Renal Patel, a practitioner in Hounslow, recently met with Healthwatch Hounslow to discuss ways of improving local services and improving patient awareness.
Why did you meet with Healthwatch Hounslow?
The NWL LDC wants to see NHS dentistry valued as an integral part of the local health economy, creating an environment in which dentists are proud to work. It does this by embedding dental services and oral health into local health and wellbeing plans, ensuring that our role is understood and valued, improving the working lives of dentists to deliver the care their patients need. The aim of meeting with Healthwatch Hounslow, who are key players in the local health economy, is to create networks within Hounslow and bring dentistry to the forefront of local community conversations between public and stakeholders. By working with Healthwatch Hounslow the LDC can increase the voice of dentistry within the local community and amongst local commissioners.
What did you discuss?
What projects/priorities are ongoing in Hounslow and how we could integrate into various areas to highlight the importance of dentistry amongst the public and North West London commissioning bodies. Crucially we discussed how we can help local priorities in healthcare from a dental viewpoint.
Were there any actions as a result of the meeting?
We agreed that the LDC should decide on which projects to be involved in and what our focus should be. These included presenting at local meetings and increasing awareness and understanding of dentistry to key local stakeholders. We planned to regroup with Healthcare Hounslow for a catch up meeting in December 2025. We have been invited to multiple community events to join Healthwatch to share knowledge about dentistry with the public.
What impression did you leave the meeting with?
This was a really positive meeting and Healthwatch Hounslow seemed very engaged and helpful. Looking forward to working closely with them on our local outreach in the coming months.
Member, North West London LDC
