1. How does the NHS dental system really work?

    Advice and Information -

    We get more calls about dentistry than anything else. The dental system is complicated so we've chatted to Tim Hogan, a dentist himself and Chair of the Kent & Medway Local Dental Committee to understand more.

  2. How does the environment affect our health?

    Advice and Information -

    Where we live and the environment we live in, directly affects our health.

  3. What do you know about Parkinson’s Disease?

    Advice and Information -

    Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. It’s also very common. Two people are diagnosed every hour in the UK. But how much do you really know about Parkinson’s Disease?

  4. Needing the NHS while out at sea

    Report -

    Being a fisherman is a tough job. It's dangerous with long hours and in difficult conditions. They also work unsociable hours making it hard for fishermen to use public services.

  5. Have you heard of Haemophilia?

    Advice and Information -

    For World Haemophilia Day we wanted to help raise awareness of this rare condition.
    Haemophilia is rare and affects your blood's ability to clot.
    It's usually inherited and most people who have it are male.

  6. COVID-19 UPDATES

    Advice and Information -

    Vaccines: Spring boosters are now being offered to elderly people, care home residents and the most vulnerable.

  7. Helping people to get dental care

    Report -

    Read how we have helped people to get the dental care that they need

  8. Celebrating World Immunisation Week

    Advice and Information -

    As we adjust to a life of no Covid restrictions, we’re taking a moment in World Immunisation Week to recognise the power of vaccinations and the incredible vaccination programme that we’ve just witnessed across the UK.

  9. Multiple Sclerosis : invisible & misunderstood

    Advice and Information -

    Multiple sclerosis (which is also known as MS), is a condition that can affect your brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with your vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.

  10. What medical support are you entitled to if you’re new to the UK?

    Advice and Information -

    When people arrive in the UK for the first time, it can be confusing to know where to go if you need medical help. Here we outline your rights as a refugee, where you can access emergency help and how to register for a GP.

  11. What did you tell us in February?

    Report -

    3,979 of you came to us in February to share your experience of using health and social care services or to seek information.

  12. Where can I go for support for my mental health as a new parent?

    Advice and Information -

    It's so important that you feel supported as a new parent. Read the article below to find out where you can go to get the help you need.

  13. We all know someone with hearing loss, but do you know how to help them?

    Advice and Information -

    Hearing loss is really common. But many people struggle when it could be treated.

  14. 9 million people in the UK are lonely right now. Are you one of them?

    Advice and Information -

    Everyone can feel lonely at some point in their life. Loneliness affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It can cause us real emotional pain and can impact on our physical and mental health.

  15. Lack of NHS dental appointments widens health inequalities

    News -

    A new survey of public attitudes to NHS dentistry shows half of adults in the South East find dental charges unfair amid escalating costs of living. 45% of people in the South East told us they struggle to get an NHS dental appointment.

  16. 9 million people in the UK are lonely right now. Are you one of them?

    News -

    Everyone can feel lonely at some point in their life.

  17. Changes to the way homeless people are supported in Kent

    News -

    Kent County Council has recently agreed its budget for 2022/23. It’s been well known that the Council needs to make significant savings this year and that they would have to make tough decisions and one of those is about the homeless service.

  18. Have you heard of Fibromyalgia?

    Advice and Information -

    Fibromyalgia is a long term condition that causes pain all over the body. It’s also known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). It can be quite common – Lady Gaga has it!

  19. What did you tell us in March?

    Report -

    2,395 of you came to us in March to share your experience of using health and social care services or to seek information.

  20. Helping people to get the care that they need

    News -

    2,395 people came to us this month either to tell us their experience of using health or social care services, or seek information.

  21. Can you claim carers support if you have recently moved to the UK?

    Advice and Information -

    The short answer is yes! But it can be complicated so we have more detail for you.

  22. Are you an adult who receives care?

    News -

    Are you the relative, or friend, of someone who does?

    Do you consider yourself vulnerable?

    Do you know someone that could be vulnerable?

    Then this announcement is for you.

  23. Does the NHS have to provide an interpreter?

    Advice and Information -

    Do you know about your rights to language support in NHS settings?

  24. Epilepsy is one of the oldest known medical conditions

    Advice and Information -

    It’s quite common and affects the brain causing frequent seizures.

  25. How do you feel about Care Homes after the pandemic?

    Report -

    Today we are talking to Care Homes across Kent. We wanted to make sure they were hearing from you about how you feel about Care Homes and care at home since the pandemic.

