1. Record 7 million people awaiting hospital treatment – our response

    Blog -

    With a record seven million people awaiting hospital treatment, Louise Ansari, our National Director, told BBC News that people need reassuring that the NHS is still there to help them.

  2. What people in South east London are telling us about health and care

    Report -

    Find out what people have been telling us about their health and care experiences in South east London.

  3. Easy read breast screening recall letters now available

    Advice and Information -

    We demonstrate how self-advocacy works in joint appeal for easy access to breast services

  4. What happens at an NHS cervical screening appointment

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what to expect at a smear test.

  5. New funding to speed up hospital discharge

    News -

    The NHS will buy thousands of extra beds in care homes and other settings to help discharge more patients to free up hospital beds. Our national director Louise Ansari responds.

  6. Strike action - what you need to know in Greenwich

    Advice and Information -

    Find out more about NHS strikes.

  7. What is Vitamin D? Should I take it?

    Advice and Information -

    Read the NHS advice on Vitamin D.

  8. What people in South east London are telling us about health and care

    Report -

    Find out what people have been telling us about their health and care experiences in South east London.

  9. Cost of Living Crisis in Greenwich

    Report -

    We surveyed Greenwich residents during December 2022 to understand the effect of the rise in cost of living on people’s health and wellbeing. Find out more and download the full report at the end of this article.

  10. Junior doctors and dental trainees to take strike action

    News -

    The South-East London Integrated Care System (SEL ICS) reports that junior doctors and dental trainees will be taking strike action from Monday 13th - Wednesday 15th March.

  11. Diabetes and Ramadan

    Advice and Information -

    This page has information for people living with diabetes who are thinking about fasting for Ramadan.

  12. Children & Young people and Autism: a video series for families

    Advice and Information -

    A new series of videos to provide information, strategies and support for families with autism is now available on the Greenwich Community Directory website.

  13. BMA announces dates for new 96-hour walkout by junior doctors in England after Government failure to make any credible offer in talks

    News -

    A 96-hour walkout will take place for shifts starting between 06:59 on Tuesday 11 April and 06:59 on Saturday 15 April 2023. 

  14. NHS prescription charges to increase from 1 April

    Advice and Information -

    NHS prescription charges to increase by 3.2% from 1 April

  15. Women eligible for lower HRT prescription costs from 1 April

    Advice and Information -

    In a long-awaited move, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced that HRT costs will be capped at around £20 a year through a new prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) being launched on 1 April.

  16. Young People Contraceptive Use: Knowledge and Awareness of LARCs

    Report -

    We worked with young people (16-18) in Greenwich to understand their views and experience of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and find out why uptake continues to remain low among this age group.

  17. Improving healthcare for the LGBT+ community- take part in the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS survey

    News -

    If you have attended an appointment at University Hospital Lewisham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, or used our community services in Lewisham in the last 12 months, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust want to hear from you.

  18. COVID-19 Spring 2023 booster

    News -

    The Covid-19 booster vaccination is still available until June 30th for certain at-risk groups

  19. CQC publishes reports on Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust’s acute wards and psychiatric intensive care units

    News -

    CQC publishes reports on Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust’s acute wards and psychiatric intensive care units

  20. Cost of living - a barrier to healthcare for the most vulnerable

    News -

    Cost of living

  21. Reflecting on our co-produced work with young people

    Blog -

    Beginning in the summer of 2022, Healthwatch Greenwich ran a co-produced piece of work on young people’s contraceptive use and what they know, don’t know and aren’t sure about when it comes to LARC methods .

  22. Professor David Croisdale-Appleby confirmed as new Chair of Healthwatch England

    News -

    Professor David Croisdale-Appleby has been appointed as the new Chair of Healthwatch England, the independent champion for people who use health and social care.

  23. The Power of Co-Production

    Blog -

    In this blog post, Jahan Foster, Social Care Researcher at Healthwatch Greenwich, reflects on the successful co-production project completed with young people, which explored their contraceptive knowledge and awareness.

  24. Junior Doctors’ strike, 13 – 18 July and Consultants’ strike, 20 – 21 July

    News -

    Back-to-back strikes by junior doctors and consultants are likely to increase pressure on hospitals across South East London. Here's how to get the help you need!

  25. When patient voices go unheard

    Blog -

    The key to addressing this challenge lies in recognising the importance of patient and family voices and actively incorporating them into the fabric of health and care decision-making, writes Healthwatch Greenwich CEO Joy Beishon.

