1. Ombudsman reform only one part of the complaints puzzle

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    We are calling on the Government to take action to reform the complaints system - our seven-point plan sets out how.

  2. NHS complaints data is just ‘tip of the iceberg’

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    Our new analysis of complaints data shows that over half a million incidents of poor care across NHS went unreported in last two years

  3. Local people being cut out of decision making about their health services

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    The way decisions are made about local health services is changing. Early indications from local Healthwatch suggest that this is resulting in the public feeling less able to have their say.

  4. Perspectives on primary care part 2: British Pakistani women

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    Being able to access primary care services is a key concern that the public have raised with local Healthwatch. In our latest blog we share the views of one group of British Pakistani women from Waltham Forest.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. More GP appointments to be offered face-to-face to those who need it

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    NHS England has issued new guidance to GP practices across the country on facilitating more face-to-face appointments for patients.

  8. Twin crisis of access and affordability calls for a radical rethink of NHS dentistry

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    New data indicates the dental crisis shows no signs of slowing, with four in five people (80%) struggling to access timely care during the last COVID-19 lockdown.

  9. Perspectives on primary care part 1: Mothers of young children

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    Being able to access primary care services is a key concern that the public have raised with local Healthwatch. Our first in a series of blogs focuses on what one group of mothers in Southend-on-Sea told us.

  10. Hospital changes improve patient satisfaction

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    Local Healthwatch made 600 visits last year to find out how people feel about the quality of health and care services. We spoke to Healthwatch Lancashire to find out how patients felt about changes that were made to a nearby hospital.

  11. Reflections on making people’s voices count

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    Katherine Rake looks back at the factors that are helping Healthwatch amplify the voice of health and social care consumers.

  12. New research exploring vaccination confidence provides vital lessons for public health campaigns

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    Healthwatch England has joined forces with Traverse to explore vaccination confidence among people from African, Bangladeshi, Caribbean and Pakistani backgrounds living in the UK.

  13. Do you need proof of address to register with a GP?

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    The answer is, in short no, but this was one of the 10 common problems we found when our network spoke to over 11,000 people about their experiences of primary care. Here are examples of what local Healthwatch have been doing to tackle this problem.

  14. Five principles for post-COVID-19 digital healthcare

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    Our new report explores people's experiences of digital and remote healthcare and sets out five principles for post-COVID19 care to ensure no one is left behind.

  15. 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.

  16. Healthwatch England Chair reappointed for a three-year term

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    The Cabinet Office has announced that the term of our current Chair, Sir Robert Francis QC, has been extended until June 2024.

  17. 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.

  18. Holistic welfare checks part of updated hospital discharge guidance

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    The Government has recently updated national hospital discharge guidance, taking on board our key recommendations. Take a look at what the improvements mean for you.

  19. What's the point? Nothing ever changes

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    You might think your feedback doesn’t have the power to change how health and social care services run. We want to show you how that isn’t the case.

  20. Imelda Redmond is stepping down after leading Healthwatch England for four and half years

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    Healthwatch England National Director Imelda Redmond CBE has announced she will be stepping down from her role this autumn after four and half years leading the organisation.

  21. 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.

  22. Are you or your loved one waiting for hospital care? Share you views

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    Millions of people have had their treatment delayed by the pandemic – are you one of them? We want to know if you’re getting the advice, information and support you need while you wait.

  23. People living in the poorest areas waiting longer for hospital treatment

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    The King’s Fund and Healthwatch England jointly call for urgent action to address hospital waiting lists and improve patients’ experience of delays to treatment

  24. Healthwatch Network Awards 2021: Shortlist announced

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

  25. NHS dentistry: We have co-signed an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer

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    We have co-signed an open letter addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak calling for a recovery plan for NHS dentistry.

  26. Waiting lists are inevitable. It's how we manage them that matters.

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    A record-breaking 5.7 million people are waiting for hospital care. In response, the Government is spending an extra £5.9 billion to tackle the problem. Our latest research looks at how the backlog is impacting the lives of those waiting.

  27. Healthwatch network award winners 2021 announced

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    Winners of the annual Healthwatch Awards, which celebrate the difference made by local Healthwatch staff and volunteers during the past 12 months, have been announced. Find out who won.

  28. Louise Ansari appointed as our new National Director

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    We're delighted to announce that Louise Ansari has been appointed as our new National Director at Healthwatch England.

  29. How has lockdown affected people's mental health and dignity?

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    New research highlights the challenges faced by health and social care services in England and the importance of feedback for improving care.

  30. NHS sets out Elective Recovery Plan

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    With a record six million people currently waiting for hospital treatment, the NHS has today set out a plan to address backlogs that built up during the Covid-19 pandemic and tackle long waiting lists for care. Read our response.

  31. 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.

  32. Health and Care Bill granted Royal Assent in milestone for healthcare recovery and reform

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    Today, the Health and Care Bill has received Royal Assent, marking a milestone in the recovery and reform of how health and care services work together. Read our response.

  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. BBC investigation on NHS dentistry - our response

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    A new investigation from BBC News and the British Dental Association has found nine in 10 NHS dental practices across the UK are not accepting new adult patients for treatment under the health service. Read our response.

  36. Are you or your loved one waiting to get a GP referral? Share your views

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    Have you or your loved one struggled to get a GP referral for tests or treatment?

  37. More than half of people with chronic and long-term conditions not asked to feed back about their care

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    Our latest findings show that people with chronic and long-term health conditions often miss out on giving their feedback about care. As part of the Because We All Care campaign, we are working with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to change this.

  38. Our position on NHS dentistry

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    Communities across England have made it clear that NHS dentistry needs to be fixed – so it’s affordable and accessible. Read more about our evidence and what changes we’re calling for the NHS and Government to make.

  39. Our position on urgent and emergency care

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    Urgent and emergency care services are under pressure. Our research shows that public confidence has fallen. Read our evidence about how people’s experiences can be improved by performance targets that are aligned to what matters most.

  40. Record seven million people awaiting hospital treatment – our response

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    With a record seven million people awaiting hospital treatment, Louise Ansari, our National Director, told BBC News that people need reassuring that the NHS is still there to help them.

  41. Our position on GP access

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    GPs are often the first port of call for onward support. Unfortunately, people tell us it’s difficult to get a GP appointment. Read our insight and the recommendations we’ve made to decision-makers on how people’s experiences can be improved.

  42. Tell us your story of maternal mental health care

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    Pregnancy is a major life event for any family. It can be joyful and fulfilling but also challenging. We’re launching a national survey to understand if care works for new mothers and birthing parents. Share your story.

  43. State of Care report - our response

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    The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its annual State of Care report, which highlights that gridlocked health and care system is leading to deterioration in people’s access to and experience of care.

  44. 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.

  45. Healthwatch Hackney wins award for making it easier for refugees to see a GP

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    Healthwatch Hackney wins Impact Award in a tight competition showcasing the outstanding work done by local Healthwatch over the last year.

  46. Interim Chair Appointed

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    Belinda Black to join Healthwatch England Committee

  47. Our position on safe hospital discharge

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    Recent changes to hospital discharge policy and processes have been positive. But the experiences we hear from people and families still vary. Find out what we're calling for to ensure people get the support they need during this time.