Healthwatch Halton Featured in National Report for Improving Children's Healthcare Experiences
Healthwatch Halton has been recognised in Healthwatch England's latest Local Healthwatch Impact 2025/26 report for its work helping improve healthcare experiences for local residents and ensuring community voices are heard at every level of decision-making.
The report showcases examples of impact from Healthwatch organisations across England and highlights the significant contribution local Healthwatch teams make in reducing health inequalities, improving access to services and driving positive change based on people's experiences. More than 370,000 people engaged with local Healthwatch organisations during the reporting year.
Healthwatch Halton was recognised for its work examining experiences at Whiston Hospital's Children's Accident and Emergency Department, where it gathered feedback from families about communication, waiting times and facilities. This insight helped identify opportunities to improve the experience of children and their families when accessing urgent care services.
The national report also highlights Healthwatch Halton's work exploring digital access barriers faced by care home residents, supporting adults with learning disabilities, engaging with people experiencing homelessness and working in partnership with Radio Halton to improve access to health information across the borough.
Healthwatch England notes that local Healthwatch organisations play a vital role in reaching people whose voices may otherwise go unheard, providing health and care leaders with independent insight into the challenges communities face and helping services respond more effectively.
Lydia Hughes, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Halton, said:
"We are delighted that Healthwatch Halton's work has been recognised nationally. Every day we listen to local people, ensuring their experiences help shape the future of health and social care services. Our thanks go to everyone who has shared their views with us, as well as our dedicated staff and volunteers who continue to make a real difference within our community."
The recognition demonstrates the importance of community-led insight and highlights the positive impact Healthwatch Halton continues to have in improving local services and ensuring the voices of Halton residents remain at the heart of decision-making.
