News and reports

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.

Healthwatch Halton visited St Luke’s Care Home on 6 March 2025 as part of our regular Enter & View programme, where we speak with residents and staff, observe care being provided, and review the environment.

Halton Family Hubs are friendly, accessible places where families can get face-to-face support and information from a range of services, all in one place. Whether you're expecting a baby, raising a toddler, or supporting a young person, the hubs are here to help.

Family Hubs bring together services from the Council, NHS, and community organisations. They aim to make it easier for families to find the support they need, when they need it.

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)

Welcome to our latest quarterly report. This report looks at trends in the feedback we get from the public each quarter.
This report is based on the experiences of 545 local people.

Our GP report examines the experience of 562 local people.