1. Blog -

    This month, we’re encouraging everyone to know the signs and symptoms of dementia so they can get the right diagnosis and support as quickly as possible.
  2. Blog -

    The changes made in services as a response to the pandemic has impacted how people across the nation could access health and social care services. Access became more difficult for some due to digital exclusion, lengthy back logs and new safety restrictions.
  3. Blog -

    Thanks to people sharing their experiences around the challenges to access a local dentist with us over the last year, we’ve helped the Government and the local Dental Network stay informed of the barriers that people across Stoke-on-Trent are facing when seeking dental care.
  4. Blog -

    According to The Encephalitis Society, 77% of people do not know what encephalitis is. We want to help improve the encephalitis awareness through sharing information from The Encephalitis Society and the NHS.
  5. Blog -

    Last week, the team continued to work hard on the long-term condition priority project, which was determined as our annual priority thanks to the local Stokies sharing their primary health and social care concerns with us.
  6. Blog -

    This case study covers a local residents experience of being a patient at A&E, from first point of call and throughout their 21 hours of waiting.
  7. Blog -

    Our research reveals worrying problems with hospital discharge arrangements. Many people told us they are not given the right support or information when being discharged from hospital. Read their experiences and our calls to action.
  8. Blog -

    Find out what's working and what could be better regarding people's right to choose where they receive treatment.
  9. Blog -

    Access to care is the main concern people have shared with us in the past year. Our new report looking at health and social care from the patients' perspective has warned that we risk "a two-tier health and care system" unless the NHS takes faster action to tackle access issues.
  10. Blog -

    This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. Our new blog brings together some of the key challenges people have shared about cervical screening with local Healthwatch and outlines the steps we are taking nationally to address those.
  11. Blog -

    Natalie is among the many people who have recently told us how their diabetes care can be improved.
  12. Blog -

    Natalie is among the many people who have recently told us how their diabetes care can be improved.
  13. Blog -

    Homeless people have worse mental and physical health than the general population. Our research shows issues with access to the health and social care they need.
  14. Blog -

    Long wait times for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) support can have a severe impact on individuals. We look at what people have already told us and urge you to come forward if you have been affected.
  15. Blog -

    Social care reform is desperately needed to ensure the public can get the help they're entitled to, and that teams have the support they need to deliver this care.
  16. Blog -

    As part of our report The public’s perspective: The state of health and social care, we have set out recommendations for decision makers across ten key areas.
  17. Blog -

    Four areas where you can improve support for people diagnosed with diabetes.
  18. Blog -

    As Remembrance Day approaches, we hear from army veteran Shaun about how long waiting times affected his ability to access NHS care.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. Blog -

    ‘Share for Better Care’, a new campaign launched by Healthwatch, aims to help address health inequalities across England.
  25. Blog -

    The healthcare system is facing its biggest challenges yet. In Healthwatch England's annual report, they show how listening to the voices of the public can lead to a system that works better for everyone.
  26. Blog -

    The cost of living remains a barrier to health, particularly for people on low incomes, and those requiring dental care.
  27. Blog -

    It's important that deaf and hard-of-hearing people can get information in an accessible way. But feedback suggests not all services are complying with key legislation.
  28. Blog -

    To champion the public's views, we act on clear, informed evidence of their health and social care experiences. Find out what evidence we use and how.
  29. Blog -

    Despite all the positives of rural living, people have told us they are struggling to access basic health care.
  30. Advice and Information -

    People have told us they can have problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what do to if you are refused the right to register.
  31. Advice and Information -

    Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.
  32. Advice and Information -

    Four questions staff should ask you or a loved one about your oral health if you’re a care home resident, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence quick guide.
  33. Advice and Information -

    We've pulled together a number of services for parents in need of support for their mental health. Read more to find out where you can go to get the help you need.
  34. Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.
  35. Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.
  36. 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.
  37. Advice and Information -

    With more and more appointments happening online, we've put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals.
  38. Advice and Information -

    Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to.
  39. Advice and Information -

    Waiting for planned medical care or surgery can be a frustrating time. That’s why it’s so important that while you wait, you get regular, clear and accessible updates so that you can plan your next steps.
  40. Advice and Information -

    Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health.
  41. Advice and Information -

    Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below and find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it.
  42. Advice and Information -

    Dental practices are recovering from backlogs due to strict hygiene measures to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19 to patients and staff.
  43. Advice and Information -

    By seeking help from your GP and getting an early diagnosis can get the right support in place to live well with dementia.
  44. Advice and Information -

    Strut Safe is a free phone service in the UK to help people who need to feel safe and supported when walking home late at night.
  45. Advice and Information -

    Engaging Communities Solutions (CIC) is contracted by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to deliver Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent.