News and reports

Healthwatch England has warned that people need more confidence that the NHS can provide timely care as the winter period approaches. A third of adults in England lack confidence that they can access timely care, including GP services, mental health support and hospital care.

Lucy Letby was found guilty on the 21st August 2023 of murdering seven babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016, while working as a nurse. She was also convicted of trying to kill six other infants.

NHS England has announced that it is bringing forward the roll out of this year’s autumn/winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme, with vaccinations now set to start on 11th September 2023. Adult care home residents and those most at risk will be the first groups to be offered the vaccines.

We had the opportunity to share our work and future plans with Louise, members of the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB), and Councillor Helen Holland - Co-Chair of the local Health and Wellbeing Board.

Read Lisa's story. Lisa lives in Bristol, and began going through the menopause three years ago. She spoke to us as part of our research into women's experiences of asking for support during the menopause.

103 people who draw on care and support from adult social care services spoke to us about what's working well and what needs to improve. We heard from a diverse range of people, including older adults, people with mental health issues, and carers.

A lack of compassion from healthcare professionals, difficulty identifying menopausal symptoms, and confusion around HRT and alternative treatment options are among the issues raised by almost 400 people who shared their experience with us.

In the latest inspection, carried out in July 2023, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) focused on the areas highlighted in the warning notice issued in January. The service remains rated as 'requires improvement'.

Have you been impacted by cancelled care? Healthwatch England commissioned Yonder Data Solutions to run an online survey to learn about the impact of postponements and cancellations of recent or planned care or appointments in 2023.

St John Ambulance has set up the CPR Community Network to ensure that everyone has access to basic life support training in person, online or by using their Resource Hub to give you the confidence to respond in an emergency.

NHS dentistry, GPs, and hospital services were the three topics we heard most about from you in the first half of 2023. In total, we received 320 pieces of feedback.

Everyone has the right to make a complaint about any aspect of NHS care, treatment, or service. How you make a complaint about primary care services changed on 1 July 2023. Primary care includes GPs, pharmacies, dentists, and opticians.