1. Where can I go for support for my mental health as a parent?

    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. 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.

  3. Warrington Hospital Ward visits

    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. Maternity Matters

    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. 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.

  6. Warrington and Halton Maternity Self referral

    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. 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.

  8. Tell us your story of maternal mental health care

    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. I'm pregnant. What happens next?

    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. Maternal mental health: The changes your feedback made possible

    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. Baby Loss Awareness Week 2023

    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. Midwifery practice and maternity care in the UK - what matters to you?

    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. Call for Evidence - House of Lords Preterm Birth Committee.

    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. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. What is a virtual ward?

    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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. Have your say on the use of technology to improve local health and care services

    News -

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

  21. What medical support are you entitled to if you’re new to the UK

    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.

  22. Changes to Spirometry services

    News -

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

  23. More admin staff needed to help tackle GP access issues

    News -

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

  24. The hidden wait for cancer care

    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.

  25. What help can you get to pay for your prescriptions?

    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.

  26. Your experiences of trying to get prescription medication

    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.

  27. Third of people in England lack confidence they can access critical NHS services

    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.

  28. September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month

    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.

  29. The impact of waiting: the stories behind the numbers

    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.

  30. How do I get a fit note?

    Advice and Information -

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

  31. NHS outlines how it will help improve access to GP practices across Cheshire and Merseyside

    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.

  32. Can I access my GP records online?

    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.

  33. Public urged to use NHS 111 ahead of New Year doctor strike

    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.

  34. Make more time for the important things - order repeat prescriptions on the NHS App

    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.

  35. Make more time for the important things - order repeat prescriptions on the NHS App

    News -

    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.

    You can use the App to order your medication at a time that’s convenient for you, and select which pharmacy you would like your medication to be sent to each time you order.

  36. What is measles and who can get the vaccine?

    Advice and Information -

    Measles vaccination rates are at a ten-year low as cases rise nationwide. Find out about measles, who can get the vaccine, and what you can do to stay safe.

  37. Visit your local pharmacy first for seven minor conditions

    News -

    From 31 January, people across Cheshire & Merseyside can pop down to their local pharmacy for help with seven minor conditions which would previously have required a GP appointment.

  38. Share your feedback to improve care in your community

    News -

    ‘Share for Better Care’, a new campaign launched by Healthwatch and the Care Quality Commission, addresses health inequalities across England.

  39. Help set our priorities for the next year!

    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!

  40. NHS Prescription charges from 1 May 2024

    News -

    The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that NHS prescription charges will increase on 1 May 2024.

  41. How to get the most out of your GP appointment

    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.