals in the NHS’s 10-Year Plan. 
 
This year, we have reached different communities by: 
• Holding events in warm spaces to reach those facing financial hardship 
• Engaging with people where English is not their first language, raising awareness of challenges they face 
• Supporting people with additional needs, including learning disabilities, to access information and share their views 
 
We have also: 
• Provided Information and Signposting to nearly 1,000 people, on topics ranging from accessing a GP to understanding the complaints process 
• Supported Solihull residents navigating autism and ADHD referrals, and raised concerns about the delays they face 
• Shared public feedback to improve care planning and access to support across local mental health services 
• Worked on improving hospital discharge, screening, and person-centred care 
• Helped volunteers build skills and confidence through involvement in our work 
 
Looking to the Future 
 
We believe that now, more than ever, an independent voice for patients and the public is essential for a fair and accountable health and social care system. 
 
Our priorities remain clear: 
Tackling health inequalities 
We will ensure everyone’s voice is heard, and make sure services work better for all residents. 
 
Improving access 
From finding a dentist to navigating mental health services, we will continue to break down the barriers that prevent people receiving the care they need. 
 
Amplifying the public voice 
We’ll make sure the voices of patients, carers and communities shape local decisions. 
 

Read the full report here.