Woman and man walking into a health centre
Helping you find answers
To give you an idea of some of the ways we’ve helped, take a look at our round up of the top questions people ask us.
3 January 2019
News
Old women in a wheelchair smiling.
Healthwatch network reveals top priorities for 2019
Our work is shaped by the concerns that local people raise with local Healthwatch across the country. Our analysis of local priorities puts improvements to primary care at the top of the list for 2019.
31 December 2018
News
A female receptionist at a surgery on the phone with a male patient filling in his details.
Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?
Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.
24 December 2018
Advice and Information
women in the street
Helping someone who is homeless access healthcare
With rough sleeping on the rise, health and care services can play their part this winter by ensuring those facing homelessness get the support they need.
21 December 2018
Advice and Information
Lonely person
Three common issues homeless people face when trying to access care
With thousands of people at risk of homelessness this winter, we look at the common issues people who do not have a place to call home tell us they can face when it comes to health and care.
21 December 2018
News
Doctor speaking to patient
What matters most: Four things people want from care
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.
17 December 2018
News
Image of our annual report front cover
Health and social care targets only useful if people’s voices are heard
In our annual report to parliament, we call on services to listen to what matters most to people when it comes to their care – and on the public to keep speaking up.
13 December 2018
News
graphic of speech bubbles
Our annual report 2017/18
Last year 406,567 people told us what matters most to them about health and social care. These views have been placed into over 2,000 reports, informing services about the improvements that people would like to see.
13 December 2018
Report
Picture of a woman at a Healthwatch event
My life as a carer – one of seven million stories
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.
28 November 2018
Blog
Elderly man in a care home
Care homes: understanding your rights
Choosing a care home can be daunting and it's important to have the right information. Find out more about your rights and how to complain if you are not happy.
21 November 2018
Advice and Information
Picture of an elderly woman in a hospital bed
Janet’s story: when readmission to hospital goes wrong
Our research shows that emergency readmissions to hospital have risen by 9.35% in the last year. Janet's story shows why it's important we understand why this is happening.
21 November 2018
Blog
Our response to new guidance to help care homes understand their responsibilities under consumer law
New guidance from the Competitions and Markets Authority aims to help ensure that care home residents are treated fairly under consumer law.
The Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) has published new guidance to help care homes and nursing homes for those over 65 understand their responsibilities under consumer law.
20 November 2018
Response