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