Your views are wanted on local A&E departments

Hospital A&E departments all around the country have been in the news this winter. Along with other local Healthwatch we had planned co-ordinated visits to A&E departments across Merseyside this month to gather patients’ experiences of using A&E during these periods of increased pressure.

However, with cases of flu and respiratory illnesses increasing, we have taken the decision to postpone our visits. This comes following a decision by the Care Quality Commission to pause some routine inspections “to allow frontline staff and leaders to focus on continuing to ensure people receive safe, high-quality care during this period of increased demand”.

We are still keen to gather feedback from people who have been to A&E this winter so we are encouraging people to complete our  survey. This survey aims to look at both the experience of using the A&E service at a time of increased pressure as well as looking at the different reasons why people take the decision to go to A&E.

Our report from visits carried out in July 2017 highlighted staffing levels as an issue. At a time when local hospital trusts and health authorities are trying to promote the message that A&E is for “serious and life threatening emergencies only” it will be interesting to see what people have to say this time around.

To complete our survey click here.

We use your feedback to help improve services for everyone in Sefton by sharing our key findings and concerns with service providers and commissioners.