This report has been produced by Healthwatch Together, who have engaged with individuals, carers and professionals involved in a section 42 safeguarding enquiry, to understand their experiences and whether they felt involved, supported and valued.

Findings were evaluated considering the Making Safeguarding Personal principles.

Healthwatch Lancashire heard an increased amount of feedback about mental health during 2022/23. Particularly, the long waiting lists people were experiencing when accessing mental health support. In response, ‘Waiting for Wellness’ was set up to explore people’s experiences of mental health in Lancashire. There was a particular focus on the waiting times of those accessing mental health support and whether people were aware of available services in Lancashire.

Feedback was also gathered from people who have not accessed support for their mental health, to investigate their reasons for this and whether they would know how to access support should they need it in the future. 

In winter 2021, Healthwatch Together completed face to face engagements in Emergency Departments, Walk-in Centres and Urgent Treatment Centres to investigate patient experience and presentation. These findings were presented to Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership to assist them with emergency care winter planning. 

One year on, Healthwatch Together has revisited this project and further engaged with people in Emergency Departments, Walk-in Centres and Urgent Treatment Centres. Findings have been analysed to investigate whether the recommendations made in 2021 have been implemented and whether they have made an impact on patient experience and presentation.