Sexual Trauma and Healthcare project up for national award
The National Healthwatch Impact Award recognises outstanding examples of people sharing their experiences to improve care for their community.
The team at Healthwatch Liverpool have been shortlisted for their work to improve access to healthcare for people who have experienced sexual trauma.
Our report showed the impact that trauma arising from sexual abuse or assault can have when accessing healthcare. We worked with partners at The Survivors Trust and local NHS services including Liverpool Women's Hospital to highlight the challenges that people with lived experiences of sexual trauma face when booking and attending healthcare appointments. Trauma cards which allow people to confidently share the steps that health and care practitioners can take to make an appointment more comfortable are being launched in the coming weeks. Staff training will support a culture change in local health and care services.
Patient feedback has played an important part in bringing about this much-needed change in health service culture allowing people to take control of their health.
The nominees were announced as part of 'Share for Better Care Week', a campaign to encourage people to share their experiences of NHS and adult social care services across England to help improve care for everyone.
Commenting on the news that they have made the shortlist, Sarah Thwaites, manager of Healthwatch Liverpool said:
"We are committed to ensuring that health and care services meet the needs of local people, but it's the firsthand experiences of our residents and communities that drive our work.
"Being shortlisted for this award is a proud moment for us, but the real satisfaction comes from seeing the changes make a positive impact for the members of our community who informed and supported the project"
Eighteen projects from across England are in the running for the National Healthwatch Impact Award.
The annual award highlights outstanding examples of where the views and experiences of local people have been used by their local Healthwatch to make care better. The finalist will be announced at a national event on 13 March 2025.
Commenting on the news, Louise Ansari, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England, said:
"Getting shortlisted for this award is a huge achievement. It highlights how the views, experiences and ideas of local people are key to finding new ways to improve health and care services.
“This story shows what we can achieve when local people speak up, and those who run services listen. If you have a spare moment this week, please share your care experiences with us, as positive change begins with your voice."
