Healthwatch Lambeth has released its annual impact report, highlighting its contributions to improving health and care services across the borough during 2024-2025. The report, detailed in the Healthwatch Lambeth Annual Update 2025, was presented at the Lambeth Together Care Partnership Board meeting on 3 July 2025.
Healthwatch Lambeth also collaborates with other organisations, such as the Lambeth Safeguarding Adults Board, to inform residents about safeguarding processes and community engagement opportunities. They also worked with SEL maternity services and stakeholders to co-create solutions for better healthcare delivery.
Key findings from the report show that Healthwatch Lambeth:
- Supported over 23,400 people with care information and advocacy.
- Shared 830 experiences to improve local health and care services.
- Addressed over 16,200 inquiries related to prescriptions, NHS access and complaints.
- Published 39 reports, including investigations into pharmacy access, digital inclusion, and mental health services.
The report also detailed specific instances where Healthwatch Lambeth's work led to tangible improvements in local services. These included:
- Dental Access: Research findings influenced local healthcare policies to improve dental care access during the summer months.
- Mental Health Wards: Recommendations led to enhanced communication strategies on mental health wards, including new welcome packs and regular meetings to enhance patient engagement and information sharing. New policies were also introduced to allow patients access to snacks and refreshments outside of mealtimes.
- Luther King Ward: Patient feedback resulted in new welcome packs, improved communication, and 24/7 access to refreshments.
- Bankhouse Extra Care: Resident feedback prompted better communication, more inclusive social activities, and the hiring of a new Activities Coordinator.
- ICB Strategy: Insights gathered from 9,500 people shaped the Integrated Care Board's strategy and digital inclusion efforts.
- Fiveways PCN: Surveys and workshops revealed that confidence, rather than access, was the main barrier to digital healthcare.
- Streatham PCN: A health and wellbeing event for South Asian patients highlighted challenges related to language and digital access.
The Healthwatch Lambeth Annual Update 2025 report also highlighted the contributions of its volunteers. Sixteen volunteers dedicated 330 hours to improving community care, conducting visits to local GPs, extra care housing, and hospitals to gather insights and feedback. Volunteers also attended borough-wide events to raise awareness and gather feedback from the community.
The full report is available on the Healthwatch Lambeth website.