1. What should you expect when it comes to care for your teeth?

    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.

  2. Finding it hard to get a dentist appointment?

    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.

  3. Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent Annual Report 2018/19

    Report -

    The most common themes we hear about are GP services, Mental Health Services, Social Care, and Hospitals and to ensure that we
    address your concerns and compliments we share your stories with relevant people and incorporate your priorities into our work programme.

  4. Patients ‘wait two years’ for check-ups as dentists drop NHS work

    News -

    Our call for NHS dental reforms has once again been featured in the media.

  5. Public experience of dental services during the coronavirus pandemic

    Report -

    A qualitative research design was formed to collect public feedback items. From 28 July 2020 to 14 August 2020 social media platforms and our website was utilised for a callout to residents of Stoke-on-Trent, for dental services experiences during the coronavirus pandemic

  6. Making dental care accessible

    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.

  7. Dental Survey Report 2022

    Report -

    Find out what people in Stoke-on-Trent had shared of their experiences with NHS dentistry services over the last couple of years.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

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

    News -

    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.

  11. How can you find an NHS dentist?

    Advice and Information -

    Can't find an NHS dentist? Read our tips on what to do if you’re facing problems finding an NHS dentist taking new patients.

  12. Top 10 ways to get the most out of your next dental appointment

    Advice and Information -

    How can I get the most out of my next visit to the dentist? Take a look at our tips to help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you understand your treatment and how much it will cost.

  13. Looking after your oral health while living in a care home

    Advice and Information -

    Living in a care home can increase your risk of oral health problems. That's why knowing what questions to ask care staff about your oral health or loved ones can prevent problems from developing.

  14. Annual NHS Dental Statistics for England - Healthwatch England's response

    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 Healthwatch England's response.

  15. NHS Dental Recovery Plan - Healthwatch England's response

    Response -

    Under a new plan published today, people will benefit from millions more NHS dental appointments over the next year. Read Healthwatch England's response.

  16. Healthwatch England's response to the increase in dental charges

    Response -

    Read Healthwatch England's response to the increase in fees for NHS dental care.

  17. What the new dental recovery plan means for you - Healthwatch England

    Advice and Information -

    Are you struggling to find an NHS dentist? The new dental recovery plan might help you get the dental care you need.

  18. Cost of living remains barrier to health for the most vulnerable - Healthwatch England

    Blog -

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

  19. Top 10 ways to get the most out of your next dental appointment

    Advice and Information -

    How can I get the most out of my next visit to the dentist? Take a look at our tips to help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you understand your treatment and how much it will cost.

  20. What is adult social care?

    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.

  21. Home Care Services Project Summary

    Report -

    Find out people's experiences of home care.

  22. Enter and View Report Ward 4 Harplands Hospital, North Staffs Combined Healthcare Trust

    Report -

    Access to the ward is via a pleasantly decorated wide corridor with a great deal of natural light. Access to the ward can only be gained by buzzing in and waiting for a member of staff to let visitors in.

  23. Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Stronger Together through Winter

    Advice and Information -

    There is a variety of local support available to help you through the cost of living crisis this winter.

  24. Looking after your health during the Cost of Living crisis.

    Advice and Information -

    The continuing cost of living crisis is adversely affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on lower incomes hit the hardest.

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

    News -

    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.

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

    News -

    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

  27. Living with Long-term Conditions Report

    Report -

    We spoke to 197 people in Stoke-on-Trent who are living with a long-term condition(s) to find out more about their experiences.

  28. Parkinson's Provision

    Report -

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

  29. Stoke-on-Trent City Council to review and modernise local reablement services

    News -

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council are working with NHS colleagues to review and modernise local reablement services in 2024. As a result we would like to talk to people who have used the City Council’s Enablement service or the Home First Service provided by the NHS during the last 12 months.

  30. What is measles and who can get the vaccine?

    Advice and Information -

    Measles vaccination rates are at a ten-year low as cases rise nationwide. Find out about measles, who can get the vaccine, and what you can do to stay safe.

  31. What is a virtual ward?

    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.

  32. How to stay well this winter

    Advice and Information -

    Tips to help you stay well this winter and get the care you need.

  33. Looking after your health during the cost of living crisis.

    Advice and Information -

    The continuing cost of living crisis is negatively affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on lower incomes hit the hardest.

  34. Improving the wait for cancer care - Healthwatch England

    News -

    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.

  35. What should you expect from home care services?

    Advice and Information -

    Five things you should expect from home care, domiciliary care or help in the home.