Investigation under way into Westbury’s health services

HEALTHWATCH has now begun investigating Westbury’s health care services, following two days of speaking to the public about their concerns.

Healthwatch Wiltshire – the local health watchdog – launched an investigation into the issues local people have been raising concerning Westbury’s health services, in particular with the White Horse Health Clinic.

167 people filled out questionnaires, voicing their concerns and relaying their experiences. Healthwatch Wiltshire will hold a meeting in September to share the findings and discuss what can be done to improve the situation.

A 82 year-old man who went along to one of the Healthwatch Wiltshire stands, told the White Horse News, “I’ve had some trouble with my heart and recently had an operation at the RUH in Bath. Following this, I received a letter from Trowbridge hospital telling me that my medication  needed to be altered immediately so I went down the centre straight away with the letter. I explained I needed to see a doctor straight away and gave them the letter. I didn’t hear from the surgery for a few days so I called back to see when my appointment would be and they had no recollection of my situation. My letter had been lost and none of the information logged on their system. It’s absolutely hopeless there, the organisation is awful.”

A local couple who also spoke to Healthwatch Wiltshire  said, “We have a lot of concerns, the main one is that our health centre practically doesn’t exist. I tried to make an appointment to see my doctor as I wasn’t feeling very well but was told there weren’t any appointments for July and I couldn’t make an appointment for August yet. I wasn’t asked if I wanted to see the nurse or have a telephone appointment; I left the surgery feeling very let down and frustrated.

“With all the houses being built, where are people meant to go? It’s a dire situation and something must be done to sort it out.”

If anyone would like to get in touch with Healthwatch Wiltshire directly, call 01225 434218 or email info@healthwatchwiltshire.co.uk