We try to make our information accessible to as many people as possible.
Some of the information we have is available in Easy Read in this section.
If you would like any other information in an Easy Read format, please contact us on info@healthwatchrotherham.org.uk or call 01709 717130.
Living in the shadows - homelessness in Rotherham
Report - 11 February 2025
Over the last 8 months we have been strengthening our relationships with homeless support services in Rotherham and have been speaking to those using the services to find out more about their experiences of healthcare.
We have now produced a snapshot report based on the feedback we received from 26 individuals, and an in-depth case study carried out with one person.
Our report highlights 4 key themes:
Mental health issues
Problems with physical health
Addiction and attitudes
Access to healthcare and digital exclusion
The report also provides information on what action Rotherham is taking on homelessness, as well as details of local and national support.
In November, Healthwatch Rotherham carried out an Enter & View visit to Market Surgery in Wath-upon-Dearne. These visits allow us to see services first-hand, speak directly with patients and staff, and understand how care is experienced by local people.
Overall, the feedback from patients was strongly positive. Many described Market Surgery as a caring, well-run practice with friendly and professional staff. Patients frequently told us they feel listened to, taken seriously, and treated with kindness and respect. The practice was also praised for its clean, welcoming environment and clear communication about next steps after appointments.
Staff shared pride in their work and spoke positively about teamwork and patient care, while also highlighting the pressures faced in a busy primary care setting. Despite these challenges, the practice continues to provide inclusive and innovative services, including nurse-led dementia care, sexual health services, and shared-care support for LGBTQ+ patients.
The visit also identified opportunities to further improve patient experience. These included strengthening privacy at the reception desk, improving communication around appointment delays and follow-up, enhancing accessibility for wheelchair users, and increasing awareness of how patients can give feedback or raise concerns.
Market Surgery welcomed the findings of the report and expressed their commitment to using patient and staff feedback to continue improving services.
We would like to thank the practice team for their openness and cooperation, and all the patients who took the time to share their experiences. Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping local health services.
📄 Read the full Enter & View report below to explore the findings, patient voices, and recommendations in detail.
The Rainbow Project Rotherham plays a vital role in creating safe, inclusive, and uplifting spaces for LGBTQ+ people across our community and this report shines a light on the real impact it has on local lives. Throughout October 2025, Healthwatch Rotherham spent time within the project’s groups and activities, listening to people’s experiences of support, wellbeing, identity, and access to health and care. What we heard was clear: The Rainbow Project provides not just services, but a sense of belonging, connection, and confidence for those who need it most. This report shares the voices of attendees, highlights the strengths of the project, and explores where greater understanding and support are still needed.
