1. Making sure GPs provide information in a way that people can understand

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    After being told by patients that local GPs weren’t meeting the needs of patients with communication difficulties, one local Healthwatch decided to take action.

  2. Work in the NHS? Five ways to let people know you’re using their views to improve care

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    Every year, NHS and social care staff receive millions of pieces of feedback from those using services. Read these top tips to help ensure people know how you are using their feedback to improve care.

  3. Three common issues homeless people face when trying to access care

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    With thousands of people at risk of homelessness this winter, we look at the common issues people who do not have a place to call home tell us they can face when it comes to health and care.

  4. Helping someone who is homeless access healthcare

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    With many people sleeping rough, here's how health and care services can help those facing homelessness get the support they need.

  5. Your chance to shape how the NHS uses your data

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    The National Data Guardian played a central role in giving people more control over how their data is used by the NHS. Now you can have your say on what their priorities are as they move into their next phase.

  6. Digital resources to support #WhatWouldYouDo

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    Download and view our digital tools so that people can have their say on how to improve their local NHS.

  7. Accessibility checklist for GP surgeries

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    Help make sure that your practice meets patient's accessibility requirements by using this quick checklist.

  8. Shortlist showcase - Championing diversity and inclusion

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    With a diverse population, it’s important that local services understand what their communities need, and that they don’t try and follow a one size fits all approach. Take a look at who has been shortlisted for our Diversity and Inclusion award.

  9. Shortlist showcase – Giving people the advice and information they need

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    Read about how the six nominees for our ‘Giving people the advice and information they need’ have helped local people find the support they need.

  10. Shortlist showcase: Outstanding individuals who’ve made a difference

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    Our Outstanding individuals who’ve made a difference award celebrates volunteers who have gone above and beyond to put people at the heart of care. Take a look at the shortlist.

  11. Why getting personal is important when it comes to health and care

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    Read a summary of our latest research to find out why personalised care is important.

  12. More focus needed on how people travel to and from NHS services

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    Together with two leading charities, we are raising awareness of the issues people facing travelling to and from NHS services. We will be working with NHS England to support their new national review of the links between the NHS and local transport.

  13. Putting people at the centre of their care

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    Guidance from NICE, developed with the help of Healthwatch Surrey, highlights how you should be an equal partner in your care. Alice Maynard, Chair of the Guideline Committee explains more.

  14. NHS putting public trust in its ability to handle data at risk

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    Almost two thirds (64%) of people in Britain say they are happy for their personal health data to be used to support research as long as it is anonymised, bu less than 1 in 5 say they feel properly informed about current data sharing plans.

  15. Would you be happy for your patient record to be shared?

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    People’s patient records have a vital role to play in informing medical research and changes to health and social care services. Together with YouGov, we polled 2,044 people earlier this year, to find out more about their views on sharing their data.

  16. Greater focus on using people’s views to drive inspections of care services

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    Published today, the Care Quality Commission’s five year strategy, includes a greater focus on using the voices of patients, service users and their families, along with other information, to target inspections.

  17. Your health and care: What can we do to make the biggest difference?

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    We need your views and ideas to make sure that health and social care services work for those who use them. Help us shape our new strategy, which launches in 2018.

  18. Making the most of the information you share with us

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    People share their experiences about health and care with Healthwatch every day. We spoke to our Intelligence Coordinator, Penny Manika to understand how the information you share with your local Healthwatch helps to change and improve services.

  19. NHS wants to know if you find care information accessible

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    Since August 2016, NHS services have been required by law to ensure their communications are accessible to all. Six months on, NHS England wants to hear what difference the Accessible Information Standard has made to your experience.


  20. Thousands of people's views, all in one place

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    Our reports library tool aims to help you search thousands of reports produced by local Healthwatch. Take a look and tell us what you think so that we can make it the best it can be.

  21. Over 220,000 people helped to navigate local health and care services

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    Over 220,000 people helped to navigate local health and care services.

  22. Share your views on new standards to keep your patient data secure

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    The Government is now consulting on new standards to strengthen the security of health and care information and to help you make informed choices about how your data is used.

  23. How to communicate better with people with hearing loss

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    COVID-19 poses a unique challenge for health and social care professionals when talking to someone with hearing loss. Here are some important tips to help you communicate effectively.

  24. Healthwatch Awards 2020: Shortlist announced

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    We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the Healthwatch Awards 2020.

