News and reports

We arranged a focus group with members of Staffordshire Sight Loss Association (SSLA) and spoke with those attending appointments during an observational visit to the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust's (UHNM) Eye Clinic to find out about the health and social care experiences of those with visual impairments in Stoke-on-Trent.

The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some can afford. Find out what help is out there to help you cover the cost of your medication.

Despite all the positives of rural living, people have told us they are struggling to access basic health care.

It's important that deaf and hard-of-hearing people can get information in an accessible way. But feedback suggests not all services are complying with key legislation.

We organised a joint announced Enter & View visit to The Royal Stoke University Hospital Maternity Services with Healthwatch Staffordshire on 20 November 2023. Read all about our joint visit in this report which includes a background and our purpose for the visit, the methodology utilised, an outline of our findings and our recommendations.

To champion the public's views, we act on clear, informed evidence of their health and social care experiences. Find out what evidence we use and how.

The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. Find out everything you need to know.

Public satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to the lowest level ever recorded, according to analysis of the latest British Social Attitudes Survey.

The cost of living remains a barrier to health, particularly for people on low incomes, and those requiring dental care.

The healthcare system is facing its biggest challenges yet. In Healthwatch England's annual report, they show how listening to the voices of the public can lead to a system that works better for everyone.

Read Healthwatch England's response to the increase in fees for NHS dental care.

Are you struggling to find an NHS dentist? The new dental recovery plan might help you get the dental care you need.