1. 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. Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.
  3. 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. Advice and Information -

    The way people access healthcare has changed a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  5. 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. Advice and Information -

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

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

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

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. Advice and Information -

    Confused about Long Covid? Find out the common symptoms and when to get support.
  27. 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.
  28. News -

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

    This report is based on the responses of 157 people to an online survey we carried out earlier during February and March this year.
    The survey asked participants their thoughts about getting the Covid-19 vaccine and their thoughts about the information provided about the vaccine.
  30. Report -

    In July as the initial lockdown started to ease, we launched a second survey, based on a survey from Healthwatch England, to gather people’s thoughts, feelings and concerns on the pandemic.
  31. Report -

    During April and early May 2020 we carried out an online survey asking local people to give us feedback on how the Covid-19 was affecting them. 191 people responded to the survey.

    This feedback report highlights some of the themes and issues raised.
  32. 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.
  33. 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.
  34. News -

    People aged 50 and over have started receiving COVID autumn booster and flu jabs, from Saturday 15 October, after the NHS expanded the vaccination offer to all over 50s.

    The rollout means around 12 million more people are eligible for their autumn booster dose.
  35. News -

    The UK Commission on Covid Commemoration has launched a consultation giving people across the UK the opportunity to say how they think the pandemic should be remembered and with possible suggestions including the adoption of a Remembrance Sunday-style symbol, dedicated memorials and reflective spaces.
  36. News -

    People aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes for older people, and those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system will be offered a dose of COVID-19 vaccine this spring.