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. Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent Annual Report 2012/13

    Report -

    In the city we have 53 GP Surgeries, 122 Care homes (nursing and residential) 70 Pharmacies, 37 Dental Practices, 30 Opticians.

  8. Annual-Report-Stoke-on-Trent-2016-17

    Report -

    This year it came to our attention that homeless individuals in our City were finding it difficult to access GP services and receive the treatment that they required.

  9. Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent Annual Report 2017/18

    Report -

    You need services that work for you, your family and your friends. That is why we want you to share your experiences of using health and care with us – both good and bad. We use your voice to encourage those who run services to act on what matters to you.

  10. 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.

  11. Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards 2022

    News -

    We are excited to announce that we are finalists for the Digital Transformation Award at the Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards 2022!

  12. Digital Transformation Award Winners

    News -

    We have been recognised for our swift adaptation in utilising digital platforms to continue providing our services, and were announced winners of the Digital Transformation Award!

  13. 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.

  14. Virtual Visit to the Royal Stoke University Hospital Fracture Clinic

    Report -

    Due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus Pandemic and the former suspension of the Enter and View Programme, Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent took the opportunity to pilot a series of virtual visits to ensure that public conversations, experiences and concerns can continually be shared with their local Healthwatch.

  15. Virtual Visit to Dresden House

    Report -

    We organised an announced virtual visit to Dresden House between 18 October and 5 November 2021. Read all about our visit in this short summary report which details a background, the methodology utilised, an outline of the findings and a selection of experiences from participants.

  16. Public Advisory Board Action Record 2021 – 2022

    Report -

    Enc-02-Public-Advisory-Board-Action-Record-2021-2022-20-07-01

  17. Health Advisory Board Thursday 01 July 2021 – Virtual meeting Public Board Meeting Agenda

    Report -

    HW Advisory Public Board meetings include an opportunity for members of the public to feedback issues about local
    Health and Social Care issues at the end of the meeting.

  18. Health Advisory Board – Virtual meeting Public Board Meeting Minutes

    Report -

    Minutes and Action log from Public Board Meeting held on 20 April 2021 MD and SF agreed last minutes were a correct record.

  19. Public Advisory Board Action Record 2021 – Public HAB 20 April 2021

    Report -

    Public Advisory Board Action Record 2021 – 2022 Enc 02 Public HAB 20 April 2021

  20. Health Advisory Board – Virtual meeting Public Board Meeting Agenda

    Report -

    HW-Stoke-on-Trent-HAB-Public-Agenda-20-April-2021

  21. Health Advisory Board Meeting Public Minutes – 20 January 2021

    Report -

    Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent Advisory Board Meeting Public Minutes – 20 January 2021

  22. Health Advisory Board Meeting Public Papers – 20 January 2021

    Report -

    This has been scoped with our mental health group and we have contacted key stakeholders to obtain an update on local strategies and services. This will be moved forward to our 2021/22 work plan.

  23. Health Advisory Board Wednesday 20 January 2021 Agenda

    Report -

    HW Advisory Public Board meetings include an opportunity for members of the public to feedback issues about local
    Health and Social Care issues at the end of the meeting.

  24. Healthwatch Public HAB Minutes 13 October 2020 at 10am via Zoom

    Report -

    Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent Public HAB Minutes 13 October 2020 at 10am via Zoom

  25. Health Advisory Board Meeting Public Papers

    Report -

    Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent Advisory Board Meeting Public Papers.

  26. Health Advisory Board Public Agenda 13 October 2020

    Report -

    Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent Advisory Board Public Agenda 13 October 2020 at 10 am to 11.15 am

  27. Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent Public HAB 21 July 2020 Minutes

    Report -

    Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent Public HAB 21 July 2020 at 12pm Minutes

  28. Health Advisory Board Public Agenda 21 July 2020

    Report -

    Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent Advisory BoardPublic Agenda 21 July 2020 at 12 pm to 1 pm

  29. Health Advisory Board Meeting Public Papers

    Report -

    Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent Advisory Board Meeting Public Papers

  30. Health Advisory Board Meeting Wednesday 26 November 2019

    Report -

    Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent Advisory Board Meeting


  31. Health Advisory Board Meeting Wednesday 11 September 2019

    Report -

    Health Advisory Board Meeting Wednesday 11 September 2019 - Meeting-Agenda

  32. Health Advisory Board (HAB) Public Meeting held on Wednesday 11 September 2019

    Report -

    Health Advisory Board (HAB) Public Meeting held on Wednesday 11 September 2019 - Minutes

  33. Health and Wellbeing Board update

    Report -

    Health and Wellbeing Board update

  34. Health Advisory Board (HAB) Meeting held on Wednesday 12 June 2019

    Report -

    HAB-Public-Meeting-Items-June-2019

  35. Health Advisory Board (HAB) Meeting held on Wednesday 20 February 2019

    Report -

    Health Advisory Board (HAB) Meeting held on Wednesday 20 February 2019

  36. Making access easier in the pandemic

    Blog -

    The changes made in services as a response to the pandemic has impacted how people across the nation could access health and social care services. Access became more difficult for some due to digital exclusion, lengthy back logs and new safety restrictions.

  37. 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.

  38. Annual Public Meeting 2022

    News -

    Last week, we hosted our Annual Public Meeting in the Jubilee Hall. But, in case you missed it, we’ve put together a summary of the event.

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

  41. Annual Report 2022 – 2023

    Report -

    Together we’re making health and social care better.

  42. Priority project: Parkinson's survey is now closed.

    News -

    Our priority project on Parkinson's disease is now coming to a close.

  43. Priority project: Carers survey is now closed.

    News -

    Our priority project on carers is now coming to a close.

  44. Living with Parkinson's Disease Report

    Report -

    We spoke to 39 people in Stoke-on-Trent who are either living with Parkinson's disease or are a carer for someone who is. We found out about their experiences of receiving support, care and treatment.

  45. Your feedback improved maternal mental health support - Healthwatch England

    News -

    Thanks to over 2,500 people who shared their views on the six-week check-up, we have ensured that the NHS prioritises mental health support for new parents.

  46. The impact of waiting: the stories behind the numbers - Healthwatch England

    News -

    With the NHS under immense pressure, we look at the impact that waiting for a diagnosis, test, or treatment can have on individuals and some of the potential solutions that might help.

  47. Third of people in England lack confidence they can access critical NHS services - Healthwatch England

    News -

    Our new research shows worryingly low public confidence in being able to access NHS services. A third of adults in England lack confidence that they can access timely care, including GP services, mental health support and hospital care. Read the findings and our calls to action.

  48. Technology and information are key to managing diabetes: Natalie's story - Healthwatch England

    Blog -

    Natalie is among the many people who have recently told us how their diabetes care can be improved.

  49. What homeless people told us about their experience of health and care services - Healthwatch England

    Blog -

    Homeless people have worse mental and physical health than the general population. Our research shows issues with access to the health and social care they need.

  50. Healthwatch England's full recommendations from "The public's perspective"

    Blog -

    As part of our report The public’s perspective: The state of health and social care, we have set out recommendations for decision makers across ten key areas.