News -
The cost of living crisis is putting people under a lot of pressure - and affecting their ability to access the care they need. Read our evidence on the problems people are facing and how we believe these can be reduced to ensure cost is not a barrier to accessing care.News -
Professor David Croisdale-Appleby has been appointed as the new Chair of Healthwatch England, the independent champion for people who use health and social care.News -
When people have concerns over any aspect of their care or the actions or decisions of any NHS or social care body, they have the right to make a complaint. Read our position on how health and care services should manage complaints, and our work on this issue.News -
We welcome the creation of an independent public inquiry to learn lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic. The lessons from this inquiry could improve how government, NHS England, health and care providers and commissioners respond to future pandemics or public health emergencies.Blog -
A Leeds volunteer filmmaker shares why he volunteered at Healthwatch and how it helped him pursue a Television career.Blog -
Research shows mental health issues are widespread and of significant concern for new parents. Yet, the new mothers we interviewed faced substantial challenges in accessing mental health services. Read their stories.Response -
Using your feedback on care, we share with the Government the issues we believe should be included in the objectives for the NHS for the years ahead. Read our recommendations.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.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.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.Response -
Thousands more doctors and nurses will be trained in England every year as part of a 15-year workforce plan. Read our response.Advice and Information -
Find out what a ‘fit note’ is, when you might need one and how to get one.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.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.News -
National GP patient survey sees a further fall in satisfaction, especially regarding making appointments. Read our response.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.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.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.News -
Our new research highlights that pressures in the NHS have serious consequences on people's lives and widen health inequalities.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.Report -
Find out what we plan to do to put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work.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.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.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.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.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.Advice and Information -
The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and NHS prescriptions costs are more than some can afford. Find out what help is out there to help you cover the cost of your medication.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.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.News -
NHS England is moving forward the timetable for the autumn COVID-19 and flu vaccine rollouts.News -
Jane Laughton joins the Healthwatch England Committee.Response -
We have welcomed the introduction of Martha's rule for hospital patients.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 -
We explore the three main challenges people face accessing health and care services when they live alone with limited or no support.Report -
Take a look at our supporting papers for the September 2023 committee meeting.Blog -
Good communication with patients goes a long way.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 -
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.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.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 -
Chris McCann, Director of Communications Insight and Campaigns at Healthwatch England, explains the role people can play in improving health outcomes in their communities.Report -
This briefing shows how engagement and participation with people and communities can deliver real benefits to the health and care system.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.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.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.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 -
As Remembrance Day approaches, we hear from army veteran Shaun about how long waiting times affected his ability to access NHS care.
