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 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. What is Long Covid

    Advice and Information -

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

  9. 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.

  10. Be clear on lung cancer

    Advice and Information -

    The North West has one of the highest numbers of registered lung cancer cases in England*.

  11. What should I do if my GP removes me from their list?

    Advice and Information -

    If you’re removed from your GP practice’s list, you may need to register with another GP practice.

  12. What is a GP referral and how can you get one?

    Advice and Information -

    When you need specialist NHS support, like hospital tests or treatment, you often need a referral from your GP first. Find out what this includes and what to expect.

  13. Find out about high blood pressure

    Advice and Information -

    Around 21,000 people in Halton have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

  14. How can your pharmacy help you?

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know that pharmacies provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Take a look at how they can help you.

  15. Online directory

    Advice and Information -

    Here's a list of useful information on various independent support organisations to help you find support that's right for you.

  16. Think you need to go to A&E? Learn how NHS 111 can help you

    Advice and Information -

    The NHS wants to make it easier and safer for patients to get the right treatment when they need it, without waiting a long time to be seen in A&E. Find out what this means for you and your loved ones.

  17. Delamere Centre - Cancer Support

    Advice and Information -

    When affected by cancer, having the right kind of support and information, at the right time, is essential. The Macmillan Delamere Support and Information Centre provides a confidential, drop-in service for anyone affected by cancer.

  18. Flu vaccine: What you need to know

    Advice and Information -

    Not sure whether you’re eligible for a flu vaccine or how to get it? Read our frequently asked questions.

  19. 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.

  20. How to stay well this winter

    Advice and Information -

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

  21. Looking after your mental health this winter

    Advice and Information -

    In a post-pandemic world where the cost-of-living crisis is beginning to hit home for many of us, prioritising our mental health and wellbeing is necessary.

  22. Where to go for support when you have an eating disorder

    Advice and Information -

    Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that anyone can develop, regardless of age, income and ethnicity. Take a look at some of the common signs of eating disorders and where to go for support if you need help.

  23. Continence care - what are my options?

    Advice and Information -

    If you or a loved one are affected by incontinence, find out where you can go for support.

  24. Prevention is the best medicine - what to expect from your smear test

    Advice and Information -

    Cervical cancer screenings save at least 2,000 lives every year in the UK. Cervical screening is a free health test that helps prevent cervical cancer.
    Here's what you should expect from your smear test and why these screenings are important.

  25. What medical support are you entitled to if you’re new to the UK

    Advice and Information -

    For new arrivals to the UK it can be confusing where to go if you need medical assistance. Here we outline your rights as a refugee, where you can access emergency help and how to register for a GP.

  26. How can you save money on your Hormone Replacement Therapy?

    Advice and Information -

    A new scheme could see women across England save hundreds of pounds yearly on their Hormone Replacement Therapy with a prepayment certificate.

  27. What should you expect after a dementia diagnosis?

    Advice and Information -

    Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a life-changing event, but knowing what support is available to you and what steps to take next can help you or a loved one process the diagnosis and plan for the future.

  28. Does the NHS have to provide an interpreter?

    Advice and Information -

    Do you know about your rights to language support in NHS settings?

  29. Finding an NHS dentist

    Advice and Information -

    We continue to receive a lot of enquiries from people in Halton having difficulty finding an NHS dentist that is taking on new patients. Unfortunately, this is an issue both locally and nationally, at the moment.

    The following information can support you if you are currently in need of an NHS dentist.

  30. Your Voice. Your Decision

    Advice and Information -

    A lasting power of attorney (LPA) gives you a voice and protects your decisions. They are helpful for everyone over the age of 18.

    This legal document makes it easier for the people you trust to support you when you need it most.

  31. Healthcare travel cost scheme (HTCS)

    Advice and Information -

    If you're referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

  32. What is SAD, and how can you manage it?

    Advice and Information -

    Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes. One in twenty people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition, with men more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than women.

  33. What mental health support is available for children and young people?

    Advice and Information -

    75% of children and young people who experience mental health problems aren't getting the help they need.

  34. What is flu and how do I get the flu vaccine?

    Advice and Information -

    Understanding the symptoms of flu and what the flu vaccine is helps you make informed decisions about your health.

  35. 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.

  36. Campaign launched to help people save money on prescriptions

    Advice and Information -

    A new NHS England campaign aims to raise awareness of prescription saving schemes.

  37. How do I get a fit note?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what a ‘fit note’ is, when you might need one and how to go about getting one.

  38. What is social prescribing?

    Advice and Information -

    Around one in five GP visits are for non-medical problems. Many things that affect our health can’t be treated by doctors or medicine alone. This includes loneliness, money problems, housing, education or employment status. NHS social prescribing link workers can connect you to the right community groups and services to help support you.

  39. How to stay informed while you wait for care

    Advice and Information -

    The wait for planned medical care or surgery can be frustrating. That’s why you must get regular and accessible updates while you wa

  40. What are the symptoms and treatments for diabetes?

    Advice and Information -

    Diabetes UK estimates that five million people in the UK are living with diabetes, with 850,000 of them not yet diagnosed.

  41. What is menopause and what are the signs?

    Advice and Information -

    With more than thirty recognised symptoms of menopause and growing awareness of the impact on day-to-day life, it can help to know what to look out for and what support is available.

  42. What is an NHS and Care Volunteer Responder, and how can I access this service?

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know Volunteer Responders can help you access support and services such as collecting prescriptions and shopping delivery?

  43. Can I access my GP records online?

    Advice and Information -

    From 31 October 2023, GP surgeries must give patients online access to their new health record entries. Find out what information is in your record and how to access it.

  44. Make more time for the important things - order repeat prescriptions on the NHS App

    Advice and Information -

    Patients in Cheshire and Merseyside can save time by ordering regular medication using the NHS App.

    The NHS App is the quickest and easiest way to order a repeat prescription – and it puts you in better control of your own health.

  45. 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.

  46. Make a complaint about Healthwatch Halton

    Advice and Information -

    Engaging Communities Solutions (CIC) is contracted by Halton Borough Council to deliver Healthwatch Halton. Individuals and organisations have the right to express their views about the performance of Healthwatch Halton and the way in which it conducts its business.

  47. What can the Pharmacy First scheme do for me?

    Advice and Information -

    The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. Find out everything you need to know.

  48. Planning care at the end of life

    Advice and Information -

    We explain why it’s important to have a plan in place, should you or a loved one become critically ill.