New Healthwatch report highlights experiences at Women's Outpatients Department at Queen's Hospital

Overall, feedback about clinical care was very positive. Women consistently praised doctors, midwives and nurses for being kind, respectful, knowledgeable and supportive. Many said they felt listened to, well-informed during their appointments and treated with dignity. 

However, the report also identified areas where improvements could be made. Some women reported long waiting times for appointments, limited information while waiting for specialist care, short notice of appointments and difficulties contacting services by telephone. Others highlighted the need for better communication around appointment delays and improved coordination between Queen's Hospital and King George Hospital.

Healthwatch has made a series of recommendations, including improving communication with patients, streamlining telephone contact systems, providing clearer information about treatment options and symptom management, and continuing to provide accessible information in multiple languages.

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust has responded positively to the report and produced an action plan outlining how it will address the recommendations. Healthwatch Barking & Dagenham will continue to monitor progress to help ensure local women's experiences continue to shape improvements to services.