1. Highlighting our concerns about local Healthwatch regulations

    Response -

    We share a number of issues in relation to the local Healthwatch regulations and ask for clarity to avoid any confusion.

  2. Our response to NHS England specialised commissioning engagement

    Response -

    In response to NHS England consultation, we outline our expectations in terms of good consultation and engagement practice.

  3. Our response to the Nuffield Trust 'ratings review'

    Response -

    Should there be ‘Ofsted-style’ ratings for health and social care providers? We share our views.

  4. Healthwatch marks network launch across five events in England simultaneously

    News -

    We celebrated the launch of the Healthwatch network on 1 April 2013 with a series of events across England.

  5. The NHS needs to listen to what patients have to say to improve future care

    Response -

    New findings from the Keogh Review show while there are examples of good care, there are areas where improvement is urgently required.

  6. Healthwatch England launches first Annual Report to Parliament

    News -

    Our annual report to Parliament outlines the role of Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch, as well as highlighting our activity over our first six months.

  7. Our response to NHS England's report on urgent and emergency care

    Response -

    New report proposes a shift in how urgent and emergency care is provided.

  8. Changes to GP contract important step towards more consumer focused health service

    Response -

    The Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, has today announced a series of changes to their contract with the NHS for 2014/15 that put a greater focus on patients.

  9. Our views on the Government’s response to the Francis Inquiry

    Response -

    The government has accepted the recommendations made by Robert Francis, following the public inquiry in to the failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.

  10. Consumer champion to explore public’s role in driving change in Health and Care

    News -

    Healthwatch England launches its 12 week consultation to help shape our strategy for the next two years.

  11. Our position on the Duty of candour

    Response -

    Our perspective on the commission to review the proposed extension to the Duty of Candour.

  12. Nearly a fifth confess to knowingly using A&E for non-emergencies

    News -

    Nearly a fifth confess to knowingly using A&E for non-emergencies.

  13. Taking public concern about data sharing to NHS England

    News -

    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.

  14. Local patient voice short changed by 10 million pounds

    News -

    Our analysis shows that around a quarter of the £43.5 million made available by the Department of Health to fund local Healthwatch has failed to materialise in local Healthwatch accounts.

  15. Our public Committee Meeting February 2014 - supporting materials

    Report -

    Find out what happened at our public Committee Meeting.

  16. Our public Committee meeting May 2014 - supporting materials

    Report -

    Take a look at the papers for our Committee meeting.

  17. Our response to NHS England's Delayed Transfers of Care Statistics

    Response -

    Latest statistics show an overall increase in delayed discharge from hospital settings over 12 months

  18. Our response to NICE safe staffing advice for nursing care in wards

    Response -

    New guidance from NICE aims to help hospitals have a safe level of hospital staff to ensure good patient care.

  19. Our strategy 2014/16

    Report -

    Our strategy for 2014/16 sets out how, by working together, the Healthwatch network will truly champion the interests of those who use health and social care services. 

  20. Our business plan 2014/15

    Report -

    Find out what we will do in the year ahead.

  21. Our concerns about reduced local accountability arrangements

    Response -

    We have written to the Secretary of State about our concerns about reduced local accountability arrangements around commissioning.

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

    News -

    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.

  23. Our public Committee meeting July 2014 - supporting materials

    Report -

    Find out what happened at our public Committee Meeting.

  24. Our response to CQC special measures report

    Response -

    The Care Quality Commission has released a report into progress made at 11 NHS trusts that were put into special measures in July 2013.

  25. Our letter to the Local Government Association about CCG public involvement

    Response -

    We have written to the Local Government Association to discuss how we can work together to ensure that Clinical Commissioning Groups involve the public in decision making processes.

  26. Our letter to NHS England about CCG public involvement

    Response -

    We have written to NHS England to assess to Clinical Commissioning Groups can involve local Healthwatch in changes to how health and care services are run.

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

    News -

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

  28. Bringing the voice of consumers to Parliament

    News -

    Healthwatch from across England share their concerns in Westminster to make sure people can have their say about changes to health services in their area.

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

    News -

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

  30. Our financial performance and position 2013/14

    Report -

    Find out about more about our financial performance and position for the financial year 2013/14.

  31. Renewed efforts required to create compassionate complaints system

    News -

    Our new report highlights the complexity of the process someone needs to follow to make a complaint about their health or social care service.

  32. Our Annual Report 2013/14

    Report -

    Our Annual Report, Loud and Clear: Making your voice heard highlights our work and the work of the Healthwatch network over the past 12 months.

  33. Suffering in silence

    Report -

    This report highlights what people have told the Healthwatch network about their experience of making a complaint about health and social care services.

  34. Trouble finding an NHS dentist? You're not alone...

    Advice and Information -

    People all across the country are venting increasing frustration about access to and the quality of NHS dentistry services. Find out more below.

  35. Our public Committee Meeting October 2014 - supporting materials

    Report -

    Find out what happened at our public Committee Meeting.

  36. The State of Support 2014/15

    Report -

    Find out what funding the Healthwatch network has received to carry out its statutory activities for 2014/15.

  37. Using people’s views of good complaint handling to improve experiences

    News -

    New joint report highlights what people can expect when making a complaint about health and social care services.

  38. My expectations for raising concerns and complaints

    Report -

    What should people expect when it comes to raising concerns and complaints about health and social care? Our new report explains.

  39. Don’t blame patients for the bed crisis

    News -

    New figures show a significant increase in the number of delayed transfers of people between hospitals, care homes and community services. We look at what people are telling Healthwatch about their experience.

  40. Our response to the legal Duty of Candour coming into force for health and social care organisations

    Response -

    New law to help improve patient safety, transparency and leadership in the NHS.

  41. Our response to the CQC's national A&E survey

    Response -

    The CQC has today published their latest survey results about people’s experiences of emergency departments in England.

  42. Those who witness poor care being denied right to complain by NHS

    News -

    New research shows 1 in 3 of hospitals across England are turning away concerned citizens wishing to report incidents of poor care that they have witnessed.

  43. Hospital policies on making a complaint - FOI results

    Report -

    Our new evidence raises further concerns about the defensive and obstructive culture around complaints in the NHS.

  44. NHS steps up a gear to get people home for Christmas

    News -

    People waiting to leave hospital are discharged more quickly and efficiently in the run up to Christmas than at any other time of year.