1. New Corona Helpline launched in Kent

    News -

    A new 24 hour Helpline has been launched to support people who need urgent help in Kent

  2. What services are still available during the pandemic?

    News -

    Many of Kent's health & social care services are still operating albeit in a slightly different way.

  3. What is Healthwatch doing to help right now?

    News -

    Everyone has been thinking about how they can help during the Corona epidemic. Here is a snapshot of what the Healthwatch team has been doing.

  4. New Emergency Dental Care now available

    News -

    New Urgent Dental Care Centres are being opened to provide emergency dental treatment during the Coronavirus pandemic.

  5. What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?

    Advice and Information -

    If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help.

  6. Giving thanks to our volunteers

    News -

    Although we can't see our volunteers face to face this week, that doesn't stop us from thanking our Volunteers this Volunteers Week.

  7. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black and Asian people according to latest PHE report. Tell us your experience

    News -

    Share your story to help Kent services learn and improve from the experiences of people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds during COVID-19.

  8. What's the difference between social distancing, self-isolation and shielding?

    Advice and Information -

    Self-isolation, social distancing and shielding are all new terms that have become part of our daily language. Find out what they mean in practice and what applies to you.

  9. New testing location in Kent

    News -

    A new drive through testing facility for Coronavirus opened at Manston Airport in Ramsgate opened this week. This site will join the existing locations in Ashford & Ebbsfleet to increase the number of people who can be tested each day.

  10. New Helpline for Dermatology patients

    News -

    The Dermatology service deals with skin conditions which can include rashes, lesions, lumps on the skin, changes to moles and skin cancer.

  11. Covid-19 vaccine – where are we?

    Advice and Information -

    Scientists all over the world are racing to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus pandemic. The virus causing this disease is called SARS Cov2. A total of 26 candidates are currently in the clinical evaluation stage of development, according to WHO.

  12. When should I get a Covid test?

    Advice and Information -

    With testing hitting the headlines in recent days, and increasing numbers of people trying to get a Covid test, it can be confusing to know when you should, or shouldn’t seek a Covid test.

  13. Will you get a flu jab this year? Start thinking about it now!

    Advice and Information -

    Influenza, or flu, is a viral infection that can cause an unpleasant respiratory illness with symptoms such as fever, exhaustion, and cough. Luckily after a few days in bed most people recover.

  14. Did you know that smoking is a leading cause of accidental fires in peoples’ homes?

    News -

    Kent Fire & Rescue Service are looking to create a new campaign to help people stay safe in their homes.

    Could you be involved? KFRS wants to talk to smokers to understand your thoughts, feelings and experiences.

  15. We've been shortlisted for a national award!!

    News -

    Our work to improve wheelchair services in Kent has been recognised at the national Healthwatch England awards

  16. Did you know that we now have an enhanced NHS 111 service in Kent?

    News -

    When people in Kent, Medway & Sussex call NHS 111 they will now find more experienced clinicians on hand to answer their queries than ever before.

  17. Do you live in Swale? We have your invitation

    News -

    Would you like to get involved in discussion with leaders from health and care in Medway & Swale about what they should do?

  18. Blood tests back at Darent Valley Hospital thanks to your stories

    News -

    We’ve been hearing stories from people in North Kent about huge queues and long waits to get their blood tests done at Gravesham Community Hospital.

  19. Myths about the flu jab

    Advice and Information -

    We've all heard tales about the flu jab that might make us think twice about getting the vaccine. Read on to learn what's real and what's just not true.

  20. Do you use translation or interpreter services when you go to an NHS appointment?

    News -

    The NHS wants to hear about your experience of using translation or interpreter services when you visit the dentist, pharmacy or optician.

  21. Giving blood during a pandemic

    Advice and Information -

    This week we spoke to Rheanna, who shared her experience of giving blood at the start of our second national lockdown.

  22. Healthwatch Kent recognised in national awards

    News -

    Healthwatch Kent has been highly commended at a prestigious national award ceremony for their work to improve the wheelchair service for the 22,000 people who currently use a wheelchair in Kent and Medway.

