News and reports

Around 5,700 people with early breast cancer are set to benefit from expanded access to a treatment combination designed to help prevent their cancer from returning, following the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommendation, published today.

This summer, Joe Wicks has released a new animated physical activity series, Activate, which aims to get children moving and having fun.

NHS England has published the long-awaited updates to the Accessible Information Standard. Read the Healthwatch response.

Re: The Future of Public Voice and the Importance of Independent Advocacy

Dear Secretary of State,

We, the Chief Officers/Chairs of local Healthwatch services across England, are deeply concerned by the government’s proposal to bring public voice functions under the control of local authorities and NHS bodies – undermining the independence that makes public feedback effective.

People across Cheshire and Merseyside are being urged to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs ahead of industrial action by resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors).

Unions have announced a full walkout of resident doctors from 7 am on Friday 25 July to 7 am on Wednesday 30 July.

Sarcoma Awareness runs in July, to raise awareness of sarcoma and the importance of early diagnosis. The 2025 focus is healthcare professionals.

Raj Jain has announced his decision to retire from his post as Chair of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB), confirming that he will step down in October 2025.

Earlier this month, the Government accepted a recommendation to abolish all 150+ local Healthwatch organisations across England – including us here at Healthwatch Halton.

The change isn’t law yet. And until it is, we’re still here – listening to local people and making sure their experiences help shape health and care decisions. Here’s what the Dash Review says, and what it could mean for you.

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust has launched Count Me In to increase the number of patients and service users involved in research, to help improve future care and treatments.

A recent increase in measles cases locally is putting children and young people at risk. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus which can infect anyone who isn’t immune. Symptoms can be severe, and there is no specific treatment for measles. Several children are seriously unwell and receiving treatment at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital currently.

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) are interested in hearing the views autistic young people have about Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. (CAMHS)

A new multi-million pound diagnostics centre to help diagnose and treat a range of health conditions while improving waiting times for Warrington and Halton residents has opened its doors.