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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 -
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a life-changing event, but knowing what support is available to you and what steps to take next can help you or a loved one process the diagnosis and plan for the future. -
Blog -
This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. Our new blog brings together some of the key challenges people have shared about cervical screening with local Healthwatch and outlines the steps we are taking nationally to address those. -
Blog -
Natalie is among the many people who have recently told us how their diabetes care can be improved. -
News -
In July last year, we published our findings of experiences you shared about trying to get cancer care. Thanks to this insight, the NHS has simplified their process so people can better understand what to expect. -
News -
The NHS published their primary care recovery plan last May, and thanks to so many of you sharing your feedback about your experiences, we ensured it promised lots of changes. -
News -
Thanks to over 2,500 people who shared their views on the six-week check-up, we have ensured that the NHS prioritises mental health support for new parents. -
News -
Recent changes to hospital discharge policy and processes have been positive. But the experiences we hear from people and families still vary. Find out what we're calling for to ensure people get the support they need during this time. -
News -
With the NHS under immense pressure, we look at the impact that waiting for a diagnosis, test, or treatment can have on individuals and some of the potential solutions that might help. -
News -
We explore the three main challenges people face accessing health and care services when they live alone with limited or no support. -
News -
Our new research shows worryingly low public confidence in being able to access NHS services. A third of adults in England lack confidence that they can access timely care, including GP services, mental health support and hospital care. Read the findings and our calls to action. -
News -
New figures published today in the annual report on NHS Dental Statistics for England in 2022-23, show that NHS dentists still see fewer people than pre-pandemic. Read Healthwatch England's response. -
Response -
Under a new plan published today, people will benefit from millions more NHS dental appointments over the next year. Read Healthwatch England's response. -
News -
Getting good social care can make a big difference in someone's life. But are people always receiving the help they need? Find out what people have told us and how we think social care support could be improved. -
Blog -
Natalie is among the many people who have recently told us how their diabetes care can be improved. -
Blog -
Homeless people have worse mental and physical health than the general population. Our research shows issues with access to the health and social care they need. -
Blog -
Long wait times for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) support can have a severe impact on individuals. We look at what people have already told us and urge you to come forward if you have been affected. -
Blog -
Social care reform is desperately needed to ensure the public can get the help they're entitled to, and that teams have the support they need to deliver this care. -
Blog -
As part of our report The public’s perspective: The state of health and social care, we have set out recommendations for decision makers across ten key areas. -
Blog -
Four areas where you can improve support for people diagnosed with diabetes. -
Blog -
As Remembrance Day approaches, we hear from army veteran Shaun about how long waiting times affected his ability to access NHS care. -
Blog -
We share the key trends in what people from different ethnic minority groups are telling us, and propose steps the NHS can take towards equity in care. -
Blog -
Chris McCann, Director of Communications Insight and Campaigns at Healthwatch England, explains the role people can play in improving health outcomes in their communities. -
Blog -
On this World Mental Health Day, we're looking at people's recent experiences of mental health services. With GPs often acting as the front door for mental health support, we've also analysed our evidence about getting a GP referral for mental health. Read about what people told us and what this means for healthcare leaders. -
Blog -
The public needs a bold vision for health and care services, informed by the wealth of patient experience we’ve collected over the past decade. -
Blog -
The statutory inquiry into how nurse Lucy Letby was able to murder seven babies is likely to result in lessons that the wider NHS needs to act on. One of the questions it will need to explore is how the NHS can tackle the culture of denial and secrecy that often lies at the heart of tragic scandals. -
Blog -
‘Share for Better Care’, a new campaign launched by Healthwatch, aims to help address health inequalities across England. -
Response -
Read Healthwatch England's response to the increase in fees for NHS dental care. -
Blog -
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. -
Advice and Information -
Are you struggling to find an NHS dentist? The new dental recovery plan might help you get the dental care you need. -
Blog -
The cost of living remains a barrier to health, particularly for people on low incomes, and those requiring dental care. -
Response -
Public satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to the lowest level ever recorded, according to analysis of the latest British Social Attitudes Survey. -
Report -
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. -
Blog -
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. -
Blog -
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. -
Blog -
Despite all the positives of rural living, people have told us they are struggling to access basic health care. -
Advice and Information -
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. -
An Insight Report: Access to Healthcare for People in Stoke-on-Trent Living with a Visual Impairment
Report -
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. -
Blog -
As we celebrate Volunteers' Week 2024, we want to take a moment to put a spotlight on and say thank you to our amazing volunteers. We are very grateful for the time that they generously give, along with their support and efforts, to help to create positive change within our communities. -
News -
We are excited to announce the launch of our Citizens Involvement Charter, a new initiative which aims to strengthen community engagement and amplify the voices of those within the community. -
News -
A new survey (YouGov) commissioned by the UK’s leading gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal has revealed a lack of understanding about what a cervical screening test is for and a range of barriers to attending a screening appointment when offered it. -
News -
Recent changes at Brighter Futures have led to the closure of three of its mental health and wellbeing support services: Clubhouse Network, Safe Spaces, and Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline. -
Blog -
Monday 1 July marks the start of Co-production Week 2024, and this year's theme is "Co-production: What’s Missing?", but what is Co-production and how do we do it? -
News -
Following last year’s Carers project, we are now launching our new digital Carers Forum, which is our latest initiative in our ongoing commitment to supporting the Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s All-Age Carers Strategy. -
News -
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. -
Advice and Information -
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. -
Report -
Our Annual Report 2023/24 provides an overview of how we've made a difference this year, how your voice was heard, our finances, future priorities, and more. -
News -
According to estimates by Healthwatch England, up to 1.5 million working-age disabled people in England could need social care support but are not accessing it. This means they are likely to be missing out on help with daily activities such as washing, cleaning, socialising, and going to the shops. -
Blog -
The NHS plans to triple the number of physician associates it employs. But how much do patients know about this role, and how can their role be safely expanded? -
Advice and Information -
What are physician associates? Find out about their training and what kind of care they can provide.