News and reports

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.

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.

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

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.

Do you need to make a complaint about health and care services? Find out who to contact in Halton.

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?

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

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. 

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

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.

A joint report by Healthwatch Halton and Healthwatch Warrington has called for improvements when patients are discharged from hospital.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is raising awareness of the importance of fully accessible health services for patients across the region with sensory disabilities or other communication needs.

The 5 Rights campaign will remind both NHS patients and staff of the rights that everyone has when accessing NHS services – including those who rely on braille, British Sign Language (BSL), easy read, or language interpretation services.