  26. Cancellations of NHS care are having serious impacts on two-thirds of patients

    News -

    Healthwatch England's new research highlights that pressures in the NHS have serious consequences on people's lives and widen health inequalities.

  27. The hidden wait for cancer care

    News -

    Healthwatch England's research on GP referrals highlighted the frustration patients experience due to long waits and a lack of support. This latest analysis looks at people’s experience of getting a cancer referral.

  28. Paul’s experience: “I just feel lost in the system.”

    News -

    Paul visited his GP and was referred to Circle MSK for evaluation of his foot condition, but his treatment was delayed and complicated due to missing X-ray results and uncooperative staff, leaving him feeling lost and frustrated in the system.

  29. Junior Doctors’ strike, 11 – 15 August and Consultants’ strike, 24 – 25 August

    News -

    Five-day strikes by junior doctors, followed by two-day strikes by consultants, are likely to increase pressure on hospitals across South East London Here's how to get the help you need!

  30. Recent inspection rates Eltham Palace Surgery ‘inadequate’ for safety of patients

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of Health and Social Care in England, carried out its inspection of Eltham Palace Surgery in May, concluding the service was ‘performing badly’.

  31. What did we hear in July 2023? What action has been taken?

    Report -

    Find out what we have been hearing about health and care services in Greenwich and what action service providers have taken as a result of your feedback.

  32. Christopher’s experience: “I work and I look after my wife... I had to leave my wife alone for almost for a whole day”

    News -

    Christopher's family, dealing with disabilities, faced delivery woes from NRS Healthcare, leading to lost wages and personal strain. Read with provider's response.

  33. Have your say on Musculoskeletal services in Greenwich

    Advice and Information -

    If you want to share your experiences or views musculoskeletal (MSK) services in Greenwich, you can attend the next Healthier Greenwich Partnership Public Forum.

  34. Consultants and junior doctors to go on strike from October 2

    News -

    A three-day strike by consultants and junior doctors are likely to increase pressure on hospitals across South East London Here's how to get the help you need!

  35. What did we hear in August 2023? What action has been taken?

    Report -

    Find out what we have been hearing about health and care services in Greenwich and what action service providers have taken as a result of your feedback.

  36. Join the national healthcare conversation: Take part in inpatient survey to shape a better future with £40 thank you voucher

    Advice and Information -

    Care Quality Commission (CQC) seeks patient input to develop crucial national survey. Here's how you can participate!

  37. What did we hear in September 2023? What action has been taken?

    Report -

    Find out what we have been hearing about health and care services in Greenwich and what action service providers have taken as a result of your feedback.

  38. Anna’s Experience: "You’ll have to start the referral process all over again.”

    News -

    Anna's battle with a musculoskeletal condition is worsened by missed appointments, delays, and a lack of support, leaving her in pain and feeling neglected.

  39. All you need to know about healthcare professionals at your practice and their responsibilities

    Advice and Information -

    A range of healthcare professionals work at your practice and in the wider community to help you get the right care when you need it.

  40. NHS urged to do more to help patients leave hospital safely

    News -

    Healthwatch England new research reveals worrying problems with hospital discharge arrangements. Many people told us they are not given the right support or information when being discharged from hospital. Read their experiences and our calls to action.

  41. Can I access my GP records online?

    News -

    From 31 October 2023, GP surgeries gave patients online access to their new health record entries. Find out what information is in your record and how to access it.

  42. Doctors go on four-days strike this week

    News -

    A four-day strike by doctors is likely to increase pressure on hospitals across South East London Here's how to get the help you need!

  43. Government and unions urged to find resolution to strike action

    News -

    Five organisations representing NHS leaders and patients join forces regarding on-going industrial action in the NHS.

  44. “We just want what’s best for our daughter."

    News -

    A family worries about their daughter's care at a supported accommodation because they don't get enough information and feel left out of decisions.

  45. Improving the wait for cancer care

    News -

    In July last year, Healthwatch published our findings of experiences you shared about trying to get cancer care. Thanks to this insight, the NHS has simplified their process so people can better understand what to expect.

  46. Barriers and inequalities in cervical screening

    Blog -

    This week is Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. Our new blog brings together some of the key challenges people have shared about cervical screening with local Healthwatch and outlines the steps we are taking nationally to address those.

  47. What is measles and who can get the vaccine?

    Advice and Information -

    Measles vaccination rates are at a ten-year low as cases rise nationwide. Find out about measles, who can get the vaccine, and what you can do to stay safe.