News and reports

GP practices are the ‘front door’ to the NHS – this means they are often the first place a person may visit when they have a health care need or are seeking advice regarding a health matter.

Both urgent and emergency care services play an important role in ensuring patients receive the right care, from the right person, at the right time. But knowing exactly what these services do, which one you need and how to use them can be confusing.

Finding an NHS dentist can be challenging, as dental practices do not keep registered patient lists in the same way GP surgeries do. Healthwatch Surrey are here to provide information and signposting to help you understand your options, from finding a local dentist to knowing what to do if you need urgent or community dental care.

It is recommended that everyone should get their eyes tested at least every 2 years. These tests identify if people need glasses but also help to detect any early signs of eye disease.

Information about booking a sight test for a child, what to do if your child is neurodiverse or has additional needs, available financial support and how to provide feedback about the service you receive.

At Healthwatch Surrey we are keen that everyone can get the health services they need.

In the UK, the NHS is a publicly funded healthcare system providing medical care. It is often referred to as being "free at the point of use" which means the care is provided based on what the patient needs, rather than how able they are to pay for it. However, there are usually costs for some areas of care.

Screening tests are designed to catch the signs of serious illness early, as well as to promote healthy lifestyles to minimise the risk of developing a serious illness in the future. There are a number of NHS screening programmes currently offered in England - you may be invited to attend certain screenings based on your age, sex or lifestyle.

If you live in England and are an NHS patient you have the right to choose who delivers your care. This includes who can provide your ADHD assessment and support you with starting medication. This page focusses on one person's experience of using the Right to Choose pathway and their top tips as a result.

You can provide feedback about health and care services to us. Healthwatch Surrey champions the voice of local people to shape, improve and get the best from NHS, health and social care services. We are independent and have statutory powers to make sure decision makers listen to the experiences of local people.

An opportunity for women who are currently pregnant or who have given birth within the last two years to share their views on Epsom and St Helier's maternity services.

Making a complaint about an NHS service can feel daunting, but free and independent support is available.