Our response to NHS plans to cut long hospital stays

Our National Director responds to NHS plans to improve patient care by cutting long hospital stays.
The plan aims to see the number of people staying longer than necessary in hospital reduced by a quarter ahead of winter, through greater use of alternatives to admission.
Response

Our response to CQC's "Driving improvement: Case studies from nine adult social care services"

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.
The report looks at services that were rated inadequate, the challenges they had to overcome, and how they got back on track. It also highlights the experiences of a wide range of people using the care services, as well as professionals. 
Response
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How you can help improve health and care for your community

Last year 4,700 people gave up their time to help make a difference to local health and care. This Volunteers' Week we spoke to Healthwatch Somerset about the difference our volunteers make and why we need more people to get involved.
News

Our response to The Nuffield Trust's briefing on emergency readmissions

A new briefing from QualityWatch looks at the number of emergency readmissions to hospital. The report found there was a 41.3% rise in the number of people returning to hospital for "potentially preventable" conditions.
A new briefing from QualityWatch looks at the number of emergency readmissions to hospital. The report found there was a 41.3% rise in the number of people returning to hospital for "potentially preventable" conditions.
Response
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Our volunteers: Oriana's story

It’s Volunteers’ Week and we want to say thank you to the 4,700 people who volunteered for Healthwatch last year. Read Oriana’s story to find out what it’s like to be a Healthwatch volunteer.
News
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How do people feel about their data being shared by the NHS?

From 25 May 2018, people will be able to make a choice about how the NHS uses their confidential patient information for reasons other than their care. We polled over 2,000 people to find out more about their views and concerns on sharing their data.
Report
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How do people feel about their data being shared by the NHS?

From 25 May, you’ll be able to make a choice about how the NHS uses your confidential patient information for reasons other than your care. 77% of the public say they are confident in the ability of the NHS to protect their patient data. Are you?
News

Six ways we can improve services for people with autism

For most people, going to the doctor or dentist is a routine experience. However, if you have autism, accessing health and care support can be a difficult and stressful experience.
More than 1 in 100 people in the UK are on the autism spectrum. Find out what people with autism have told Healthwatch about the health and care support they’ve received, and what could be improved.
News