1. Your feedback can help generate change

    Report -

    Every day people contact us to share their story about health and social care services. We're raising these voices to ensure the right people hear the feedback and can make changes as a result. Read our report detailing what people told us in March.

  2. Did you know you can now get Covid tests from your pharmacy?

    News -

    All of us are now being encouraged to take a Covid test regularly even if we don't have any symptoms.

  3. Coronavirus: What does shielding mean?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out more about shielding, who it applies to, and what to do if you're a shielder.

  4. 42 year olds and over can now get their vaccine

    News -

    The Covid vaccine programme has today been extended and anyone over the age of 42 can now book their vaccine.

  5. Helping our volunteers to learn digital skills

    Report -

    During the pandemic, we wanted to ensure that our volunteers could continue to feel involved and empowered to complete their work in a digital world

  6. How Deaf aware are you?

    Advice and Information -

    The theme of Deaf Awareness Week 2021 is ‘Coming through it together’. As we continue to live with the pandemic, this year’s event aims to raise awareness of Deaf issues while focusing on positivity and togetherness .

  7. What did you tell us in March?

    Report -

    As we reached a year since Covid restrictions began, people continue to contact us to share how they are coping right now. Read our report to find out what people are talking about in March.

  8. Have you booked your Covid vaccine yet?

    News -

    Anyone aged 38 or over , is now entitled to get their Covid vaccination.

  9. Do you really know if you are negative?

    News -

    We might feel fine, but around a third of all people with Coronavirus have no symptoms.

  10. Twin crisis of access and affordability calls for radical rethink of NHS dentistry

    News -

    Healthwatch England warns dental crisis shows no signs of slowing, with four in five people, 80%, struggling to access timely care during the last lockdown.

  11. Over 1 million vaccines in Kent & Medway. Have you had yours?

    News -

    Over 1 million people in Kent & Medway have now had their first dose of the Covid vaccine. Have you had yours? Tell us about it.

  12. Talking about wheelchair services

    News -

    Together with the Kent Physical Disability Forum, and other local groups, we've been working for several years to improve wheelchair services in Kent & Medway.

  13. “I can't ignore the feeling of pride that I enjoy volunteering within this excellent team.”

    News -

    This week we are celebrating!

  14. Are you a patient at Sheppey Healthcare GP Practice?

    News -

    All patients at Sheppey Healthcare GP practice are being asked to share their thoughts to help inform the future of the practice. Is that you?

  15. Celebrating our volunteers all week and every week

    News -

    Our volunteers are our lifeblood. They help us with every aspect of Healthwatch from making decisions about our priorities, listening to patients and ensuring peoples' voices are heard.

  16. Do you live in Canterbury? Have you had your Covid test yet?

    News -

    If you live or work in the Canterbury postcode CT1 or CT27, you are being encouraged to get a Covid test at one of the 5 testing sites in the area.

  17. "Covid was frightening. I couldn't afford to get ill"

    News -

    We're lucky enough to hear from Carers every week so we know just how brilliant they are and how vital it is that they get the support they need. Today marks the start of Carer's Week, and to celebrate we chatted to Jenny who is a Carer.

  18. New research exploring vaccination confidence provides vital lessons for public health campaigns

    News -

    Healthwatch England has joined forces with Traverse to explore vaccination confidence among people from African, Bangladeshi, Caribbean and Pakistani backgrounds living in the UK.

  19. New GP data-sharing system delayed

    News -

    NHS Digital have recently announced plans to allow an NHS system to extract patient data from doctors’ surgeries in England. The new data-sharing system was due to start in July but has now been pushed back to 1 September.

  20. What have we achieved this year?

    Report -

    It's been a year that none of us could have predicted. But what have we achieved?

    Read our annual report to find out what difference we made in 2020/21.





  21. Have you been a patient at Ruby Ward in Medway, or care for someone who has?

    News -

    Would you be willing to share your experience?

  22. Helping you get your vaccine

    News -

    People contact us about a whole range of issues, but this week we were able to help someone get their Covid vaccine.

  23. Part of a winning team!

    News -

    We've been working with a team of people and organisations to improve the NHS 111 service. That team has won the Partnership Award at the national Health Service Journal annual awards ceremony.

