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. Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

    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.

  3. What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?

    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.

  4. Share your tips for Cervical Screening Awareness Week

    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.

  5. Remember to order your repeat prescriptions before the bank holiday

    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.

  6. You can save up to nine lives

    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.

  7. Open letter from NHS, charity and community leaders to people with a weakened immune system

    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.

  8. Your care, your way – Join Healthwatch’s new campaign

    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.

  9. Access to non NHS MS services in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool and South Sefton

    News -

    It is estimated that at least 1,788 people live with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) across Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley and South Sefton.

  10. National Breastfeeding Week

    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.

  11. How to access mental health support if you're lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender

    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.

  12. 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.

  13. What to do if you catch COVID-19 now

    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.

  14. How to complain about health and care services in Halton

    Advice and Information -

    Do you need to make a complaint about health and care services? Find out who to contact in Halton.

  15. What is Long Covid

    Advice and Information -

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

  16. Support and treatment for Long Covid

    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.

  17. Disabled people report being blocked from NHS care due to poor communications

    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. 

  18. COVID-19 Autumn booster and flu vaccine programme expansion

    News -

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

  19. Cheshire and Merseyside Menopause Survey

    News -

    Cheshire and Merseyside Gynaecology Network Menopause Special Interest Group have launched the Cheshire and Merseyside Menopause Survey.

  20. Are NHS waiting times pushing more people to go private?

    News -

    Record NHS waiting times appear to be increasing the number of people paying for private care, according to a new BBC analysis.

  21. Be clear on lung cancer

    Advice and Information -

    The North West has one of the highest numbers of registered lung cancer cases in England*.

  22. MS Information and Support Event for Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley and South Sefton

    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?

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. Find out about high blood pressure

    Advice and Information -

    Around 21,000 people in Halton have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

  26. Digital Exclusion report

    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.

  27. 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.

  28. Have you read our latest e-bulletin?

    News -

    Download our latest e-bulletin here filled with local content concerning what support is available, awareness and information of national and local issues.

  29. How can your pharmacy help you?

    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.

  30. Volunteer Peer Supporter/Listening Ears needed

    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?

  31. Online directory

    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.

  32. Volunteer Peer Supporter/Listening Ears needed for

    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.

  33. Think you need to go to A&E? Learn how NHS 111 can help you

    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.

  34. National Eye Health Week 2022. Looking after your eyes.

    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.

  35. ICON Week: Organisations come together to raise awareness of infant crying and how to cope

    News -

    “Babies cry, you can cope!” that’s the key message from NHS, local authorities and healthcare organisations from across the country who are coming together this September to promote lifesaving messages to parents.

  36. Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month

    News -

    As September draws to a close it is very important to remember the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancer. There are five gynaecological cancers: womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal. Each year in the UK, over 22,000 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer. Sadly 21 women die each day from their gynaecological cancer.

  37. Easy read breast screening recall letters now available for all patients who require them nationally

    News -

    Breast screening patients across England are set to benefit from more accessible communications thanks to patient feedback to a local Healthwatch. Easy read follow up letters, for breast screening appointments, are now available to patients nationwide.

  38. Baby Loss Awareness Week

    News -

    This year marks the 20th year of Baby Loss Awareness Week in the UK – a week for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together to remember and commemorate our much-loved and missed babies.

  39. Join a community conversation with North West Ambulance Service

    News -

    People living and working in Cheshire are invited by North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) to share their views and experiences of our 999 emergency ambulance service and NHS 111 as part of a conversation with the community.

  40. 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. 

  41. Breast Cancer Awareness

    News -

    October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year Breast Cancer UK are talking about the causes of breast cancer and how we can act to prevent it.
    Sadly not all breast cancer cases are preventable. But studies show that at least 30% of breast cancer cases are preventable. By making changes to your lifestyle you can reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.

  42. Delamere Centre - Cancer Support

    Advice and Information -

    When affected by cancer, having the right kind of support and information, at the right time, is essential. The Macmillan Delamere Support and Information Centre provides a confidential, drop-in service for anyone affected by cancer.

  43. Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

    News -

    November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Pancreatic Cancer UK are calling on everyone to put a spotlight on a disease that deserves more attention because right now people are diagnosed too late: too late for treatment, too late to survive. By 2026, it will become the fourth-biggest cancer killer.

  44. Our position on patient transport

    News -

    Getting to healthcare appointments can be impossible for some people – especially those who cannot travel or afford it. Find out what Healthwatch have recommended decision-makers do to improve the situation.

  45. Adult Safeguarding Week 2022

    News -

    Safeguarding Adults Week 2022 will focus on the theme ‘Responding to Contemporary Safeguarding Challenges’.
    Safeguarding Adults Week is a time for organisations to come together to raise awareness of important safeguarding issues. The week aims to enable more organisations and individuals to feel confident in recognising signs of abuse and neglect and recording and reporting safeguarding concerns.

  46. New data reveals delays to cancer care

    News -

    The latest statistics released by the NHS indicate that people are waiting longer for cancer support, posing a risk to people’s safety.
    The latest data from September 2022 indicates that more people are unfortunately waiting longer than they should for their first cancer appointment. The percentage of patients receiving their first treatment within a month of diagnosis has also fallen.

  47. Flu vaccine: What you need to know

    Advice and Information -

    Not sure whether you’re eligible for a flu vaccine or how to get it? Read our frequently asked questions.

  48. What to expect when waiting for care

    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.

  49. Healthwatch Halton NHS Long Term Plan Public Views Report

    Report -

    Healthwatch Halton has published a report outlining the public’s views on the NHS Long Term Plan.

    The NHS has produced a Long Term Plan, setting out all the things it wants health services to do better for people across the country. For these plans to work, the NHS needs to shape local plans based on local needs. We asked people #WhatWouldYouDo to improve local services in Cheshire and Merseyside.