1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. The Big Dental Check-up

    Report -

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

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. What is Long Covid

    Advice and Information -

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

  18. 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.

  19. 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. 

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

    News -

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

  21. Cheshire and Merseyside Menopause Survey

    News -

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

  22. 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.

  23. Long Covid: How is your feedback making care better?

    News -

    The NHS has announced a new plan and more money to improve support for Long Covid. Find out how the experiences you shared helped make the difference.

    Find out how the experiences you shared helped make the difference.

  24. Kooth drop-in's

    News -

    Are you under 18 and need to talk to someone about your worries or concerns? Kooth are holding some free drop in sessions in Widnes where you can chat in confidence to someone about anything worrying you.

  25. Be clear on lung cancer

    Advice and Information -

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

  26. MS Information and Support Event for Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley and South Sefton

    News -

    Are you one of the 1800 + people with MS in Liverpool Halton, Knowsley and South Sefton?

    Would you like to find out more about the support and information that is available to you locally and also share your ideas and suggestions about new services that could be developed?

  27. 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.

  28. Find out about high blood pressure

    Advice and Information -

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

  29. Have you read our latest e-bulletin?

    News -

    Download our latest e-bulletin here filled with local content concerning what support is available, awareness and information of national and local issues.

  30. Hope Course from Macmillan.

    News -

    HOPE is a course developed by Macmillan Cancer Support and Coventry University to support you after cancer treatment.

  31. HAB meeting 19 May 2022

    Report -

    We hold regular meetings with our Committee in public where we discuss what we've been hearing from the public as well as our organisational direction and progress on projects.

  32. HAB meeting 17 March 2022

    Report -

    We hold regular meetings with our Committee in public where we discuss what we've been hearing from the public as well as our organisational direction and progress on projects.

  33. HAB meeting 20 January 2022

    Report -

    We hold regular meetings with our Committee in public where we discuss what we've been hearing from the public as well as our organisational direction and progress on projects.

  34. Volunteer Peer Supporter/Listening Ears needed

    News -

    Do you have good listening and communication skills?
    Do you have an interest in and empathy with asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants?
    Can you provide non-judgemental support and encouragement to people?

  35. 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.

  36. 50 new surgical hubs set to open across England - Healthwatch response

    Response -

    The Government has today announced plans to open 50 new surgical hubs across England. The hubs aim to deliver almost two million extra routine operations to cut waiting lists over the next three years.

  37. Are you or your loved one waiting to get a GP referral? Share your views

    News -

    Have you or your loved one been left frustrated after struggling to get a GP referral for tests or treatment? You’re not alone.

  38. Report highlights difficulties getting NHS dental care in Halton

    News -

    Our latest report, 'The Big Dental Check Up', shows that many people local people continue to struggle to access or afford NHS dental treatment.

  39. Do you have a child who is short-sighted

    News -

    Staff at the University of Bradford want to hear your (and your children’s) views on short-sightedness and the new ways we can manage it.

  40. COPD survey

    News -

    As part of the Cheshire and Merseyside pulmonary rehabilitation pathway improvement programme, the Innovation Agency have developed a survey to capture the thoughts and experiences of COPD patients regarding the support they receive for their condition.

  41. Volunteer Peer Supporter/Listening Ears needed for

    News -

    Trinity Safe Space are looking for dedicated volunteers who can give up to 2 hours a week, for 6 months to support asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants in the Borough of Halton.

  42. NHS Complaints Advocacy

    Advice and Information -

    Although most people using the health service are happy with their care and treatment, things can sometimes go wrong.

  43. 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.

  44. Seasonal COVID booster roll out. Now available to all over 65's.

    News -

    A seasonal booster (autumn booster) of the COVID vaccine can now be booked online. The roll out of the autumn booster is under way; with everyone over 65 years being invited to book an appointment or attend walk in clinics.

  45. Take part in our dental survey

    News -

    Part of our role at Healthwatch Halton is to understand the experiences of people who are using services and to give people an opportunity to speak up and have their voices heard.
    On this occasion, we are interested in hearing from Halton residents about dentistry services and your experiences of getting appointments plus the costs of treatment at NHS Dentists.

  46. Smokers encouraged to join Stoptober

    News -

    Stoptober is back, calling on smokers in England to join more than 2.5 million others who have made a quit attempt with the campaign since it launched a decade ago in 2012.

  47. National Eye Health Week 2022. Looking after your eyes.

    News -

    It is National Eye Health Week. Vision really matters. Sight is the sense people fear losing the most, yet many of us don’t know how to look after our eyes – National Eye Health Week aims to change all that.

  48. ICON Week: Organisations come together to raise awareness of infant crying and how to cope

    News -

    “Babies cry, you can cope!” that’s the key message from NHS, local authorities and healthcare organisations from across the country who are coming together this September to promote lifesaving messages to parents.

  49. Take part in the NIHR unmet health and care needs in people aged 60 and over survey.

    News -

    The National Institute for Health and Social Care Research Innovation Observatory is currently seeking views about areas of unmet health and care needs in people aged 60 and over.