1. 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.

  2. Musculoskeletal Clinical Assessment and Triage Service (MSKCATS) – Physiotherapy referral update.

    News -

    From 10 October 2022, patients who use the Musculoskeletal Clinical Assessment and Triage Service (MSKCATS) will be referred by contacting their GP practice rather than self-referring. 

  3. Ambulance service strike action

    News -

    Ambulance service staff from GMB and Unison trade unions will go on strike again on Wednesday, 11th January 2023, with Unison and Unite members taking further action on Monday, 23rd January 2023. This is a continuing dispute between trade unions and the government over pay.

  4. Help shape the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership Strategy

    News -

    Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership has today launched a survey to seek the views of its partners, people, and communities on the priorities within our interim strategy.

  5. Changes to Spirometry services

    News -

    The public’s views are being sought on changes being made to Spirometry services in Halton and Warrington. 

  6. Reducing differences in access to healthcare across Cheshire and Merseyside

    News -

    In July 2022, the responsibility for commissioning healthcare treatments for the population of Cheshire and Merseyside moved from clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to the newly formed integrated care board, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside.
    Previously local areas made local decisions about how healthcare treatments are commissioned, which over time has resulted in some differences across Cheshire and Merseyside. 

  7. Public urged to use NHS 111 ahead of Christmas and New Year doctor strikes.

    News -

    People across Cheshire and Merseyside are being urged to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs ahead of industrial action by junior doctors both ahead of Christmas and early in the New Year.

  8. Share your feedback to improve care in your community

    News -

    ‘Share for Better Care’, a new campaign launched by Healthwatch and the Care Quality Commission, addresses health inequalities across England.

  9. Help set our priorities for the next year!

    News -

    We want to hear what matters to you and what areas of health and social care you think we should focus on for the year ahead. We are also giving you the chance to win a £25 gift voucher!

  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. 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.

  12. Warrington Hospital Ward visits

    Report -

    Report on a joint visit to wards at WarringtonHospital in June 2019 with Healthwatch Warrington.

    Involved in the visit were staff and volunteers from Healthwatch Halton and Healthwatch Warrington

  13. Whiston Hospital Ward Visits

    Report -

    Report on a joint visit to wards at Whiston Hospital in May 2019.

    Involved in the visit were staff and volunteers from Healthwatch Halton, Healthwatch Knowsley and Healthwatch St Helens.

  14. Warrington & Halton Hospitals Ward Visits

    Report -

    On 22 November and 11 December 2018, members of our Enter & View team visited Warrington and Halton Hospitals Foundation Trust to carry out Enter & View visits to wards A5 and C23 at Warrington Hospital and wards B1 and B3 at Halton Hospital.

  15. Another day in the life

    Report -

    This report covers feedback gathered from patients at the two local Urgent Care Centres between July 2017 and January 2018. This was carried out as a follow up to visits to the centres in December 2015. Our aim was to ask patients why they visited the Urgent Care Centres and to find out if the centres were helping to divert people away from the overstretched A&E units.

  16. Warrington & Halton Hospitals Patient Feedback Report – July 2020

    Report -

    Patient Feedback report tabled at WHH’s Patient Experience Committee meeting in September 2020 Based on 24 comments received through the #BecauseWeAllCare survey in July

  17. Hope Course from Macmillan.

    News -

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

  18. 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.

  19. Record seven million people awaiting hospital treatment – Healthwatch response

    News -

    With a record seven million people awaiting hospital treatment, Louise Ansari, our National Director, told BBC News that people need reassuring that the NHS is still there to help them.
    The number of people waiting for an appointment with the NHS England (NHSE) has topped seven million for the first time in August.

  20. Our position on patient transport

    News -

    Getting to healthcare appointments can be impossible for some people – especially those who cannot travel or afford it. Find out what Healthwatch have recommended decision-makers do to improve the situation.

  21. Healthwatch position on safe hospital discharge

    News -

    Recent changes to hospital discharge policy and processes have been positive. But the experiences we hear from people and families still vary. Find out what we're calling for to ensure people get the support they need during this time.

  22. Whiston Hospital - December Listening event report

    Report -

    This report highlights the public feedback received during our outreach session at Whiston Hospital on 5 December 2022.

  23. Warrington and Halton Quality Priorities for 2023-2024.

    News -

    Each year all NHS trusts and foundation trusts publish a Quality Account detailing information relating to quality, performance and improvements that have been undertaken during the preceding year.
    Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals (WHH) would now like to have your views on their Quality Priorities for 2023/2024.

  24. A&E delays are intolerable - Healthwatch response to new NHS performance stats

    News -

    The waiting list for routine NHS care has fallen for the first time since the pandemic began.

    However, 7.19 million people are still waiting for hospital treatment, such as hip and knee replacements. This includes an estimated 1,423 people in England who have been waiting more than two years to start routine hospital treatment at the end of November.

  25. Whiston Hospital - October 2022 Listening event report

    Report -

    This report highlights the public feedback received during our outreach session at Whiston Hospital on 5 December 2022.

