Healthwatch Dorset is continuing to encourage improvements in local NHS services.

Its annual meeting in Dorchester on Thursday evening heard of successes with maternity services, GP practices, patient participation and young people’s mental health.

The watchdog group say that, generally, local NHS services are receptive to their suggestions and do make changes.

Healthwatch manager Martyn Webster said the organisation’s report on maternity services had resulted in 12 suggestions for change – all of which were accepted.

He said one of the projects he was most proud of during the year focused on young people’s mental health and resulted in a film #LifeUnfiltered made by a group of youngsters and a workshop for students about mental health at Weymouth College.

“This was a great opportunity for young people to share their experiences and views on mental health issues, and make a real difference to local services.

“Everyone who saw the film at the end of the day was affected by their insights and the power of their personal stories,” said Mr Webster.

The film, and a short documentary about making the film, were shown at the meeting held at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester with commentary from some of the young people who took part.

They told the audience that 10 per cent of young people would suffer from mental health problems, 3 out of every class of 30; and the common experience was that they found it difficult to find sympathetic adults to talk to and that formal help often took years to achieve,

Mr Webster said that other issues tackled during the year included a ‘mystery shopper’ exercise about registering for a GP practice. He said volunteers were often asked for a photograph before they could register, although NHS national guidelines say this is not necessary. There were also what were described as inconsistencies about making appointments.

Issues being look at during the coming year include hospital discharges; how people with learning disabilities are dealt with by Gps; care in the home and the planned changes for local NHS services.

The #LifeUnfiltered film can be seen on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrEKZ0AUjpQ