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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.News -
COVID-19 poses a unique challenge for health and social care professionals when talking to someone with hearing loss. Here are some important tips to help you communicate effectively.News -
We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the Healthwatch Awards 2020.Advice and Information -
Take a look at what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme, including where to go and why it's important.News -
Despite a nationwide mail-out campaign, people are still largely in the dark about plans to share their personal medical records, according to reports we have received.
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We share our views on government plans to provide medical researchers and NHS managers with access to people’s personal medical records.
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The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme exists to help people on lower incomes recover the cost of travelling to and from NHS treatment, but how easy is it to use? Healthwatch Islington conducted a ‘mystery shopping’ exercise to find out.
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In partnership with Healthwatch and National Voices, new findings from The King's Fund highlight the critical role of administration in how people experience care.News -
The NHS’s plans to better use data held by GPs to support planning services and research has sparked a lot of discussion in recent weeks. We have been sharing your views to help shape the debate.News -
NHS England has published a new report outlining changes to non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS) and broader NHS transport support. Take a look at what the changes mean for you and your loved ones.Advice and Information -
The wait for planned medical care or surgery can be frustrating. That’s why you must get regular and accessible updates while you wait.Advice and Information -
Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below to find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it.News -
Find out who’s in the running for a Healthwatch network award this yearReport -
The Government's National Information Board's has published its vision that sets out what the board aims to deliver by 2020.Advice and Information -
For new arrivals to the UK it can be confusing where to go if you need medical assistance. Here we outline your rights as a refugee, where you can access emergency help and how to register for a GP.Response -
Using your feedback on care, we share with Government the issues we believe should be included in the objectives for the NHS for the year ahead. Read our recommendations.News -
People with high blood pressure are increasingly being asked to monitor their condition at home. Find out what people think of using technology to keep tabs on their health and how they think the NHS can improve support.Report -
People increasingly use remote medical technologies to keep tabs on their health. We looked at people's experience monitoring their blood pressure from home to see what NHS services can learn.Advice and Information -
Do you know about your rights to language support in NHS settings?News -
A total of 42 new integrated care systems (ICS) come into force today. Read our response.News -
Our new deep-dive analysis of people's experiences of healthcare communication is a stark reminder of why NHS England and the 42 new Integrated Care Systems need to ensure services abide by the Accessible Information Standard.
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The Accessible Information Standard gives disabled people and people with sensory loss the right to get healthcare information they can understand and communications support if needed. Find out what people who need communications support told us.
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The government will today announce its plans to improve access to GPs, including same-day appointments for those that need them. Read on our response.Advice and Information -
Understanding the symptoms of flu and what the flu vaccine is helps you make informed decisions about your health.Advice and Information -
Becoming a parent can be a wonderful and exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming. To help, we’ve broken down the pregnancy care you should expect from the NHS.News -
Getting to healthcare appointments can be impossible for some people – especially those who cannot travel or afford it. Find out what we’ve recommended decision-makers do to improve the situation.Response -
Read our response to the latest NHS data on cancer support.Advice and Information -
Tips to help you stay well this winter and get the care you need.Response -
We’ve called on NHS England to support people during any industrial action by staff.Advice and Information -
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes. One in twenty people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition, with men more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than women.News -
With the NHS under extra pressure this winter, we need to hear your experiences of care to help services understand what is working and spot issues affecting support for you and your loved ones.News -
Healthwatch England is concerned that coverage in recent days showing the NHS at breaking point will exacerbate already-low public confidence that people can get urgent and emergency care when they need it most.
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Digital and remote methods are playing an increasingly important role in how people access care since the pandemic. Building confidence in digital skills is key to helping people who are digitally excluded from getting online.Advice and Information -
The continuing cost of living crisis is negatively affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on lower incomes hit the hardest.News -
Healthwatch Bolton helped to arrange walk-in cervical cancer screening clinics in the community, removing barriers to lifesaving healthcare.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.News -
Thanks to people sharing their views with Healthwatch, local leaders have invested £17m to improve hospital discharge – read more.Response -
We have written a letter to NHS England to express our disappointment at the lack of progress in reviewing the legally-binding Accessible Information Standard.Blog -
NHS 111 First is now obliged to offer pre-booked slots at A&E for people needing non-life-threatening care.News -
Working with deaf people and people affected by hearing loss, Healthwatch Norfolk created a step-by-step guide on how GP practices can improve communication and make care accessible.News -
When one person advocates for themselves for better health care and improved accessibility, we all benefit.Response -
NHS England has unveiled plans to tackle a deepening staffing crisis. Read our response.News -
From 1 December 2020, the NHS introduced a new system called NHS 111 First. Find out what we’re calling for to ensure the service works for everyone.News -
Patient champion appeals for more people to feedback on NHS care.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.Response -
With junior doctors staging a four-day strike, we urge all parties involved to find a resolution.News -
The latest NHS data shows that a record number of people are waiting for care. However, our new research indicates that there is also a hidden waiting list, and more needs to be done to understand what it's like for people trying to get referred.Blog -
Research shows that continuity of carer is best practice in maternity care. Yet, the experiences of the new mothers we spoke to showed that services don’t always implement it. Read their stories.
