1. Advice and Information -

    We've pulled together a number of services for parents in need of support for their mental health. Read more to find out where you can go to get the help you need.
  2. 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.
  3. Report -

    Report on a joint visit to wards at WarringtonHospital in June 2019 with Healthwatch Warrington.

    Involved in the visit were staff and volunteers from Healthwatch Halton and Healthwatch Warrington
  4. Report -

    This report focuses on maternity services and the experiences of women from Halton who have given birth in the past 12 -18 months.
  5. 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.
  6. News -

    Women can self refer for maternity care at Warrington and Halton Hospitals; using a quick online form. There is no need to visit your GP first.
    People who have chosen to birth at the Liverpool Women's Hospital, can also use this online form to register for their community antenatal care.

  7. 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.
  8. News -

    Pregnancy is a major life event for any family. It can be joyful and fulfilling but also challenging. We’re launching a national survey to understand if care works for new mothers and birthing parents. Share your story
  9. Advice and Information -

    Becoming a parent can be a wonderful and exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming. To help, we’ve broken down the pregnancy care you should expect from the NHS.
  10. News -

    Healthwatch researched maternity issues through a national survey of 2,693 people, 42 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), NHS trusts and GP surgeries, and 20 interviews with new mothers. 
    Your experiences of maternal mental health care continue to shape NHS services, with NHS England recently announcing improvements to maternity and neo-natal services.
  11. News -

    Baby Loss Awareness Week (BLAW) is a time for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together, to remember much-loved and missed babies, and raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss.
  12. News -

    Influence the future of research, and help find the top 10 priorities for midwifery practice and maternity care. The Royal College of Midwives want to find out the most important gaps in knowledge and hear what matters to you when it comes to pregnancy, birth and postnatal care.
  13. News -

    The House of Lords Preterm Birth Committee has published its call for evidence. The Committee is inviting individuals and organisations to share their views on a series of topics related to its inquiry.
  14. Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Advice and Information -

    Confused about Long Covid? Find out the common symptoms and when to get support.
  19. 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.
  20. News -

    The COVID-19 Autumn booster should be offered to the following groups:
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. 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.
  32. 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.
  33. Advice and Information -

    If you’re removed from your GP practice’s list, you may need to register with another GP practice.
  34. 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.
  35. 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.
  36. News -

    Halton residents have an opportunity to shape how technology will be used to improve access to care across the borough.
  37. 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.
  38. News -

    The public’s views are being sought on changes being made to Spirometry services in Halton and Warrington. 
  39. News -

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

    Healthwatch England research on GP referrals highlighted the frustration patients experience due to long waits and a lack of support. This latest analysis by Healthwatch England looks at people’s experience of getting a cancer referral.
  41. 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.
  42. Blog -

    People rely on prescription medication to treat and manage their conditions and keep well. In Healthwatch England's new blog, they highlight the challenges people have recently told them about when trying to get prescription medication.
  43. 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.
  44. News -

    There are approximately 3,200 new cases of cervical cancer in the UK every year, which works out at nearly 9 new cases a day. But statistics don’t tell the full story, don’t show the impact that cervical cancer can have on real lives. We’re supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust because we want to raise awareness and the voices of those affected by cervical cancer.
  45. 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.
  46. Advice and Information -

    Find out what a ‘fit note’ is, when you might need one and how to go about getting one.
  47. 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.
  48. 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.
  49. News -

    People across Cheshire and Merseyside are being urged to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs ahead of industrial action by junior doctors early in the New Year.
  50. Advice and Information -

    Patients in Cheshire and Merseyside can save time by ordering regular medication using the NHS App.

    The NHS App is the quickest and easiest way to order a repeat prescription – and it puts you in better control of your own health.