1. 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.

  2. Home Care Services Project Summary

    Report -

    Find out people's experiences of home care.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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

  9. 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.

  10. Parkinson's Provision

    Report -

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

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. How to stay well this winter

    Advice and Information -

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

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. ‘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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.