  23. Get your Vitamin D supplements

    News -

    Did you know that everyone is advised to take Vitamin D supplements every day during the autumn and winter months?

  24. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas

    News -

    Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to share your experience of health and social care this year.

    Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

  25. 2020 : the good bits

    News -

    It wasn't the year that we planned, but thanks to you, we've still managed to make life better for hundreds of people. Check out our highlights

  26. New testing sites opening in Kent

    News -

    12 new testing sites are opening in Kent this week offering tests for people with no Covid symptoms.

  27. National lockdown : what does it mean for me?

    News -

    To help stop the spread of coronavirus, the government is advising everyone to stay at home from 5 January 2021.

  28. A vaccine with your name on it!

    News -

    One million adults in Kent & Medway will be offered the Coronavirus vaccine in the coming weeks and months. When will you get yours?

  29. More new testing centres

    News -

    Another five new testing centres are opening next week for people who have no Covid symptoms.

  30. Someone I love has died - where can I find support?

    Advice and Information -

    It can be tough at any time to lose someone, but particularly hard during a pandemic when you can feel more alone than usual.

    Take a look at our article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.

  31. East Kent Hospitals publish their maternity strategy

    News -

    East Kent Hospitals have published their maternity strategy which outlines how they plan to improve the care they offer to parents and new-born children.

  32. COVID-19 vaccine: what you need to know

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look about what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme including how you will know when it's your turn, where to go, and why it's important.

  33. We're raising your vaccine questions directly with decision makers

    News -

    Unsurprisingly we've had lots of calls and emails about the Coronavirus vaccine in recent weeks. We've been able to help some frontline workers get access to their vaccine.

  34. New mass vaccination centre opens in Kent

    News -

    Kent's first mass vaccination centre has opened in Folkestone in the old Debenhams building.

  35. Second mass vaccination centre opens tomorrow

    News -

    Kent is to have a second mass vaccination centre which will open tomorrow (Feb 2nd) in Gravesend.

  36. Calling everyone living in ME15

    News -

    Everyone living within the postcode ME15 will soon be offered a Covid test at home after the South African variant of Coronavirus may have been found in the area.

  37. All adults with learning disabilities are now being offered the vaccine

    News -

    All adults with learning difficulties are to be offered the Covid vaccine as part of the priority groups.

  38. If you're D/deaf and use East Kent Hospitals, we can help you to get an interpreter

    News -

    D/deaf patients are now being offered a free card that clearly indicates that they need a British Sign Language interpreter when they have an appointment at East Kent hospitals. Get in touch if you want yours.

  39. Are you worried about how the Covid vaccine might affect your long term condition?

    Advice and Information -

    Many people have been asking us what they should do if they have a long term condition and they want the Covid vaccine. We have some answers.

  40. Covid : one year on

    News -

    Today marks a whole year since the Government announced the first lockdown. How has your life changed since then?

  41. Have you had Covid? Are you still struggling?

    News -

    Have you, or someone you know, had Covid and are still feeling the effects four weeks later?

  42. Brushing our teeth – what’s it all about?

    Advice and Information -

    It’s all about stopping plaque and tartar build up on our teeth.

  43. A vaccine with your name on it - book it!

    News -

    There are slots available this week for the Covid vaccine. Have you had yours? Book it today!

  44. Feeling stressed? You're not alone

    Advice and Information -

    April marks Stress Awareness Month, a national awareness month that has been held every year since 1992 to raise recognition of something we all struggle with from time to time.

  45. Help improve Diabetes services in East Kent

    News -

    A major new project has started to improve diabetes services across East Kent. So now is your chance to get involved and share your thoughts.

  46. Have you experienced End of Life care services recently?

    News -

    The NHS in Kent & Medway are looking to hear feedback from people who have had experience of end of life care services. They want to learn from your feedback to inform a new strategy to help them improve the care offered to people.

  47. 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.

  48. 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.

  49. 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

  50. 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 .