1. Response -

    The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services Spring Survey has been published today. This crucial annual report outlines the many pressures facing social care today, their impacts for people, the workforce and providers, and the views of directors of adult services.
  2. Advice and Information -

    Mental health problems are more common among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people. If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need.
  3. Response -

    The NHS Assembly consulted staff, patient groups, carers, charities, and partners in health and social care for the report launched ahead of the 75th anniversary of the health service on 5 July. Read our response.
  4. Blog -

    The commitment to personalised care has been a cornerstone of NHS policy on maternity care for many years. A crucial part of personalised care is good communication, listening and agreeing on actions together. In this blog, we share new mothers' stories highlighting the role of communication and choice.
  5. Response -

    Thousands more doctors and nurses will be trained in England every year as part of a 15-year workforce plan. Read our response.
  6. Advice and Information -

    How can I get the most out of my next visit to the dentist? Take a look at our tips to help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you understand your treatment and how much it will cost.
  7. Blog -

    With the NHS turning 75 this week, our Chief Executive reflects on why listening to users of health and care services is so integral to improving the quality and safety of care.
  8. News -

    As we celebrate 75 years of our NHS and look to a future where everyone can get the care they need, we celebrate some of the people who took the time to share their experiences with us and helped make care better for everyone. 
  9. Page -

    This Privacy Statement sets out the data processing practices carried out by Healthwatch England. We retain and use personal data (information that relates to and identifies living people) to help us carry out our role as the national independent champion for people who use health and social care services.
  10. News -

    By law, people in England have the right to get healthcare in the format they can understand. However, there’s a growing body of evidence suggesting that this is not happening. Read our policy position.
  11. Advice and Information -

    Can't find an NHS dentist? Read our tips on what to do if you’re facing problems finding an NHS dentist taking new patients or with NHS dentistry costs.
  12. News -

    National GP patient survey sees a further fall in satisfaction, especially regarding making appointments. Read our response.
  13. News -

    A new report by MPs into dental care, which draws upon the experiences people have shared with us, has called for urgent reform so more people can access an NHS dentist.
  14. News -

    Our new research highlights that pressures in the NHS have serious consequences on people's lives and widen health inequalities.
  15. Report -

    With record NHS waiting times, the ongoing impact of the pandemic, and industrial action in the NHS, we've conducted research to understand the extent to which NHS patients are having their care disrupted and the impact this is having.
  16. Blog -

    Our research on GP referrals highlighted the frustration patients experience due to long waits and a lack of support. This latest analysis looks at people’s experience of getting a cancer referral.
  17. News -

    Thousands of people tell us their first-hand experiences of care every month. We've looked closely at some issues people told us about in June to help NHS and social care decision-makers improve support.
  18. Report -

    Find out what we plan to do to put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work.
  19. 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.
  20. Blog -

    With nearly two million requests for adult social care support made each year, we look at what people tell us about this vital service.
  21. Response -

    Healthwatch England welcomes NHS England’s simplification of cancer waiting times data. A simplified care timeline can help patients and their loved ones to have a better understanding of what milestones and timelines they can expect during their cancer treatment journey.
  22. Advice and Information -

    Autism affects people in different ways. It can bring strengths and challenges that can affect how comfortable, healthy, and happy you feel. Here's what you should expect from an autism assessment, diagnosis and getting the proper support.
  23. Blog -

    Neurodiversity is a word used to describe the different thinking styles that affect how people communicate with the world around them. It includes dyslexia, autism, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette's Syndrome and more. Neurodivergent people encounter challenges accessing services which meet their needs.
  24. 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 our response.
  25. Blog -

    People rely on prescription medication to treat and manage their conditions and keep well. In our new blog, we highlight the challenges people have recently told us about when trying to get prescription medication.
  26. News -

    NHS England is moving forward the timetable for the autumn COVID-19 and flu vaccine rollouts.
  27. News -

    Jane Laughton joins the Healthwatch England Committee.
  28. Response -

    We have welcomed the introduction of Martha's rule for hospital patients.
  29. Event -

  30. 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.
  31. Page -

    Read our new briefing about how confident people in being able to access timely care from the NHS.
  32. News -

    We explore the three main challenges people face accessing health and care services when they live alone with limited or no support.
  33. Report -

    Take a look at our supporting papers for the September 2023 committee meeting.
  34. Blog -

    Good communication with patients goes a long way.
  35. Advice and Information -

    Cervical cancer screenings save at least 2,000 lives every year in the UK. Here's what you should expect from your smear test and why these screenings are important.
  36. 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.
  37. 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.
  38. 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.
  39. 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.
  40. 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.
  41. Response -

    The latest NHS data shows that a record number of people are waiting for care. However, it’s vital people still come forward this winter for the healthcare they need.
  42. Report -

    This briefing shows how engagement and participation with people and communities can deliver real benefits to the health and care system.
  43. 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.
  44. Advice and Information -

    With more than thirty recognised symptoms of menopause and growing awareness of the impact on day-to-day life, it can help to know what to look out for and what support is available.
  45. Response -

    Care Quality Commission has today published its annual State of Care report, highlighting that a combination of cost-of-living crisis and workforce pressures risks ‘unfair care’ for many people. Read our response.
  46. Advice and Information -

    The usual processes the NHS follows to discharge you from hospital have changed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you can expect when it’s time to leave hospital.