1. Registering with your GP: understanding your rights

    Advice and Information -

    You've told us that you've experienced problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what to do if you're refused the right to register.

  2. Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

    Advice and Information -

    People are often in need of out-of-hours medical assistance. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.

  3. 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.

  4. Where can I go for support for my mental health as a parent?

    Advice and Information -

    We've pulled together a number of services for parents in need of support for their mental health. Read more to find out where you can go to get the help you need.

  5. Do you need help travelling to NHS services?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.

  6. 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.

  7. What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?

    Advice and Information -

    If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help.

  8. 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.

  9. New NHS waiting times figures – Healthwatch England response

    Response -

    Two-thirds fewer people were waiting for more than two years for elective care in April, new figures have shown.

  10. 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.

  11. What should I expect after being referred for mental health support?

    Advice and Information -

    Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health.

  12. 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.

  13. Annual report 2021-22

    Report -

    We’re delighted to publish our annual report for 2021 - 2022. Find out what we’ve done in the past year to champion what matters to you.

  14. Conflicts of interest policy

    Report -

    Find out how we manage conflicts of interest for our staff, Board members and volunteers.

  15. How to look after your mental health while self-isolating with COVID-19

    Advice and Information -

    The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may cause you to feel worried, anxious, or scared. Read our tips to looking after your wellbeing when self-isolating.

  16. Share your tips for Cervical Screening Awareness Week

    News -

    To mark Cervical Screening Awareness Week (20-26 June), Healthwatch Halton is joining Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to raise awareness of the test and encourage sharing of tips and experiences to help more women and people with a cervix to attend.

  17. The Big Dental Check-up

    Report -

    This report shares local people’s experiences of trying to access NHS dentistry in Halton during 2020/21.

  18. Remember to order your repeat prescriptions before the bank holiday

    News -

    The North West’s chief pharmacist is reminding people not to leave it too late to order repeat prescriptions ahead of the four-day Jubilee bank holiday next week.

  19. You can save up to nine lives

    News -

    In 2020 the law around organ donation in England changed to an opt-out system, to enable more people to save more lives. This means that unless you choose to opt out, or are in an excluded group, you will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when you die.

  20. Open letter from NHS, charity and community leaders to people with a weakened immune system

    News -

    We join together as NHS and charity leaders to encourage people with a weakened immune system to continue to book in or visit a walk-in centre for their COVID-19 vaccines. All individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed are advised to receive a Spring booster dose of the vaccine, typically six months after their last dose.

  21. Your care, your way – Join Healthwatch’s new campaign

    News -

    Clear, understandable information is important to help you make the right health and care decisions. Join our campaign and have your say on what needs to change.

  22. Access to non NHS MS services in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool and South Sefton

    News -

    It is estimated that at least 1,788 people live with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) across Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley and South Sefton.

  23. Shining a light on the struggles surrounding social care

    News -

    Social care support changes people’s lives but sadly, not everyone gets the support they need. We want to understand what life is like when you can’t get support or if the support you get just isn’t enough.

  24. National Breastfeeding Week

    News -

    It’s National Breastfeeding Week from the 27th of June to the 3rd of July 2022, and everyone has a part to play in helping mums to breastfeed. The theme for the week is ‘Everyone has a part to play in helping mums to breastfeed’. The key focus will be the difference that can be made if everyone supports breastfeeding e.g. partners, the wider family, community, health and education services and workplaces.

  25. Annual Report 2020 - 2021

    Report -

    We’re delighted to publish our annual report for 2020 - 2021.

  26. Annual Report 2019 - 2020

    Report -

    We’re delighted to publish our annual report for 2019 - 2020, covering 1 April 2019 – 31 March 2020

  27. How to access mental health support if you're lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender

    Advice and Information -

    Mental health problems are more common among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) people. If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need.

  28. Top tips for patients: Making the most of video and telephone appointments

    Advice and Information -

    The way people access healthcare has changed a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  29. What to do if you catch COVID-19 now

    Advice and Information -

    Although most restrictions have been lifted, in relation to Covid -19, the virus is still very much with us and cases are on the rise across England.

  30. Annual Report 2017 - 2018

    Report -

    Welcome to our fifth annual report, covering the April 2017 to March 2018

  31. Annual Report 2016 - 2017

    Report -

    Welcome to our fourth annual report, covering the April 2016 to March 2017

  32. Annual Report 2015 - 2016

    Report -

    Welcome to our third annual report, covering the April 2015 to March 2016.

  33. Annual Report 2014 - 2015

    Report -

    Welcome to our second annual report, covering the April 2014 to March 2015.

  34. Annual Report 2013 - 2014

    Report -

    Welcome to our first annual report, covering the April 2013 to March 2014

  35. Halton Haven - March 2020

    Report -

    We completed an announced visit at Halton Haven Hospice on 2 March 2020, on the request of the hospice, to learn about their work and patient care.

  36. Widnes Hall - January 2020

    Report -

    Report on our visit to Widnes Hall on 28 Jan 2020.

  37. How to complain about health and care services in Halton

    Advice and Information -

    Do you need to make a complaint about health and care services? Find out who to contact in Halton.

  38. What is Long Covid

    Advice and Information -

    Confused about Long Covid? Find out the common symptoms and when to get support.

  39. Support and treatment for Long Covid

    Advice and Information -

    It’s easy to feel isolated and alone when struggling with Long Covid, but we are here to help to you find the support and treatment you need.

  40. Disabled people report being blocked from NHS care due to poor communications

    News -

    Healthwatch England warns that health and care services are failing in their legal duty to provide accessible information for people with physical and learning disabilities. 

  41. COVID-19 Autumn booster and flu vaccine programme expansion

    News -

    The COVID-19 Autumn booster should be offered to the following groups:

  42. Cheshire and Merseyside Menopause Survey

    News -

    Cheshire and Merseyside Gynaecology Network Menopause Special Interest Group have launched the Cheshire and Merseyside Menopause Survey.

  43. Are NHS waiting times pushing more people to go private?

    News -

    Record NHS waiting times appear to be increasing the number of people paying for private care, according to a new BBC analysis.

  44. Simonsfield Care Home

    Report -

    Report on our visit to Simonsfield Care Home on 27 Feb 2020

  45. St Patricks Care Home

    Report -

    Report on our visit to St Patrick’s on 14 January 2020

  46. Madeline McKenna Care Home

    Report -

    Report on our visit to Madeline McKenna Care Home on 10 December 2019

  47. Finding Help and Support – updated May 2022

    Report -

    This project was an initiative by Healthwatch Halton, in light of the national and local transformations to children and young people (CYP)’s mental health services.

  48. Specialist Children’s Services

    Report -

    In July 2020 Healthwatch Halton were approached by NHS Bridgewater Community NHS Trust to look at the possibility of carrying out a further patient engagement project on behalf of the Trust to look at patient satisfaction levels with Children’s Specialist Services from Woodview Child Development Centre.

  49. GP access during COVID-19 review – Healthwatch England

    Report -

    In an extensive review of people’s access to GP services, Healthwatch England have analysed a range of sources, drawing on almost 200,000 people’s experiences shared between April 2019 and December 2020.

  50. Covid vaccine attitudes report

    Report -

    This report is based on the responses of 157 people to an online survey we carried out earlier during February and March this year.
    The survey asked participants their thoughts about getting the Covid-19 vaccine and their thoughts about the information provided about the vaccine.