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. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. GP Websites Review

    Report -

    During December 2020 and January 2021, a group of Healthwatch volunteers went online and visited all 14 local GP practice websites.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. GP referrals: we need to address the ‘hidden’ waiting list

    Blog -

    The latest research from Healthwatch England follows people's experiences of getting a GP referral.
    The process for many is long and often confusing. There is a need to address issues around people's GP referral journey so that it works for everyone.

  12. More admin staff needed to help tackle GP access issues

    News -

    National GP patient survey sees a further fall in satisfaction, especially regarding making appointments. Read the Healthwatch response.

  13. What help can you get to pay for your prescriptions?

    Advice and Information -

    The cost-of-living crisis is putting many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some people can afford to pay. Find out what help is available to help you cover the cost of your medication.

  14. STAMMA recommends changes in GP appointment booking systems

    News -

    STAMMA, the British Stammering Association, recommends changes in GP appointment booking systems nationwide after a survey showed that phone-only systems and lack of staff training cause people who stammer to face physical and mental distress, delayed appointments, and late diagnoses.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. NHS outlines how it will help improve access to GP practices across Cheshire and Merseyside

    News -

    ​​​​​​​A new report sets out NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s plan for improving access and making it easier and simpler for patients to access the care they need, and supporting GP practices to manage demand and capacity through a range of additional measures. In 2023/24 this will be supported by a total of £90 million investment in primary care general practice and related measures contained in the plan.

  19. 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.

  20. 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!

  21. How to get the most out of your GP appointment

    Advice and Information -

    Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone.
    Take a look at our top tips to make the most out of your GP appointment.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. Conflicts of interest policy

    Report -

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

  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. Annual Report 2017 - 2018

    Report -

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

  28. Annual Report 2016 - 2017

    Report -

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

  29. Annual Report 2015 - 2016

    Report -

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

  30. Annual Report 2014 - 2015

    Report -

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

  31. Annual Report 2013 - 2014

    Report -

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

  32. Faster progress needed to tackle barriers to care.

    News -

    A new Healthwatch report, looking at health and social care from the patients' perspective, has warned that we risk "a two-tier health and care system" unless the NHS takes faster action to tackle access issues.

  33. 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.

  34. 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.