1. Tell us your story of maternal mental health care

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    Pregnancy is a major life event for any family. It can be joyful and fulfilling but also challenging. We’re launching a national survey to understand if care works for new mothers and birthing parents. Share your story.

  2. 999 Ambulance Survey

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    Locally and nationally, there are stories of people experiencing delays in the ambulances reaching them and then of delays when reaching hospital of being handed over to Accident and Emergency Department, sometimes with tragic outcomes.

  3. Cost of living: People are increasingly avoiding NHS appointments and prescriptions

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    The number of people avoiding an NHS appointment because they can’t afford travel almost doubled between October and December as the cost of living crisis is forcing many to change how they use health and care services.

    Over a third (39%) of people say the changes they have made to their lives due to the cost of living crisis have affected their mental health.

    • Women are disproportionately affected by spiralling costs, with 35% saying their mental health has got worse over the last two months, compared to 26% of men.

  4. CQC publishes report on services provided by West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust

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    The Care Quality Commission (CQC), has published a report following an inspection of services run by West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust (WMAS) in November.

  5. Shaping our workplan: What matters to you?

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    Each year, your local Healthwatch puts together a work programme that reflects the health and social care needs of the area.

  6. Only 7% of people had a good understanding of gynaecological symptoms before experiencing them

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    When asked if they had a good understanding of gynaecological issues before it happened to them or a friend or family member:
    • Only 5% said they had a good understanding of gynaecological cancers
    • Only 7% said they had a good understanding of gynaecological symptoms
    • 5% said they had a good understanding of HPV (human papilloma virus)
    • 15% said they had a good understanding of cervical screening

  7. CQC tells Royal Stoke University Hospital to make improvements in maternity services

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    The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has told University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust it must make improvements in maternity services at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, after an inspection in March sees its overall rating move from good to requires improvement.  

  8. National survey highlights decline in people’s experience of urgent and emergency care.

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    Findings from a survey of more than 36,000 people who used NHS urgent and emergency care services in September 2022 show that many people had a worse experience than in previous years – particularly those treated in an A&E type department.

  9. Cancellations of NHS care having serious impacts on two thirds of patients, new data shows.

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    · Impact of NHS pressures revealed in a new survey of 1084 people whose care has been cancelled this year.
    · Over one in three, 39%, have experienced cancellations or postponements of care two or more times.
    · Disruptions to care disproportionately affect unpaid carers, neurodivergent people, and those on lower incomes, widening existing health inequalities.
    · Healthwatch England urges healthcare leaders to act on the number of cancellations, especially those that occur at the last minute, and ensure more significant support for those most affected.

  10. Majority of patients remain positive about care they receive when in hospital but over a third say their health deteriorated while waiting for treatment

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    The results of the latest annual survey of hospital inpatients published today (12 September) by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) show patient satisfaction levels have remained largely static since 2021, but indicate a longer term decline in most areas compared to previous years. They also highlight growing frustration with waiting times and reveal that four in ten people scheduled for planned treatment said their health deteriorated while waiting to be admitted.

  11. Third of people in England lack confidence they can access critical NHS services

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    Healthwatch England has warned that people need more confidence that the NHS can provide timely care as the winter period approaches. A third of adults in England lack confidence that they can access timely care, including GP services, mental health support and hospital care.

  12. CQC tells Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust improvements still needed to keep people safe

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    The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found improvements need to be made in services run by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, following an inspection in June.

  13. Our position on safe hospital discharge

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    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.

  14. Improving the wait for cancer care - Healthwatch England

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    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.

  15. Healthwatch England's position on safe hospital discharge

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    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.

  16. Accessing health and care services when you live alone - Healthwatch England

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