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 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.

  11. Getting social care right starts with good information and advice

    Blog -

    Would you know where to turn for social care support? New polling finds over 40% of people don’t. This confusion can result in people not getting the care they need. Read our latest findings.

  12. Young Carers Action Day 2023

    News -

    Young Carers Action Day takes place on Wednesday 15th March 2023. A young carer is someone aged 25 and under who cares for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.
    There are an estimated 800 000 young carers in the UK.

  13. Understanding the experience of caring for a friend or family member after their stroke – a research study.

    News -

    Have you looked after a loved one following a stroke? The University of Manchester would like to hear the experiences of those who have cared for a friend or family member after a stroke. This study is part of a thesis project for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Manchester.

  14. Carers views sought by Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

    News -

    Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, formally St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, are interested in hearing carers experience of hospital.
    They would like to find out about your experience as a carer, whilst the person that you care for was in hospital, to enable them to make any improvements required.
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  15. What support can I get as a carer?

    Advice and Information -

    Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to.