1. Urging residents of Stoke-on-Trent to contact their GP if they’re worried about signs of dementia

    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.

  2. World Alzheimer's Month 2022

    News -

    Each September is a global opportunity to raise awareness, educate, support and to challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease and all the types of dementia.

  3. A Week in the City with Jackie

    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.

  4. Shaping our workplan: What matters to you?

    News -

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

  5. What should you expect after a dementia diagnosis

    Advice and Information -

    Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a life-changing event, but knowing what support is available to you and what steps to take next can help you or a loved one process the diagnosis and plan for the future.

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

    News -

    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.

  7. ‘Review culture’ is on the rise, yet only one in ten feed back on health services.

    News -

    Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent appeals for more people to feedback on NHS care.

  8. Parkinson's Provision

    Report -

    This report provides an analysis of Parkinson’s Provision in and around Stoke-
    on-Trent from a service user perspective.

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

    News -

    · 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

    News -

    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.