Healthwatch Coventry wins award for improving maternity care for refugees and asylum seekers
Healthwatch Coventry was announced as the winner at the annual awards showcase on 11 March 2024
These awards recognise outstanding examples of where local Healthwatch have worked to make positive changes to local NHS and social care services and of partnership working for change.
We worked in partnership with local charity Carriers of Hope to understand the maternity experiences of asylum seeking and newly arrive women.
Women told us about barriers to accessing care, communication problems and poor experiences.
The work has led to new support for communication, a clear route for agencies to refer women to the maternity unit, more joined up services and better information.
This work continues to challenge current ways of doing things, as we talk about it at different decision making groups and different agencies continue to work on actions.
Ruth Light, Healthwatch Coventry Chief Officer said:
“I am so happy our achievements have been recognised. Our small staff team is really committed to improving care for those without a strong voice. In this work we used our experience, contacts and influence to bring practical changes and challenge how things are done.”
“At the awards showcase we heard about so many excellent pieces of work from around the country showing the value of the Healthwatch Network”.
The awards celebrate the difference made by local Healthwatch staff and volunteers to improve NHS and care services for local communities.
Seventeen Healthwatch from across England were in the running for the National Healthwatch Impact Award.
Healthwatch Blackpool were highly commended for their work raising concerns on youth vaping.
