Local Healthwatch Annual Reports 2024–2025
As part of the Healthwatch in Greater Manchester network and as part of their statutory obligations, each local Healthwatch publishes an annual report to share the impact they have made over the past year. These reports highlight the ways they have helped shape and improve health and care services by listening to your experiences and sharing your voices with decision makers.
Below, you can explore the latest annual reports from each local Healthwatch across Greater Manchester.
Healthwatch Bolton – read their report HERE
- Focused on improving support and information around menopause and perimenopause, resulting in new training for professionals and community resources.
- Influenced improvements in maternity services, including enhanced communication, mental health checks, and a new Birth Reflection Clinic.
- Launched the “Choosing Your Healthcare” campaign to help people understand where to go for care, reducing pressure on A&E services.
- Explored patient choice in referrals, finding that only 35% were offered a choice — work that is now informing improvements to patient pathways
Healthwatch Bury- read their report HERE
- Strengthened advocacy around primary care and mental health services, gathering local feedback to influence improvements.
- Conducted community engagement events and local forums to ensure seldom-heard voices shape future service design.
- Promoted accessibility and inclusivity in services, supporting efforts to reduce inequalities and improve health outcomes.
- Shared key insights with Healthwatch England and local commissioners to inform regional strategies and policy decisions.
Healthwatch Manchester- read their report HERE
- Conducted Enter and View visits to mental health inpatient wards before and after patient moves, capturing detailed feedback to improve care and environments
- Launched both Manchester Men Speak Up! and Manchester Women Together! forums, creating safe spaces to discuss health experiences and influence services.
- Successfully campaigned for cultural dietary options, specifically Jain meals in hospitals
- Reviewed accessibility and communication across GP websites and pharmacies to ensure services are more inclusive and patient-friendly.
Healthwatch Oldham- read their report HERE
- Published a report on secondary/metastatic cancer care, identifying key gaps in diagnosis, communication, and emotional support. This work is now influencing regional cancer strategies.
- Continued supporting the development of Patient Participation Groups (PPGs), helping practices build stronger relationships with patients.
- Delivered the “Active Healthy Family Forum” at Oldham Library, attracting over 1,100 participants for interactive health sessions and community networking.
- Led events to shape the future local workplan and better understand resident priorities.
Healthwatch Rochdale- read their report HERE
- Publication of “Measles Vaccine Survey Report”, creating a better understanding around the barriers to the uptake of the MMR vaccination within the Rochdale Borough.
- Sponsorship and presentation of Mental Health Ambassador award at the “Educate Rochdale Awards” at Rochdale Town Hall.
- Healthwatch Rochdale participated in a number of Quality Visits to local GP Practices within the Rochdale Borough
Healthwatch Salford- read their report HERE
- Ran a high-profile Men’s Mental Health Commission, resulting in over 20 recommendations and new pledges from services to improve support.
- Improved homecare services through reporting and research.
- Strengthened the Silent Voices project for the Deaf community, introducing BSL video feedback and new access improvements in hospitals and primary care. This is now looking to be expanded out across Greater Manchester.
- Hosted a major Health Fair attended by over 200 people, promoting direct feedback to service providers.
Healthwatch Stockport- read their report HERE
- Completed the “Hospital to Home” project, identifying key challenges in discharge processes and influencing improvements including dementia-friendly resources, better communication, and environmental adjustments.
- Supported families through a Children’s Mental Health Report, ensuring young voices inform local service design.
- Conducted Enter and View visits to adult hearing services, highlighting successes and areas for improved patient choice and communication.
- Developed an Equality Toolkit with mental health carers and GPs to support inclusive primary care.
Healthwatch Tameside- read their report HERE
- Published a powerful “Cost of Living” report highlighting how financial pressures affect health access and wellbeing, shaping targeted local support.
- Explored healthcare experiences of ethnic minority communities, resulting in action plans to reduce inequalities and improve access.
- Worked with local pharmacy and GP services to promote accessible information standards and digital inclusion.
- Carried out Enter and View visits to care homes, improving environments and resident experiences.
Healthwatch Trafford- read their report HERE
- Published a widely shared report on vaping among children and young people, leading to increased school-based support and prevention activities.
- Investigated access to sexual health services, shaping the Trafford Sexual Health Network’s plan to simplify bookings and reduce waiting times.
- Gathered experiences on CAMHS pathways, influencing local and regional mental health transformation work.
- Audited and supported improvements to Trafford Council’s adult social care web information, making it more accessible.
Healthwatch Wigan & Leigh- read their report HERE
- Released an in-depth “Delayed Discharge” report, now informing improvements to hospital discharge processes, communication, and patient-held information.
- Conducted a diabetes project, gathering feedback from patients on services and reasons for low uptake of self-management courses.
- Worked with Primary Care Networks to create new community engagement principles and improve relationships between GPs and local people.
- Carried out engagement in A&E departments, resulting in immediate changes to improve the patient experience.