  24. Pharmacies learning lessons in Covid

    Report -

    Last year, over 100 community pharmacists told us what life had been like for them during the first wave of the Covid pandemic. Now, we've gone back to them to see what lessons have been learned since our first report.

  25. Have you used the wheelchair service?

    News -

    We've been working for years to help improve wheelchair services and make sure they work well for everyone who uses them.

  26. Share your experience of moving from child to adult mental health services

    News -

    Your story could really help to improve the experience for other people in Kent & Medway.

  27. How would you like Kent County Council to spend their money?

    News -

    Kent County Council are starting to think about how they spend their money next year. They need to hear from you about what's important to you and where you would be willing to see change.

  28. Your views helped improve non-emergency patient transport services

    News -

    NHS England has published a new report outlining changes to non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS) and broader NHS transport support. Take a look at what the changes mean for you and your loved ones.

  29. Changes to inpatient mental health services

    News -

    Plans have been published to move inpatient mental health beds from Medway to a new, purpose built facility in Maidstone. Now is the time to share your thoughts on the proposals.

  30. Have you used community health services such as Live Well or Release the Pressure?

    News -

    Now is the chance to share your thoughts about these services. Your feedback will help to shape the future of these services.

  31. Join a meeting to hear more about plans for inpatient mental health services

    News -

    Join an online meeting to hear more about the proposal to relocate Ruby Ward from Medway Maritime Hospital to a new purpose-built unit next to Maidstone Hospital.

  32. Are you struggling to get an NHS dentist?

    News -

    You are not alone! More people than ever before have been in touch this month to share their story about finding an NHS dentist and ask for information.

  33. Do you have something to say about domestic abuse services?

    News -

    Are you part of a group or Forum that would be interested to in discussing housing, domestic abuse and increasing safety? Perhaps you would be willing to share your own personal story about domestic abuse?

  34. What should happen when you're diagnosed with dementia

    Advice and Information -

    Being diagnosed with dementia can be a big shock, and it can be hard to know what to do next. Take a look at our guide to find out what support you should receive.

  35. What should I expect after being referred for mental health support?

    Advice and Information -

    Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health.

  36. How can your pharmacy help you?

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know that pharmacies provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Take a look at how they can help you.

  37. You Said We Did in 2021 and 2022

    Report -

    What have we done with your voice

  38. What to expect when waiting for care

    Advice and Information -

    Waiting for planned medical care or surgery can be a frustrating time. That’s why it’s so important that while you wait, you get regular, clear and accessible updates so that you can plan your next steps.

  39. Vaccine programme : boosters and vaccinations for children

    News -

    Booster vaccinations are already being offered across Kent & Medway and the vaccine programme will now extend to include children aged 12 and above following the recent Government announcement.

  40. Would you like to improve community mental health services?

    News -

    Maybe you could help?

  41. What did we hear in September?

    Report -

    In September we reached 2,220 people. This is what they told us.

  42. Have your say on plans for social care in Kent

    News -

    If you, or a member or your family, needs help to remain independent at home, gets support for being a carer, or lives in a care home, then chances are they are funded by adult social care services.

  43. People living in deprived areas waiting longer for hospital treatment

    News -

    In partnership with the King’s Fund, we are calling for urgent action to improve peoples’ experience of delays to their treatment.

  44. How are you really feeling?

    Advice and Information -

    aaand breathe. Are you stressed, anxious or depressed? You’re not alone.

  45. What is adult social care?

    Advice and Information -

    Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below and find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it.

  46. New service for men who are victims of domestic abuse in Kent

    News -

    A new service dedicated to supporting men who are victims of domestic abuse has been launched in Kent & Medway this week.

  47. Nearly half of all women don’t check their breasts. Are you one of them?

    Advice and Information -

    Every 10 minutes, someone in England is diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s 55,000 women a year but men can get breast cancer too with 370 men receiving diagnosis every year.

  48. Help the Non Emergency Patient Transport Service to be better

    News -

    If you need help to attend an NHS appointment, you may have used the Non Emergency Patient Transport Service to help you get there.
    This is a free transport service that is available to some, but not all, patients based on their eligibility.

  49. State of Care : our response

    News -

    Today, the health and care regulator, the Care Quality Commission, published their annual review of NHS and social care support. Read our response.

  50. NHS dentistry: We're calling for the Government to invest

    News -

    We have co-signed an open letter addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak calling for a recovery plan for NHS dentistry.