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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. -
Advice and Information -
Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services. -
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. -
Advice and Information -
The way people access healthcare has changed a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic. -
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. -
Advice and Information -
If you’re removed from your GP practice’s list, you may need to register with another GP practice. -
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. -
Report -
During December 2020 and January 2021, a group of Healthwatch volunteers went online and visited all 14 local GP practice websites. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
News -
National GP patient survey sees a further fall in satisfaction, especially regarding making appointments. Read the Healthwatch response. -
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. -
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.
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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! -
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. -
Report -
In July 2020 Healthwatch Halton were approached by NHS Bridgewater Community NHS Trust to look at the possibility of carrying out a further patient engagement project on behalf of the Trust to look at patient satisfaction levels with Children’s Specialist Services from Woodview Child Development Centre.
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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.
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News -
Citizens Advice Halton has launched a new survey for parents and carers to assess the impact of rising costs of school uniforms and whether schools across the Borough are implementing changes to the law requiring genuinely affordable uniforms. -
News -
It has been eight years since the Children and Families Act 2014 introduced significant changes to the delivery of education, health and social care services to children and young people (aged 0–25) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
A joint Care Quality Commission/Ofsted inspection of Halton’s SEND provision in March 2017, whilst highlighting examples of good practice and improvement, identified areas for development, setting out specific areas for improvement.
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News -
Children’s Grief Awareness Week runs from the 17th - 23rd November 2022. Children’s Grief Awareness Week was initiated by Grief Encounter and the Childhood Bereavement Network in 2015, as a way to recognise and raise awareness of the bereavement experiences of children and young people.
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News -
Recent reports of serious Group A Strep infections (GAS) can be worrying. Whilst the more serious Invasive GAS infections are still uncommon, there has been an increase in cases this year, particularly in children under 10 and sadly, a small number of deaths. -
Advice and Information -
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that anyone can develop, regardless of age, income and ethnicity. Take a look at some of the common signs of eating disorders and where to go for support if you need help. -
News -
Can you help develop a new relationships service, for babies, children and their families? NHS North West Coast Clinical Networks for Perinatal and Early Years Mental Health are interested in developing NHS services that can support parent-child relationships.
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News -
Bridgewater are looking for families to join their new lived experience panel to help make local health services better for children and young people.
A lived experience panel is when people who use health services or who help look after someone with a healthcare issue come together with staff to decide how we can improve services.
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News -
Drowning Prevention Week aims to help ensure everybody across the UK and Ireland, has the opportunity to enjoy water safely.
Now in its tenth year, Drowning Prevention Week 2023 is a crucial campaign that has proven to have a real impact. Due to the pandemic, close to 2 million young people missed out on the vital opportunity to swim, leaving a dramatic gap in school swimming and water safety education. -
News -
Halton Send Parent Carer Forum (HSPCF) have been approached by Tony Ryan who has been commissioned by Mersey Care to carry out an independent review of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS.)
He is interested in the views of children and young people and their families, who have used CAMHS services in mid-Mersey in the last 12 months. If this applies to you, please give a couple minutes of your time to answer the short questions on the attached survey. Your voice matters and is the best way to help improve services for our children and young people.
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News -
Evidence from thousands of children and young people collected by our colleagues at Healthwatch Blackpool has been referenced repeatedly in the House of Commons over the past few weeks as concerns grow about vaping among this age group.
The report highlights the worrying prevalence and impact of vaping amongst children and young people, highlighting the views and experiences of children and young people themselves, as well as their families, and professionals who work with them. -
News -
Communication is an essential foundation life skill that supports many other areas of development such as: behaviour, emotional wellbeing and lifelong learning. As parents and carers you play a vital role in supporting your child's speech, language and communication skills. -
News -
Family Hubs are being developed in Halton. This work is being funded by the Department for Education from the government’s Family Hubs Transformation Fund.
Family Hubs support children and young people from birth until they reach the age of 19 (or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities). They bring council, health and community services together so that families can access the right support at the right time. -
News -
With most children now back at school the UK Health Security Agency North West reminds parents of back-to-school advice amid rising levels of winter illness.
To keep attendance in education and childcare settings high this January, parents are urged to take simple steps to protect communities following the Christmas break. -
News -
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported an increase in measles across the country and is encouraging people to check that they and their children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine. -
News -
With measles cases on the rise, thousands of school children aged 6 -11 years are being invited to attend appointments to be vaccinated against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR).
A major drive has been launched to invite those not fully vaccinated to come forward and catch up on missed doses - with reminders being sent to families throughout February and March.
