1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. ‘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.

  4. Parkinson's Provision

    Report -

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

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Someone I love has died - where can I find support

    Advice and Information -

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

  8. What to expect when waiting for care

    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.

  9. Impact of Coronavirus Survey Report

    Report -

    Following the global coronavirus outbreak in early 2020 there have been significant measures to obstruct and limit the infection of coronavirus, including a national lockdown and many forms of social distancing for a number of months. Consequently, the required measures have had a considerable impact on individual lifestyles through physical health wellbeing, psychosocial health and financial challenges.

  10. Public experience of blood tests during the coronavirus pandemic

    Report -

    We started to receive a high volume of feedback about blood tests from 6 July 2020. It was evident that people were experiencing difficulties in accessing blood tests and therefore we organised a call-out for feedback about the publics experience of blood tests during the coronavirus pandemic. This was promoted on our social media platforms from 21 July 2020 to 10 August 2020.

  11. 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

  12. What is the COVID-19 vaccine and how do I get it?

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme, including where to go and why it's important.