Engaging Communities Solutions (ECS)

Little is formally documented on the lived experience of Lyme disease - the state of diagnosis, treatment & care and the impact on the lives of those infected. Lyme Resource Centre (LRC) conducted an online survey to gather information on the impact of Lyme disease in the United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland. It is really impactful and worth a read.

We are pleased to publish our report on public awareness and experience of Pharmacy First. Pharmacy First was launched in January 2024 and enabled a range of minor ailments to be treated by local pharmacists rather than requiring a GP appointment. The service aims to free up GPs to be able to treat those with more serious ailments and those with long-term health conditions. However, we found that of the 757 people who took part in our survey, 39% of them had no awareness of the service at all and only 17% of people had heard of the service and knew a lot about what it offers. 86% of the people who had used the service were happy with the service that they had received, showing that it has the potential to be a valuable service to take pressure off GP practices.

Vitally important that Lord Darzi gives recognition to the fact that health and social care cannot function effectively in silo's; they are inter dependent. https://lnkd.in/gxUz2sKk

Our team Healthwatch Halton were one of the local Healthwatch who took part in a research survey by Healthwatch England about Community Diagnostic Centres. Currently, very little information exists on people's experiences of diagnostic facilities in England which is why this report is vital. Based on the report's findings Healthwatch England set out recommendation's for Improving Community Diagnostic Service experiences which highlights the benefits they have. https://lnkd.in/eeKbdmXy

Everyone deserves high quality care and support at the end of life. Share your experience and shape future care in the East of England Marie Curie East NHS England East Find out more👇 https://lnkd.in/eKPMbcyd

Healthwatch Halton is one of seven local Healthwatch delivered by Engaging Communities Solutions CIC (ECS). We are carrying out a project to gather feedback across all seven local Healthwatch areas to understand what people know about Pharmacy First and their experiences of using it since its introduction at the beginning of 2024.  The anonymous feedback that you provide will be used to provide a report that will be shared with commissioners and service providers in each local authority area as well as being published on the ECS website and the websites of local Healthwatch. Please take part in the Pharmacy First Survey. The survey is now open until 31st August 2024.  https://lnkd.in/ez84gm3t  

Delighted that the dedication, resourcefulness and professionalism of our Advocacy team has been recognised in the renewal of our Quality Performance Mark for another 3 years. It is an endorsement of the hard work of our amazing Advocates and their ability to adapt and constantly look for further opportunities to enhance our offering .We do not take the achievement of the QPM lightly and will continue to champion it as a standard for all Advocacy provision.

Founded in 1948, today marks 76 years of the NHS. The first universal health system to be available to everyone and free at the point of delivery. The NHS continues to serve people today - from minor illnesses to major surgery and everything in between. We want to help the NHS offer the best care possible to patients. In order to achieve this, we need your help. We need to hear about your experiences and feedback of the NHS. Together we can help everyone get the care they need. #HaveYourSay 👉 https://bit.ly/3D2y5YQ

ECS is proud to achieve the QPM Advocacy Accreditation for a further 3 years! A big thank you to everyone involved in the assessment process.