Healthwatch England
@healthwatchengland
We make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care.
The world of health and social care services can be confusing – so we keep our advice simple and straightforward. Check out our advice articles. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information
Unsure what to expect from your healthcare? Healthwatch is here for you. Chat to your friendly local team today for straightforward information and advice. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-healthwatch/list
Have you recently had a healthcare experience you’d like to share? Whether it was positive or challenging, we’d love to hear from you. Your story can help improve care for you, your loved ones and others in the community. Share your experience: https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say
Autistic people's care will only improve if their experiences are listened to. We unpack four key things autistic people told us they want from health services, and what providers can do to improve care. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2026-07-08/what-do-autistic-people-want-health-services
Are you under 25? You can now get your free MenB vaccine. Find out if you're eligible and how to get vaccinated: https://www.nhs.uk/book-menb
We welcome the Prime Minister's decision to accelerate the Casey Commission on social care and relaunch cross-party talks, announced today. Read our full response #socialcare https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/response/2026-07-29/our-response-prime-ministers-speech-social-care
Are you getting ready to take a holiday abroad? Make sure you have all the latest health information to help you stay safe on your trip. https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/
This Disability Pride Month, we're highlighting some of our insight on the experiences of disabled people and their carers. Here's what parents of children with special educational needs (SEN) said about the challenges they face getting the right support: https://bit.ly/4fo6Zi4
This week we've published new research on the use of AI scribes in healthcare. AI scribes are being rolled out across services, but what do people think of them? Read our findings: https://bit.ly/3RDs8Nh
As GPs and hospitals roll out AI scribes, our research shows public trust depends on transparency and strong safeguards. What are people’s biggest concerns about AI tools in healthcare? Read our latest blog to find out: https://bit.ly/3RDs8Nh
The Government has announced a new Quality Strategy for NHS-funded Care in England. We welcome the strategy's focus on patient experience. We also recognise the need to ensure service providers are clear on what to prioritise. Read our full response: https://bit.ly/3T0V5TK
Wherever you live in England, there’s a local Healthwatch ready to listen. Have you used health or social care services recently? What’s one thing you’d like to see improved in your area? Find your local Healthwatch and share your experience https://bit.ly/2KdaMOo
This #DisabilityPrideMonth, we're highlighting the need for accessible healthcare for disabled people. Everyone should be able to access healthcare in the format that works for them, regardless of their communication needs. Read our blog to learn more: https://bit.ly/43GGLRW
The latest results of the national GP Patient Survey were published today. Despite GP workforce pressures, patients continue to experience good care. But access still lags behind the quality of care patients receive. Read our response. https://bit.ly/3QZUC3C
Healthwatch North Yorkshire set out to better understand women's experiences of using alcohol, and how to support them. This #AlcoholAwarenessWeek, read their report and recommendations. https://bit.ly/4p698TV
If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, this Alcohol Awareness Week, visit Alcohol Change UK to find out what support is available. #AlcoholAwarenessWeek https://alcoholchange.org.uk/
Speaking at Patient Partnership Week, Will Pett, Interim Director of Policy and External Affairs, says that if the NHS doesn’t get the basics right, people won’t get the care they need. The NHS needs to design services around people facing the greatest barriers to care. #PPW2026
Find out what can be done to make hospital parking easier for patients and carers. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2026-06-30/what-are-people-telling-us-about-car-parking-hospitals
Expensive parking and lack of availability can make it hard for people to attend hospital appointments. Find out what people told us about their experiences of using hospital car parks. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2026-06-30/what-are-people-telling-us-about-car-parking-hospitals
Did you miss our new insight on mental health care for children and young people? With reports this week that referrals to children and young people's mental health services are rising, it's vital to get this right. Catch up here: https://bit.ly/4vfhFWM
Join @patients-association.org.uk this Friday 3 July for a FREE webinar on the barriers people face to timely healthcare. Speakers include our Interim Director of Policy and External Affairs Will Pett. Grab your free place: https://bit.ly/4w9zfLR
Millions of people provide unpaid care across England. We asked carers to tell us about the challenges they face. What are the four biggest issues they're raising about health and social care? Read our latest insight blog to find out https://bit.ly/43ZpDYf #carers
Our thoughts are with the families whose experiences have shaped the Ockenden report on maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. There must now be a sea change in how inquiry recommendations are implemented https://bit.ly/4f1MlVO #OckendenReview
It’s possible to enjoy the sunshine with a newborn or baby – but extra care is needed in hot weather. Take a look at below top tips for keeping your baby cool and safe in the heat. Via @NCT https://bit.ly/4eYPYvM #heatwave
Whether you need information about NHS services or support with finding the right care your local Healthwatch is here to help. Find your local Healthwatch and get the information you need to make informed decisions about your care. https://bit.ly/2KdaMOo #Healthwatch
As demand for mental health services grows, we've analysed the experiences of children, young people and their families. We need better joined-up working across the NHS, schools, care and the voluntary sector to address key issues in this vital service https://bit.ly/4vfhFWM
This week is Cervical Screening Awareness Week! In our blog, we look at key questions about cervical screening and the adjustments you can ask for to improve your appointment experience. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-09-25/how-make-cervical-screening-smear-test-work-you
"We hear some of the most heartbreaking cases of people having to choose between heating their homes, feeding kids and fixing really painful dental issues," our William Pett called for fundamental reform of the NHS dental contract. @BBC Breakfast, 8:15am https://bbc.in/4464RGg
The latest NHS performance statistics reveal the scale of 'corridor care', with people being treated in unsuitable spaces like hospital corridors and cupboards. Read our response. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/response/2026-06-11/corridor-care-hospitals-our-response
This Diabetes Week, take a look at how NHS services can improve the care they provide to people living with diabetes. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2023-11-14/how-can-you-provide-better-care-diabetes-patients