1. News -

    Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals Trust has introduced a new system that allows patients to access their hospital outpatient appointments online, via the NHS App.

    Patients with an upcoming appointment will receive a push notification in the app and will be able to view their appointment details.
  2. Report -

    Report on our visit to Beechcroft Care Home, Runcorn on 27 November 2019
  3. Report -

    Report on our visit to Ferndale Mews Care Home on 06 December 2016
  4. Report -

    Report on our visit to Oakmeadow on 12 September 2017
  5. Report -

    Report on our visit to Widnes Hall on 06 March 2023
  6. News -

    One Halton is keen to understand how adults with physical long-term conditions are supported to manage their mental health alongside their physical condition.
  7. News -

    According to estimates by Healthwatch England, up to 1.5 million working-age disabled people in England could need social care support but are not accessing it. This means they are likely to be missing out on help with daily activities such as washing, cleaning, socialising, and going to the shops. 
  8. Advice and Information -

    What are physician associates? Find out about their training and what kind of care they can provide.
  9. News -

    The NHS plans to triple the number of physician associates it employs. But how much do patients know about this role, and how can their role be safely expanded?
  10. News -

    Sunshine can be great and welcomed by many but it is important to stay sun-safe and look out for vulnerable people in the warmer weather. During heatwaves, more people than usual get seriously ill or die.
  11. News -

    Complete the Healthwatch short survey and tell the NHS if you're getting the right help to prevent or deal with sight problems.
  12. News -

    The government has accepted advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for an autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme this year. All those aged 65 or over, residents in care homes for older people, and those aged 6 months or over who are in a clinical risk group will be eligible for vaccination this autumn.
  13. News -

    With many NHS premises in a dire state and a repair backlog growing, Healthwatch have analysed people's experiences of the NHS estate, including hospitals, A&E waiting rooms, and parking facilities.
  14. News -

    Dr. Rupert Whitaker OBE, Consultant in Psychological Medicine and Public Health, will be giving a talk hosted by Northwest HIV Support.
  15. News -

    The Living Well Service bus is a drop-in service that provides routine immunisations, health checks, and information on well-being. The service offers all routine UK immunisations, including the MMR.
  16. News -

    The coordination centre of the National NHS Patient Survey Programme (NPSP), on behalf of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) would like to recruit a selection of patients across England to join a 90-minute informal patient group discussion on their experiences of using NHS inpatient services. Feedback from these discussions will help to develop the 2024 Adult Inpatient questionnaire.
  17. News -

    With the August bank holiday fast approaching, people in Cheshire and Merseyside are reminded to plan ahead by ordering any repeat prescriptions they may need and know what to do if they or a family member becomes unwell.
  18. Advice and Information -

    Suicide Bereavement UK have developed a series of At Your Side guides for those bereaved by suicide in the Armed Forces community.
  19. Advice and Information -

    Changing Places are toilets designed to provide extra facilities for people with severe or multiple disabilities.
  20. News -

    The latest report from Healthwatch unpacks people's experiences of using Community Diagnostic Centres across England and lessons for expanding community-based care.
  21. News -

    Halton libraries are now consulting on the library service opening hours to provide a more consistent offer across the library sites. Information, along with data on local needs, will be used as the basis for a review by the council.
  22. News -

    Vision problems often go undiagnosed. But many children won’t tell you something is wrong because they don’t know they have a problem. They don’t have anything to compare it to, they think everybody sees like they do.
  23. News -

    A new survey (YouGov) from leading gynaecological cancer charity, The Eve Appeal, for Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month shows that that only 4 in every 100 women regularly (at least once a month) check their vulva for symptoms of vulval cancer - compared to 37 in every 100 who have regularly (at least once a month) checked their breasts. 79% of women had never checked their vulva for changes or signs of cancer, and amongst those who have heard of vulval cancer before, almost half (48%) have never checked.
  24. News -

    The NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside has started vaccinating people against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), for the first time in its history.
  25. News -

    Local mental health organisation, Mind Halton has sadly announced its closure. The charity is unable to accept any new referrals and the office closed on Friday 30 August.
  26. News -

    This year, the theme of Know Your Numbers Week is ‘You Have the Power.’ It is so important to 'Know Your Numbers' as nearly four million adults could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. High blood pressure has no obvious signs or symptoms. The only way to find out if you have the condition is to have a blood pressure check. Untreated high blood pressure is the major risk factor for strokes, heart attacks and heart failure. It is also a major risk factor for kidney disease and dementia.
  27. News -

    Childhood Cancer Awareness Month aims to generate awareness and support for children suffering from cancer.
    It happens every September across the world. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month started in 1990, and 2024 marks its 34th anniversary.
  28. News -

    This Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Blood Cancer UK are launching a landmark new report- Taking blood cancer out of the shadows: A plan to increase survival in the UK, that exposes how blood cancer survival in the UK is being overshadowed by other countries.
  29. Advice and Information -

    Following a ballot of its members, the British Medical Association confirmed that a period of GP collective action would start on the 1st August 2024. Collective action is not the same as industrial action but means that some GPs may stop or reduce certain work.

