1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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’.

  4. Empowering Nepali elderly women: A vibrant community group bridges gaps in healthcare access and communication

    Blog -

    This South Asian Heritage Month, Healthwatch Greenwich celebrates an inspirational story of a small Nepalese community group that teaches, trains, and empowers Nepali elderly women. Our Communication Officer, Chandan visits ‘Feel Better’ event.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. ICS strategy development webinar for local people and VCSE

    Advice and Information -

    ICS strategy development webinars for local people and people working in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

  8. 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.

  9. Care Quality Commission (CQC) 2022 adult inpatient survey at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

    News -

    Find out how Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust performed in the latest Adult Inpatient Survey of 2022.

  10. Launch of public consultation on specialist cancer services for children living in south London and south east

    News -

    Have your say on the proposed future location of specialist cancer services for children living in south London and most of south east England

  11. "Healthwatch Greenwich has taught me about the importance of giving people a voice": Volunteer Jocelyn

    Blog -

    Healthwatch Greenwich volunteer Jocelyn Foxworth reflects on a transformative summer of volunteering.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. What did we hear in October 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.

  15. 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.

  16. Our response to the news that Government has reached an agreement with medical unions in England

    News -

    Responding to the news that Government has reached an agreement with medical unions in England, which if accepted, could end consultant strikes, Joy Beishon, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Greenwich said:

  17. Athena’s Experience: “I felt abandoned.”

    News -

    Athena, a single mom with a special needs son, felt abandoned by healthcare and social services during a difficult time.

  18. 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.

  19. What did we hear in November 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.

  20. Maternity care for asylum-seeking and migrant women in south east London

    Report -

    Read Healthwatch Greenwich's latest report providing insights into maternity care challenges for migrant and asylum-seeking women in South East London.

  21. Dentistry in Greenwich

    Report -

    Healthwatch Greenwich's new report discusses accessibility, experience and opinions about local NHS dental services in Greenwich.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. What did we hear in December 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.

  25. Cervical Screening Among Black and Ethnic Minority Women: The Silent Crisis

    Blog -

    As the UK marks Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Healthwatch Greenwich chief executive Joy Beishon highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and accessibility to cervical screening, particularly among Black and ethnic minority women in the UK.

  26. 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.

  27. Muslim Mental Health Fact Sheet

    News -

    Research suggests that Muslims face some of the greatest mental health inequalities, yet too many encounter significant barriers to support.

  28. "Volunteering at Healthwatch Greenwich is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in our community while learning about public health": Volunteer Lauren

    Blog -

    Lauren Lencovich, a communications volunteer at Healthwatch Greenwich, shares her journey and aspiration to delve into the impact of social media on shaping health behaviours within our community.

  29. A journey of making a positive impact on lives: Volunteering with Healthwatch Greenwich

    Blog -

    Healthwatch Greenwich volunteer Sadeko Samson shares his journey of discovering passion and making a difference through volunteering.

  30. Share your feedback to improve care in your community

    Advice and Information -

    ‘Share for Better Care’, a new campaign launched by Healthwatch and the Care Quality Commission, addresses health inequalities across England.

  31. What did we hear in January/February 2024? 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. Paul’s Experience: “We’ve lost trust in the hospital, they failed Becky”

    News -

    A father shares how negligence from hospital staff led to a traumatic experience for his daughter Becky and their family

  33. More time, energy, and feeling fitter would motivate people to be more active

    News -

    Nearly 3 in 4 (72%) of UK adults said that having more time, energy and feeling fitter would motivate them to be more physically active.
    UK adults are more than twice as likely to spend most of their time watching TV (38%) compared to cooking/preparing food (15%).

  34. Fayola’s Experience: “I need help, Minika needs help, but no one is helping us.”

    News -

    Fayola's plea for help goes unanswered as her daughter falls ill due to lack of heating, leading to months of hospitalisation without support.

  35. Shweta’s experience: “If only a GP had seen me in person, I would have my degree with no delays.”

    News -

    An international student shared how not receiving timely care delayed her prospects of graduating on time.

  36. Cancer Prevention Action Week: Screenings Save Lives

    Advice and Information -

    Detecting cancer at an early stage means that treatment is more likely to be successful and ensures that more people survive.

  37. NHS to roll out ‘Martha’s Rule’

    News -

    The head of the NHS on 21st February announced the rollout of ‘Martha’s Rule’ in hospitals across England from April, enabling patients and families to seek an urgent review if their condition deteriorates.

  38. What patients want: a vision for the NHS in 2030

    Report -

    Using experiences of care from over 10 million people collected over the past ten years, we have a bold vision for the NHS in 2030. Find out where we think the NHS should be in six years and how it can get there.

  39. What did we hear in March 2024? 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.

  40. Raising Awareness of Women’s Cancer Screening

    News -

    On Women’s Day, we were in General Gordon Square with a focus on promoting women’s health screening. Using a combination of strategies in a community setting, including face-to-face interaction (short, informal conversations), incentives (freebies), and information resources (leaflets), Healthwatch Greenwich promoted, encouraged, and reassured women about breast and cervical screening.
    Among the women we spoke to, awareness gaps were evident, particularly among recently migrated women. For others, trust in healthcare providers and systems is a key driver, with positive experiences encouraging future attendance. In addition, their children were a motivating factor for some. Negative experiences with GPs and hospitals (even when unrelated to screening) reduced the likelihood of women attending screening appointments. Some expressed fear of discomfort or pain, reducing motivation to take up screening opportunities, and women with mobility challenges faced physical barriers in accessing screening.

  41. What did we hear in April 2024? 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.

  42. Experiences of Black and ethnic minority carers

    Report -

    Read Healthwatch Greenwich's latest report providing insight into the challenges carers within Black and ethnic minority communities face in navigating their roles and accessing support.

  43. What did we hear in May 2024? 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.

  44. Whooping cough cases are on the rise-how can you protect your baby?

    Advice and Information -

    With rising cases of whooping cough in England, the NHS is encouraging expecting mothers to get the whooping cough vaccine to protect their babies.

  45. The Accessible Information Standard - What you can expect from services

    Advice and Information -

    A year ago the Accessible Information Standard came into force. It requires any organisation providing NHS or social care to communicate in a way that everybody can understand. Here's a reminder of what you should expect.