News and reports

Have you become a parent in the past 2 years?

Being in good mental health is important for all parents. Back in 2022, we invited local parents to share their experiences in relation to mental health round the birth of their child. Now we are opening up this opportunity again to gather an up-to-date insight and see how things might have changed since.

The Government has now published its 10-Year Health Plan for England — and while it sets out bold reforms for the NHS, it also confirms proposals to close Healthwatch as the "independent patient voice" as it currently exists.

Take a look at our Healthwatch annual report, to give you a closer look at how your involvement has helped us improve services locally.

People on lower incomes face barriers to getting the care they need. We look at why it’s harder for people who earn less money to access NHS services.

Patients will receive better, faster and more appropriate emergency care as the government sets out reforms to shorten waiting times and tackle persistently failing trusts.

NHS leaders will face new performance-based pay system with bonuses for improved patient care and penalties for failing trust executives.

Millions of patients are getting a cost of living boost as the government freezes prescription charges for the first time in 3 years.

Everyone who uses the NHS in England could soon have a single patient record that brings together important information about your health care. So how and where are your records kept now, how can you view them, and what do you do if you find mistakes in them?

Board Meeting Minutes from 2023 / 2024, Jan 2025

A second opinion is when you choose to request the expertise of another healthcare professional after you've been given a diagnosis or treatment plan. What are the new rules about second opinions and and how can you request one?

Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. If you're an unpaid carer, find out more about the help and support you are entitled to.

Can't find an NHS dentist? Read our tips on what to do if you’re facing problems finding an NHS dentist taking new patients or with NHS dentistry costs.