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 -
Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.Advice and Information -
Living in a care home can increase your risk of oral health problems. That's why knowing what questions to ask care staff about your oral health or loved ones can prevent problems from developing.Advice and Information -
The usual processes the NHS follows to discharge you from hospital have changed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you can expect when it’s time to leave hospital.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 -
Each day 6,000 people become carers. Looking after a loved one can be physically and emotionally exhausting so it's vital that you get the support you need. Find out how you can make sure you look after yourself.Advice and Information -
How can I get the most out of my next visit to the dentist? Take a look at our tips to help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you understand your treatment and how much it will cost.Advice and Information -
Can't find an NHS dentist? Read our tips on what to do if you’re facing problems finding an NHS dentist taking new patients.Advice and Information -
75% of children and young people who experience mental health problems aren't getting the help they need.Advice and Information -
Take a look at what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme, including where to go and why it's important.Advice and Information -
The wait for planned medical care or surgery can be frustrating. That’s why you must get regular and accessible updates while you wait.Advice and Information -
Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below to find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it.Advice and Information -
Understanding the symptoms of flu and what the flu vaccine is helps you make informed decisions about your health.Advice and Information -
Tips to help you stay well this winter and get the care you need.Advice and Information -
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes. One in twenty people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition, with men more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than women.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 -
Thanks to people sharing their views with Healthwatch, local leaders have invested £17m to improve hospital discharge – read more.Response -
We have written a letter to NHS England to express our disappointment at the lack of progress in reviewing the legally-binding Accessible Information Standard.Blog -
NHS 111 First is now obliged to offer pre-booked slots at A&E for people needing non-life-threatening care.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.News -
When one person advocates for themselves for better health care and improved accessibility, we all benefit.Response -
NHS England has unveiled plans to tackle a deepening staffing crisis. Read our response.News -
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.News -
Patient champion appeals for more people to feedback on NHS care.News -
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.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.Blog -
Research shows that continuity of carer is best practice in maternity care. Yet, the experiences of the new mothers we spoke to showed that services don’t always implement it. Read their stories.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.News -
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.Report -
With unprecedented challenges facing NHS and social care services, we've launched a new plan setting how we work to make sure your experiences help make care better.News -
When people have concerns over any aspect of their care or the actions or decisions of any NHS or social care body, they have the right to make a complaint. Read our position on how health and care services should manage complaints, and our work on this issue.News -
We welcome the creation of an independent public inquiry to learn lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic. The lessons from this inquiry could improve how government, NHS England, health and care providers and commissioners respond to future pandemics or public health emergencies.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.Response -
The NHS Assembly consulted staff, patient groups, carers, charities, and partners in health and social care for the report launched ahead of the 75th anniversary of the health service on 5 July. Read our response.Response -
Thousands more doctors and nurses will be trained in England every year as part of a 15-year workforce plan. Read our response.Advice and Information -
Find out what a ‘fit note’ is, when you might need one and how to get one.Blog -
With the NHS turning 75 this week, our Chief Executive reflects on why listening to users of health and care services is so integral to improving the quality and safety of care.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.Report -
With record NHS waiting times, the ongoing impact of the pandemic, and industrial action in the NHS, we've conducted research to understand the extent to which NHS patients are having their care disrupted and the impact this is having.Advice and Information -
Autism affects people in different ways. It can bring strengths and challenges that can affect how comfortable, healthy, and happy you feel. Here's what you should expect from an autism assessment, diagnosis and getting the proper support.
