1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. When is getting old, not just getting old?

    Advice and Information -

    So many of us put memory loss down to old age; but that’s not always true.

  7. You probably don’t know if you have high blood pressure

    Advice and Information -

    High blood pressure (which is also known as hypertension) rarely has noticeable symptoms; so if you have it, you’re unlikely to realise it. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Does the NHS have to provide an interpreter?

    Advice and Information -

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

  11. Epilepsy is one of the oldest known medical conditions

    Advice and Information -

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

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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!

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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?

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

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

    Advice and Information -

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

  23. 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?

  24. What is Long Covid?

    Advice and Information -

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

  25. 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.

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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!

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

  36. Help Kent County Council to decide what to spend its money on

    News -

    Every year, the Council needs to make tough decisions about how it spends its money. They need your help.

  37. Schizophrenia is not as uncommon as you think

    Advice and Information -

    One in 100 people will experience it.

  38. What do you know about Hepatitis?

    Advice and Information -

    Did you realise Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection?

  39. How to use 999 if you need British Sign Language

    Advice and Information -

    There’s a new service called 999 BSL.
    We’ve got all the details about how it works.

  40. What did you tell us in May?

    Report -

    Every month we review all the feedback we've heard. We're looking for the themes and trends in the information to see what we should be focusing on.

  41. What do you know about vaccines?

    Advice and Information -

    Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases.

  42. Psoriasis Awareness Month

    Advice and Information -

    This month is Psoriasis Month, but what do you actually know about the condition?

  43. What is monkeypox and who can get a vaccine?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out the signs and symptoms of monkeypox, what to do if you think you have it and who is eligible for a vaccine.

  44. Your thoughts will help train health professionals in Kent

    News -

    We all want the people working in the NHS to be the best they can possibly be. Share your experiences and you will be helping them to learn what matters to you.

  45. Milestone in tackling NHS longest waits - our response

    News -

    NHS England has achieved the first milestone in its plan to eliminate backlogs caused by Covid. Read our response.

  46. What is a GP referral and how can you get one?

    Advice and Information -

    When you need specialist NHS support, like hospital tests or treatment, you often need a referral from your GP first. Find out what this includes and what to expect.

  47. Half of us will have a urology condition during our lifetime

    Advice and Information -

    What is Urology? Urology is the study of the female urinary system and male genitourinary tract. Put simply, these are parts of the body that produce, store and get rid of urine, as well as the parts involved in sexual function for men.

  48. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia in the UK

    Advice and Information -

    Alzheimer’s is one of several types of dementia. It’s also the most common.

  49. Blood Cancer Awareness Month

    Advice and Information -

    Blood cancer is a term that's used to describe many types of cancer that affect your blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system. It happens when something goes wrong with the development of your blood cells.