  26. We simply wouldn’t be where we are today without our volunteers. They are EVERYTHING!

    News -

    Have you ever thought about volunteering?
    In a new series to celebrate Volunteers Week, we chat to some of our brilliant volunteers about what it means to them.

  27. New initiative to support women with mental health issues during pregnancy and after birth.

    News -

    Up to 20% of women develop mental health problems during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth. Many more experience mild mood changes. Partners may also experience poor mental health.

  28. Visible, valued and supported. We LOVE Carers!

    News -

    A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction or who needs extra help as they grow older.

  29. Major milestone reached in fight against Covid

    News -

    A major milestone has been reached in Kent and Medway’s fight against Covid - 19 with the four millionth jab being administrated. This is a major achievement in the county’s fight against Covid - 19.

  30. We're going to Rise. Are you?

    News -

    We'll be celebrating inclusion for everyone at the Rise Expo on June 22nd. Come and join us!

  31. What do you actually know about Learning Disabilities?

    Advice and Information -

    There are around 350,000 children in the UK who have a learning disability, but do you actually know what it means and what it’s like to live with?

  32. Time for your Man MOT!

    Advice and Information -

    We’ve been through a lot these past couple of years. Covid has not gone away, but we are beginning to live with it. To do this, we need to be at the top of our game both physically and mentally.

  33. Become a real life hero by giving blood today!

    Advice and Information -

    Giving blood is one of the most simple yet heroic things you can do.
    Giving blood saves lives. The blood you give is a lifeline in an emergency, and for people who need long term treatments.

  34. Diabetes Awareness Week – 14th – 19th June 2022

    Advice and Information -

    Diabetes is a complicated condition and there are many different types of diabetes.

  35. What did you tell us in April?

    Report -

    1,465 of you came to us in April to share your experience of using health and social care services or to seek information.

  36. Stories of Care Home residents receiving the wrong medicine

    News -

    Today we heard stories of Care Home residents in Herne Bay receiving the wrong medicine. In some cases people were given other peoples' prescriptions, or weren't given their medication at all. What's your experience of care homes in Kent?

  37. What is Long Covid?

    Advice and Information -

    Confused about Long Covid? Find out the common symptoms and when to get support.

  38. Support and treatment for Long Covid

    Advice and Information -

    It’s easy to feel isolated and alone when struggling with Long Covid, but we are here to help to you find the support and treatment you need.

  39. Sittingbourne vaccine centre still open for business

    News -

    The vaccination centre in Sittingbourne which opened in April at the Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital is still open for appointments. Both adults and children can be vaccinated there and all stages of the Covid vaccination programme are offered.

  40. Have you, or your family, been in the Armed Forces?

    Advice and Information -

    If the answer is yes, then there is a new service for you. The Armed Forces Network for Sussex, Kent & Medway have created a new single place for you to contact if you, or your family, need advice, guidance or support.

  41. Last chance to get your views heard about the drug and alcohol service in Kent

    News -

    Do you, or someone you know, have experience of using drug and alcohol services in Kent?

    Kent County Council have published their new five-year Drug and Alcohol Strategy and they need to hear what you think.

  42. It’s ok to not be ok

    Advice and Information -

    How are you, really? Are you ok? Perhaps you can't quite put your finger on it, but you're not feeling like yourself. Are you feeling more tired or more emotional? Maybe you don’t want to do the things that you usually enjoy.

  43. Are you 'in the know' about deafblindess?

    Advice and Information -

    Deafblindness is far more common than many people realise. Around 400,000 people are affected by sight and hearing loss in the UK. That's enough to fill Wembley Stadium nearly five times!

  44. How to access mental health support if you're lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender

    Advice and Information -

    Mental health problems are more common among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) people. If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need.

  45. Introducing the new NHS Kent & Medway

    News -

    Today marks a significant change in the way our NHS is organised. From today all Clinical Commissioning Groups are legally dissolved, with Integrated Care Systems created in their place.

  46. Did you know 15% of us have a disability?

    Advice and Information -

    This month is Disability Pride Month. Every day we hear from people who are disabled, and we wanted to help raise awareness of some of the different types of disability.

  47. NHS acts on your feedback to improve dental care

    News -

    Hundreds of you have been in touch to tell us your story about NHS dentists. We've been raising your concerns and now the NHS are making changes.

  48. Do you have an idea of how to improve the mental health of your community?

    News -

    Funding is available for projects that support the mental health of your community but you need to act quick : the deadline for applications is 9am August 1st.

  49. Are NHS waiting times pushing more people to go private?

    News -

    Record NHS waiting times appear to be increasing the number of people paying for private care, according to a new BBC analysis. Read our response.