  26. 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.

  27. Urgent and emergency care recovery plan

    News -

    Find out what was included in the recent urgent and emergency care recovery plan, and how this will affect services next winter.

  28. Warrington Hospital - January 2023 Listening event report

    Report -

    This report highlights the public feedback received during our outreach session at Warrington Hospital on 5 January 2023

  29. Halton Hospital - January 2023 Listening event report

    Report -

    This report highlights the public feedback received during our outreach session at Halton Hospital on 27 January 2023

  30. Halton Hospital - March 2023 Listening events report

    Report -

    This report highlights the public feedback received during our outreach sessions at Halton Hospital in February and March 2023

  31. NHS 75th Birthday – Share your stories and memories of Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals

    News -

    On 5 July 2023, the NHS will mark 75 years of service. Warrington and Halton Hospitals would like to celebrate this milestone by showcasing the best of their hospitals. You can get involved by sharing your stories and memories of the NHS.

  32. Junior Doctors plan for a five-day strike in July.

    News -

    Junior Doctors are to hold a five-day strike in mid-July in what would be the longest period of industrial action in the history of the health service. The British Medical Association (BMA) confirmed that the five-day walkout would run from 7am, Thursday 13 July, until 7am Tuesday 18th July. This will be the fourth round of strikes by Junior Doctors since the start of the year.

  33. Cancellations of NHS care are having serious impacts on two-thirds of patients

    News -

    Healthwatch new research highlights that pressures in the NHS have serious consequences on people's lives and widen health inequalities.
    Healthwatch commissioned a survey of 1084 people who have seen their NHS care either cancelled or postponed this year to understand the extent of disruption to care amid rising waiting lists, workforce issues, and industrial action, and other pressures on the NHS.

  34. My Planned Care - information as you wait for hospital care

    News -

    My Planned Care gives you advice and support while you wait and helps you to prepare for your hospital consultation, treatment, or surgery. This includes giving you information about waiting times at your hospital and other supporting and local services while you wait.

  35. Whiston Hospital Listening Event - May 2023

    Report -

    This report highlights the public feedback received during our outreach sessions at Whiston Hospital Hospital in April and May 2023

  36. Halton Hospital - Listening events report April and June 2023

    Report -

    This report highlights the public feedback received during our outreach sessions at Halton Hospital in April and June 2023.

  37. Warrington Hospital - Listening event report May 2023

    Report -

    This report highlights the public feedback received during our outreach session at Warrington Hospital on 18 May 2023.

  38. The hidden wait for cancer care

    Blog -

    Healthwatch England research on GP referrals highlighted the frustration patients experience due to long waits and a lack of support. This latest analysis by Healthwatch England looks at people’s experience of getting a cancer referral.

  39. Have you or a loved one recently been discharged from hospital? 

    News -

    Healthwatch Halton & Healthwatch Warrington are currently working with the NHS and want to hear from anyone who has been discharged from hospital, following an admission, in the last year.

    This is your opportunity to share your experience. What worked well? What could have been better?

  40. Third of people in England lack confidence they can access critical NHS services

    News -

    New research from Healthwatch England 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 the calls for action.

  41. Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS FT Annual Members’ Meeting

    News -

    Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will be holding its Annual Members’ Meeting on Wednesday 4th October 2023, 3.30pm to 4.30pm, in the Post Graduate Centre at Warrington Hospital.

  42. Whiston Hospital A&E Watch - 13 January 2020

    Report -

    A&E Watch was designed to gain a snapshot view of the NHS Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in across Cheshire & Merseyside. On 13th January 2020, local Healthwatch from across the area visited their local A&E departments to gain experiences of patients and understand why they attended and how they thought services could be improved.

  43. The impact of waiting: the stories behind the numbers

    News -

    With the NHS under immense pressure, Healthwatch 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.

  44. NHS to introduce Martha's rule for hospital patients - Healthwatch response

    News -

    Healthwatch has welcomed the introduction of 'Martha's Rule' in NHS hospitals, a new policy to amplify the patient voice and improve safety in hospitals.

  45. Whiston Hospital Listening Event report

    Report -

    This report highlights the public feedback received during our outreach sessions at Whiston Hospital Hospital in June and August 2023.

  46. 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

  47. Making your outpatient appointments work for you

    News -

    Doctors across Cheshire and Merseyside are encouraging patients to make the most of the options available to them when managing their outpatient appointments.

  48. NHS urged to do more to help patients leave hospital safely

    News -

    Healthwatch research reveals worrying problems with hospital discharge arrangements. Many people told us they are not given the right support or information when being discharged from hospital. Read their experiences and our calls to action.

  49. NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside takes steps to improve care and help speed up discharge for patients

    News -

    New ambulances, elective hubs, virtual wards and care transfer hubs are amongst the innovative measures in place to ensure patients in Cheshire and Merseyside receive the best possible NHS care this winter.

  50. Referrals and your right to choose

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know you can choose which hospital you go to when referred for a test, diagnosis, or treatment? Find out how.