Advice and Information -
People are often in need of out-of-hours medical assistance. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.Advice and Information -
You've told us that you've experienced problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what to do if you're refused the right to register.Advice and Information -
Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.Advice and Information -
Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone. Take a look at our top tips to make the most of your GP appointment.Advice and Information -
With more and more appointments happening online, we've put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals.Advice and Information -
Understanding the symptoms of flu and what the flu vaccine is helps you make informed decisions about your health.News -
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.News -
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.
News -
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.Advice and Information -
The continuing cost of living crisis is negatively affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on lower incomes hit the hardest.News -
Healthwatch Bolton helped to arrange walk-in cervical cancer screening clinics in the community, removing barriers to lifesaving healthcare.Advice and Information -
Cervical cancer screenings save at least 2,000 lives every year in the UK. Here's what you should expect from your smear test and why these screenings are important.News -
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.Blog -
One in five people we spoke to with a GP referral for specialist care had bounced back to general practice. This suggests potentially serious issues with referral processes. We are calling for more to be done to understand people’s experiences.
News -
Clear, understandable information is important to help you make decisions about your healthcare. It is feedback from people like Karl that inspired us to launch the Your Care, Your Way campaign last year.Report -
NHS and social care services only make the best decisions if they listen to the people they care for. Read our Annual Report to Parliament to see how your feedback has helped decision-makers prioritise what matters most.Response -
Public satisfaction with the NHS has slumped to its lowest level ever recorded by the British Social Attitudes Survey (BSA). Despite this, the public shows very strong support for the NHS. Read our response.News -
Take a look at our work on women's health concerns, and what we're calling for to improve and tackle health inequalities.Blog -
Our latest research follows people's experiences of getting a GP referral. The process for many is long and often confusing. We need to address issues around people's GP referral journey so that it works for everyone.Response -
With junior doctors staging a four-day strike, we urge all parties involved to find a resolution.News -
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.News -
Read what the public think about cancer care, and what we're calling for to make critical improvements.Response -
Today, NHS England has published its GP Recovery Plan. Read our response.Advice and Information -
A new scheme could see women across England save hundreds of pounds a year on their Hormone Replacement Therapy with a prepayment certificate.Blog -
NHS England has recently published its "Delivery plan for recovering access to primary care". We outline what the planned changes will mean for you.News -
The cost of living is having a detrimental impact on people's decisions about their healthcare. But if you are disabled, on means-tested benefits or aged 18-24, you're more likely to avoid vital health services due to the fear of extra costs. We set out immediate actions for the government and the NHS.Response -
Using your feedback on care, we share with the Government the issues we believe should be included in the objectives for the NHS for the years ahead. Read our recommendations.Advice and Information -
Find out what a ‘fit note’ is, when you might need one and how to get one.News -
National GP patient survey sees a further fall in satisfaction, especially regarding making appointments. Read our response.Blog -
Our research on GP referrals highlighted the frustration patients experience due to long waits and a lack of support. This latest analysis looks at people’s experience of getting a cancer referral.Response -
Healthwatch England welcomes NHS England’s simplification of cancer waiting times data. A simplified care timeline can help patients and their loved ones to have a better understanding of what milestones and timelines they can expect during their cancer treatment journey.News -
NHS England is moving forward the timetable for the autumn COVID-19 and flu vaccine rollouts.Blog -
On this World Mental Health Day, we're looking at people's recent experiences of mental health services. With GPs often acting as the front door for mental health support, we've also analysed our evidence about getting a GP referral for mental health. Read about what people told us and what this means for healthcare leaders.Blog -
Chris McCann, Director of Communications Insight and Campaigns at Healthwatch England, explains the role people can play in improving health outcomes in their communities.Report -
This briefing shows how engagement and participation with people and communities can deliver real benefits to the health and care system.Report -
This briefing shows how people's experiences can be used to support the development of a long-term vision for the NHS to strengthen these services.
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Find out how the NHS can work better across teams to help people who are receiving care.Blog -
Four areas where you can improve support for people diagnosed with diabetes.Advice and Information -
Did you know you can choose which hospital you go to when referred for a test, diagnosis, or treatment? Find out how.Blog -
Find out what's working and what could be better regarding people's right to choose where they receive treatment.Report -
Performance numbers and the media highlight the issues the NHS faces – but they only tell part of the story. Our new report brings to light the public’s perspective on the state of health and social care.Blog -
As part of our report The public’s perspective: The state of health and social care, we have set out recommendations for decision makers across ten key areas.Advice and Information -
From 31 October 2023, GP surgeries must give patients online access to their new health record entries. Find out what information is in your record and how to access it.Blog -
Homeless people have worse mental and physical health than the general population. Our research shows issues with access to the health and social care they need.
