News and reports

We are calling for ongoing public support as the national petition challenging government plans to abolish local Healthwatch services surpasses 10,000 signatures — the threshold that requires a formal government response.

New research from Healthwatch England has found that one in five men are now using platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube - and almost one in 10 are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots - for information on staying healthy.

Some recent research by the Nuffield Trust highlights what we have been hearing about NHS CHC funding - that the process is confusing and sometimes hard for individuals to go through. We have provided some information and advice to help with this, including a video by someone with lived experience.

If you are between 40 and 74 - do you know about NHS Health Checks - would you attend them if invited? A recent report by Healthwatch England shows that men are willing to attend for certain screening if invited.

We are pleased to bring you the second edition of our public newsletter - keeping you informed of our latest work.

The Government has announced an investment of £10 million to roll out the nation’s first ‘neighbourhood health service’ which includes part of East Surrey.

In light of the government’s proposals to abolish local Healthwatch and therefore remove the only collective, independent and statutory opportunity for the public to hold the NHS and social care system to account, local Healthwatch have put together a petition to protect the independent voice. This calls on the government to review the decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch. We ask for your support in signing it.

We are pleased to bring you our new public newsletter - keeping you informed of our latest work.

Earlier this week the Dash Patient Safety review was published. Its recommendations have been incorporated into the NHS 10 Year Health plan, including transferring the functions of local Healthwatch into NHS Integrated Care Boards and local authorities.