Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen are to embark on an exciting new project, gathering the views & experiences of those residents visiting A&E at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital. The project will seek to understand resident’s expectations & discover what their journey is like from admission through to discharge. Along with this Healthwatch will uncover the reasons why people chose to attend A&E & identify if more could be done in the community to prevent admissions.

Sir Bill Taylor, Chair of Healthwatch BwD said ‘A good A&E facility is vital when people are in their greatest need. They are there for real emergencies & the dedicated specialist staff are there to serve our needs. It is not in any of our interests to get in their way by trivial use. Our work will find out what works at our A&E & what should be improved. We'd like citizens to engage with this.’

Project Manager Ben Pearson said ‘Given the ongoing pressures in A&E there has never been a more vital time to ensure residents have the opportunity to feedback on their experiences, which will ultimately influence change now & for the future. We have set up a task group which will meet regulatory throughout the project & are keen to have residents with recent experience of A&E join the group to have oversight of the project.’

Healthwatch will be based in A&E on a weekly basis until the end of January, along with engaging with residents out in the community. Amplify, Healthwatch BwD’s young persons project will be delivering a project alongside this to ensure children & young people are given the opportunity to have their voices heard on their A&E experiences.

If you have recently visited A&E & wish to feedback on your experience please contact Healthwatch BwD on 01254 296080 or email info@healthwatchbwd.co.uk