1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.  

  4. 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.