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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. -
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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. -
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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. -
Advice and Information -
People are often in need of out-of-hours medical assistance. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed. -
Advice and Information -
If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help. -
News -
To mark Cervical Screening Awareness Week (20-26 June), Healthwatch Halton is joining Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to raise awareness of the test and encourage sharing of tips and experiences to help more women and people with a cervix to attend. -
News -
The North West’s chief pharmacist is reminding people not to leave it too late to order repeat prescriptions ahead of the four-day Jubilee bank holiday next week. -
News -
In 2020 the law around organ donation in England changed to an opt-out system, to enable more people to save more lives. This means that unless you choose to opt out, or are in an excluded group, you will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when you die. -
News -
We join together as NHS and charity leaders to encourage people with a weakened immune system to continue to book in or visit a walk-in centre for their COVID-19 vaccines. All individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed are advised to receive a Spring booster dose of the vaccine, typically six months after their last dose. -
News -
Clear, understandable information is important to help you make the right health and care decisions. Join our campaign and have your say on what needs to change. -
News -
It is estimated that at least 1,788 people live with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) across Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley and South Sefton. -
News -
It’s National Breastfeeding Week from the 27th of June to the 3rd of July 2022, and everyone has a part to play in helping mums to breastfeed. The theme for the week is ‘Everyone has a part to play in helping mums to breastfeed’. The key focus will be the difference that can be made if everyone supports breastfeeding e.g. partners, the wider family, community, health and education services and workplaces. -
Advice and Information -
Mental health problems are more common among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) people. If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need. -
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. -
Advice and Information -
Do you need to make a complaint about health and care services? Find out who to contact in Halton. -
Advice and Information -
Confused about Long Covid? Find out the common symptoms and when to get support. -
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. -
News -
Healthwatch England warns that health and care services are failing in their legal duty to provide accessible information for people with physical and learning disabilities. -
News -
The COVID-19 Autumn booster should be offered to the following groups: -
News -
Cheshire and Merseyside Gynaecology Network Menopause Special Interest Group have launched the Cheshire and Merseyside Menopause Survey. -
News -
Record NHS waiting times appear to be increasing the number of people paying for private care, according to a new BBC analysis. -
Advice and Information -
The North West has one of the highest numbers of registered lung cancer cases in England*. -
News -
Are you one of the 1800 + people with MS in Liverpool Halton, Knowsley and South Sefton?
Would you like to find out more about the support and information that is available to you locally and also share your ideas and suggestions about new services that could be developed? -
Advice and Information -
Around 21,000 people in Halton have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. -
Report -
This report looks at the experiences of people, from across eight local Healthwatch, including Halton, who were more likely to be digitally excluded than the general population in accessing primary care during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions. -
News -
Download our latest e-bulletin here filled with local content concerning what support is available, awareness and information of national and local issues. -
Advice and Information -
Did you know that pharmacies provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Take a look at how they can help you. -
News -
Do you have good listening and communication skills?
Do you have an interest in and empathy with asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants?
Can you provide non-judgemental support and encouragement to people?
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Advice and Information -
Here's a list of useful information on various independent support organisations to help you find support that's right for you. -
News -
Trinity Safe Space are looking for dedicated volunteers who can give up to 2 hours a week, for 6 months to support asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants in the Borough of Halton. -
Advice and Information -
The NHS wants to make it easier and safer for patients to get the right treatment when they need it, without waiting a long time to be seen in A&E. Find out what this means for you and your loved ones. -
News -
It is National Eye Health Week. Vision really matters. Sight is the sense people fear losing the most, yet many of us don’t know how to look after our eyes – National Eye Health Week aims to change all that.
