1. News -

    After being told by patients that local GPs weren’t meeting the needs of patients with communication difficulties, one local Healthwatch decided to take action.
  2. News -

    Every year, NHS and social care staff receive millions of pieces of feedback from those using services. Read these top tips to help ensure people know how you are using their feedback to improve care.
  3. Advice and Information -

    To choose the right care home and support for your needs, or the needs of a loved one, it's important you have the right information to make your decision. Here are six things you should consider when choosing a care home.
  4. News -

    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.
  5. News -

    With many people sleeping rough, here's how health and care services can help those facing homelessness get the support they need.
  6. Advice and Information -

    People are often in need of out-of-hours medical assistance. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.
  7. Blog -

    Local Healthwatch aim to speak to every section of their community about their experiences of care. However, some communities face more issues than others when it comes to accessing the right support and find it difficult to have their views heard.
  8. Report -

    Find out what the public have been telling us about health and social care over the last three months.
  9. Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.
  10. News -

    The National Data Guardian played a central role in giving people more control over how their data is used by the NHS. Now you can have your say on what their priorities are as they move into their next phase.
  11. News -

    Download and view our digital tools so that people can have their say on how to improve their local NHS.
  12. Report -

    Find out what the public have been telling us about health and social care from January - March this year.
  13. 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.
  14. News -

    Help make sure that your practice meets patient's accessibility requirements by using this quick checklist.
  15. News -

    With a diverse population, it’s important that local services understand what their communities need, and that they don’t try and follow a one size fits all approach. Take a look at who has been shortlisted for our Diversity and Inclusion award.
  16. News -

    Read about how the six nominees for our ‘Giving people the advice and information they need’ have helped local people find the support they need.
  17. News -

    Our Outstanding individuals who’ve made a difference award celebrates volunteers who have gone above and beyond to put people at the heart of care. Take a look at the shortlist.
  18. 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.
  19. News -

    Read a summary of our latest research to find out why personalised care is important.
  20. Report -

    Find out what's working well for people and what needs to improve when it comes to people's experiences of travelling to and from NHS appointments, in our new briefing.
  21. News -

    Together with two leading charities, we are raising awareness of the issues people facing travelling to and from NHS services. We will be working with NHS England to support their new national review of the links between the NHS and local transport.
  22. Advice and Information -

    Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone. Take a look at our top tips to make the most of your GP appointment.
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. News -

    Guidance from NICE, developed with the help of Healthwatch Surrey, highlights how you should be an equal partner in your care. Alice Maynard, Chair of the Guideline Committee explains more.
  26. News -

    Almost two thirds (64%) of people in Britain say they are happy for their personal health data to be used to support research as long as it is anonymised, bu less than 1 in 5 say they feel properly informed about current data sharing plans.
  27. News -

    People’s patient records have a vital role to play in informing medical research and changes to health and social care services. Together with YouGov, we polled 2,044 people earlier this year, to find out more about their views on sharing their data.
  28. News -

    Published today, the Care Quality Commission’s five year strategy, includes a greater focus on using the voices of patients, service users and their families, along with other information, to target inspections.
  29. News -

    We need your views and ideas to make sure that health and social care services work for those who use them. Help us shape our new strategy, which launches in 2018.
  30. News -

    People share their experiences about health and care with Healthwatch every day. We spoke to our Intelligence Coordinator, Penny Manika to understand how the information you share with your local Healthwatch helps to change and improve services.
  31. News -

    Since August 2016, NHS services have been required by law to ensure their communications are accessible to all. Six months on, NHS England wants to hear what difference the Accessible Information Standard has made to your experience.


  32. Advice and Information -

    Have you or a family member had a side effect after taking medicines? Find out why it's important to share your experience to make medicine safer for everyone.
  33. News -

    Our reports library tool aims to help you search thousands of reports produced by local Healthwatch. Take a look and tell us what you think so that we can make it the best it can be.
  34. 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.
  35. Advice and Information -

    Did you know that pharmacies provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Find out how they can help you.
  36. Advice and Information -

    75% of children and young people who experience mental health problems aren't getting the help they need.
  37. Report -

    Find out what the public has been telling us about health and social care from October to December. This briefing also looks at and examines emerging themes across services, focusing on healthcare for trans people, and access to wheelchair services.
  38. Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.
  39. Advice and Information -

    We explain why it’s important to have a plan in place, should you or a loved one become critically ill.
  40. Advice and Information -

    If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help.
  41. News -

    The Government is now consulting on new standards to strengthen the security of health and care information and to help you make informed choices about how your data is used.