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Today, the CQC published a new report "Driving improvement: Case studies from nine adult social care services", which provides an insight into care services that achieved a significant improvement on their rating.News -
Thanks to a group of families in Hertfordshire, changes are being made to respite care and support for families of children with complex needs.Response -
New report from the Care Quality Commission looks at how well health and social care services are working together across 20 local authority areas.Blog -
We have worked with the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, as part of the Quality Matters initiative, to help make it easier for the public and professionals to understand how to make and respond to social care complaints.Advice and Information -
Here we look at six things you should expect when making a complaint about social care services.News -
Working with older people, their families and care experts, the charity Independent Age has developed a set of quality indicators which Healthwatch Camden helped test during their visits to local care homes.News -
New research suggests a lack of information and support is preventing people from thinking about the care they may want or need in the future.News -
Our new briefing published today brings together the views and experiences of 5,447 carers from over 27 communities across England.Report -
Our briefing published today brings together the views and experiences of 5,447 carers from over 27 communities across England. Take a look to see what people told Healthwatch about their experiences.Blog -
Politicians often talk about the health service as being ‘our NHS’. But if it truly belongs to us then it’s time for a shift in the relationship.Report -
Find out what the public have been telling us about health and social care over the last three months.Response -
New research from Which? finds that millions of people are underestimating the cost of paying for a care home place - potentially putting some at risk of financial problems. Our National Director, Imelda Redmond, responds to these findings.Blog -
Three in five of us will become an unpaid carer at some point in our lives. Kate* tells us about what it was like becoming a carer for her husband and the difficulties they faced.Advice and Information -
To choose the right care home and support for your needs, or the needs of a loved one, it's important you have the right information to make your decision. Here are six things you should consider when choosing a care home.Our response to new guidance to help care homes understand their responsibilities under consumer law
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New guidance from the Competitions and Markets Authority aims to help ensure that care home residents are treated fairly under consumer law.News -
Since 2014, we’ve heard from 1.4 million people about what it’s like to use NHS and social care services. Our latest annual report to Parliament highlights what changes you want to see and how together we're making a difference.News -
The NHS in England has published a ten year plan setting its priorities for the future.Blog -
Despite the publication of the Accessible Information Standard nearly three years ago, people continue to tell Healthwatch about their struggle to access NHS services. Find out how Healthwatch Redbridge have been making a difference.News -
We look at one of the issues people raise with Healthwatch and the steps GPs and Pharmacists can take to help people get the medication they need.Response -
New research from the Care Quality Commission shows that people regret not raising concerns about their care - but those who do raise concerns see improvements.Report -
A research review highlights key themes and gaps in the evidence about involving people in decisions on health and care.News -
When people complain about poor care, it can be a real opportunity for services to listen and change. We’ve highlighted five ways services can do this.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.Blog -
Our new report looks at why it is important to review the care of people with dementia. With new research indicating that people with dementia are not always getting the support they need, David shares his experience of caring for his wife.Response -
Latest ADASS report highlights the social care challenge faced by local councils as their budgets continue to be stretched as well calling out the Government on the delay to publishing a social care Green Paper. Read our response.Report -
Read our latest research to find out if people with dementia are getting the support they need.Response -
42% of people we polled support using general taxation to fund social care. Jacob Lant, Head of Policy at Healthwatch England reflects on the public’s increasing desire for a social care solution.News -
Local authorities focus on reporting the number of complaints they receive rather than communicating what they are learning. We call for complaints managers to be given more support to help demonstrate how councils respond to feedback from residents.Report -
Our findings suggest that councils are not currently making the most of their annual complaints reports as an opportunity to demonstrate how responsive they are to feedback. Read our report to find out more.News -
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.News -
Read a summary of our latest research to find out why personalised care is important.Report -
Find out what the public have been telling us about health and social care from April to June this year.Response -
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman's Annual Review of Adult Social Care Complaints has revealed it is investigating a greater proportion of complaints than previous years. Read our response in full.Advice and Information -
Finding a suitable care home for you or a loved one can be difficult. Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask can make the decision easier. We’ve gathered some information and useful resources to help you make the right choice.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.News -
Choosing care services for a loved one is more stressful than getting married, according to new research.News -
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.News -
Concerns raised by the public indicate services need better information to ensure timely support to those in need.
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New report from Medical journal The Lancet estimates England will need an additional 71,000 care home places by 2025.Response -
The CQC has today published a report highlights the findings from its adult social care inspections from 2014-2017.Response -
New report from CQC highlights how services are currently working together to meet the needs of older peopleNews -
With social care services under pressure, the Government has announced it will publish a Green Paper on social care next summer.Response -
We have written to the Department of Health outlining our concerns about the safety of people using health and care services that aren’t currently regulated.News -
When home care services were due to be recommissioned in Newcastle, local Healthwatch went out to speak to people being looked after in their own homes to find out what they wanted.Response -
Free flu vaccines for care home staff and increased number of jabs for young children in schools will be made available to try and increase the uptake of vaccinations this winter.