  25. Taking public concern about data sharing to NHS England

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    Despite a nationwide mail-out campaign, people are still largely in the dark about plans to share their personal medical records, according to reports we have received.

  26. More reassurance needed about how medical records are being used by government

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    We share our views on government plans to provide medical researchers and NHS managers with access to people’s personal medical records.

  27. Healthwatch Islington helps people claim back healthcare travel costs

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    The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme exists to help people on lower incomes recover the cost of travelling to and from NHS treatment, but how easy is it to use? Healthwatch Islington conducted a ‘mystery shopping’ exercise to find out.

  28. Focus on NHS Admin is needed to improve people’s experiences of care

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    In partnership with Healthwatch and National Voices, new findings from The King's Fund highlight the critical role of administration in how people experience care.

  29. Patient data is crucial for the planning of health services - and so is building trust in how the NHS uses it.

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    The NHS’s plans to better use data held by GPs to support planning services and research has sparked a lot of discussion in recent weeks. We have been sharing your views to help shape the debate.

  30. Your views helped improve non-emergency patient transport services

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    NHS England has published a new report outlining changes to non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS) and broader NHS transport support. Take a look at what the changes mean for you and your loved ones.

  31. Healthwatch Network Awards 2021: Shortlist announced

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    Find out who’s in the running for a Healthwatch network award this year

  32. Using tech to monitor your health at home - what can the NHS learn?

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    People with high blood pressure are increasingly being asked to monitor their condition at home. Find out what people think of using technology to keep tabs on their health and how they think the NHS can improve support.

  33. Integrated Care Systems come into force today

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    A total of 42 new integrated care systems (ICS) come into force today. Read our response.

  34. Disabled people report being blocked from NHS care due to poor communications

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    Our new deep-dive analysis of people's experiences of healthcare communication is a stark reminder of why NHS England and the 42 new Integrated Care Systems need to ensure services abide by the Accessible Information Standard.

  35. Our position on patient transport

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    Getting to healthcare appointments can be impossible for some people – especially those who cannot travel or afford it. Find out what we’ve recommended decision-makers do to improve the situation.

  36. Are you struggling to access health and care services this winter? 

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    With the NHS under extra pressure this winter, we need to hear your experiences of care to help services understand what is working and spot issues affecting support for you and your loved ones.

  37. Patients and public need urgent reassurance on NHS winter crisis and recovery

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    Healthwatch England is concerned that coverage in recent days showing the NHS at breaking point will exacerbate already-low public confidence that people can get urgent and emergency care when they need it most.

  38. Building digital skills and reducing health inequalities for the Nepalese community

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    Digital and remote methods are playing an increasingly important role in how people access care since the pandemic. Building confidence in digital skills is key to helping people who are digitally excluded from getting online.

  39. Breaking down barriers to life saving screenings

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    Healthwatch Bolton helped to arrange walk-in cervical cancer screening clinics in the community, removing barriers to lifesaving healthcare.

  40. On the right path to improving hospital discharge for patients

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    Thanks to people sharing their views with Healthwatch, local leaders have invested £17m to improve hospital discharge – read more.

  41. Making GP practices deaf-friendly

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    Working with deaf people and people affected by hearing loss, Healthwatch Norfolk created a step-by-step guide on how GP practices can improve communication and make care accessible.

  42. Self advocacy success as breast screening recall letters available in easy-read nationwide

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    When one person advocates for themselves for better health care and improved accessibility, we all benefit.

  43. NHS 111 First - our position

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    From 1 December 2020, the NHS introduced a new system called NHS 111 First. Find out what we’re calling for to ensure the service works for everyone.

  44. ‘Review culture’ is on the rise, yet only one in ten feed back on health services.

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    Patient champion appeals for more people to feedback on NHS care.

  45. Celebrating 75 years of our NHS and the people improving care

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    As we celebrate 75 years of our NHS and look to a future where everyone can get the care they need, we celebrate some of the people who took the time to share their experiences with us and helped make care better for everyone. 

  46. NHS waiting lists reach record levels, but what about the 'hidden waiting list'?

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    The latest NHS data shows that a record number of people are waiting for care. However, our new research indicates that there is also a hidden waiting list, and more needs to be done to understand what it's like for people trying to get referred.

  47. How will we address the challenges facing health and social care?

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    Health and social care services face big challenges, and if they are to improve, decision-makers must listen to public feedback. Read how we aim to help make this happen.