    The NHS is asking the public to continue to come forward as usual for care.
  30. Advice and Information -

    The NHS offers support for people on low incomes to help with care costs. Healthwatch look at how easy it is to access this help and how it can be improved.
  31. News -

    A poll of 2,444 women hesitant about cervical screening unveils that three- quarters, 73%, would use a home testing kit if it was available free on the NHS.
  32. Advice and Information -

    Cervical screening, previously known as a smear test, saves over 4,000 lives every year in the UK. However, some women find it uncomfortable, so it's important to know what support is available and what adjustments you can request.
  33. News -

    To mark Eye Care Week, Healthwatch Halton wants local people to share their experiences of eye care.
  34. News -

    The theme for this year’s World Patient Safety Day’s is focused on improving diagnosis for patient safety, using the slogan “Get it right, make it safe!”. On this day, patients and families, health workers, healthcare leaders, policymakers and civil society will emphasise the pivotal role of correct and timely diagnosis in improving patient safety.
  35. News -

    Are you interested in how personal health data is used in health research, including projects carried out by commercial companies?
    NHS Cheshire and Merseyside and the Liverpool City Region Civic Data Cooperative are offering two ways to get involved and have your voice heard.
  36. News -

    New research by Eye Health UK launched to mark the start of National Eye Health Week reveals a staggering 19 million Brits are putting their physical and mental health at risk by failing to have regular eye tests.

    This year's National Eye Health Week (NEHW) will take place from 23-29 September 2024, promoting the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all.

  37. News -

    Please help us to make sure that your local pharmacy is providing the right services and support for you and your family by completing a short survey.
  38. News -

    World Pharmacists Day is observed on the 25th September each year to recognise pharmacists for the role they play in improving global health. The day encourages activities that promote and advocate for the role of pharmacists in improving health in every corner of the world.

    In 2024, the theme is: “Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs”.
  39. News -

    Women’s health hubs have been established by Liverpool’s primary care networks (PCNs) – groups of GP practices – with the help of the local NHS and Liverpool City Council.
  40. News -

    Health Technologies Committee Lay Members (MTAC and DAC).
  41. News -

    New Freedom of Information findings reveal a worrying picture of pharmacy closures across England, hitting older people and rural communities the hardest. Read Healthwatch England's research to find out more.
  42. News -

    October is a time for us all to come together and raise awareness of breast cancer and its effects. Anyone can get breast cancer meaning it is important to get to know your normal by checking your breasts regularly.
    Touch your breasts. Look for changes. Check anything new or unusual with a GP. What's your normal?
  43. News -

    This October, join the 2.5 million people who’ve been inspired by Stoptober.

    Even if it’s your first time or you’ve tried before, Stoptober gives you the perfect opportunity to quit smoking. Stay smoke-free for 28 days, and you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good.

    With the right support, quitting is easier than you think. Start planning today by checking out the free tools and tips to help you stay on track.
  44. News -

    Baby Loss Awareness Week is a time for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together to remember and commemorate much-loved and missed babies.

    The week, running from the 9th to the 15th of October, also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of pregnancy and baby loss; the importance that bereavement support plays in the ongoing bereavement journey; and of the vital work that is needed to improve pregnancy outcomes and to save babies’ lives.
  45. Report -

    This report highlights the public feedback received during our outreach sessions at at Warrington & Halton Hospitals between June and August 2024
  46. Report -

    This report highlights the public feedback received during our outreach sessions at Whiston Hospital and St Helens Hospital between June and August 2024.
  47. News -

    October is Black History Month. This year's theme is not just about revisiting history. It’s about taking ownership of the stories that define Black culture, contributions, and identity. It’s about ensuring that voices are heard, experiences acknowledged, and contributions celebrated. This theme encourages us to shine a spotlight on the untold stories, the unsung heroes, and the everyday individuals who have made a huge impact on our communities.