Health Bill committee evidence submission
Our written submission to the Health Bill committee urging them to retain independent public voice in health and care.
Photo by Shreyas Sane on Unsplash
Technology and AI in healthcare - what do you think?
We have launched a survey to find out about your views, knowledge and experience of using (or not) some of the digital ways to access health information.
Image: Marvin Meyer on Unsplash
Young peoples' experiences of CAMHS/mental health support and neurodivergence assessments
Following our two reports about adult mental health services, we have launched a project looking at the experiences of young people, families and professionals around waiting for assessments for mental health and neurodiversity for young people. This includes experiences of CAMHS (Child Adolescent Mental Health Services) and Right to Choose.
Image: Ben Wicks on Unsplash
Waiting for social care?
Healthwatch York are working with the Administrative Fairness Lab at the University of York to explore the experiences of those waiting for social care.
If you recently waited or are currently waiting to access adult social care support, we want to hear from you!
Young people's experiences of vaping
Healthwatch York has launched a new project looking at the experiences of young people and vaping in York.
Petition: Review the decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch
If you share our concerns about the lack of independent voice in health and care following plans to abolish the Healthwatch network, please sign this petition!
Community Pharmacy Struggles
Years of underinvestment has left many local pharmacies on the brink.
Community Pharmacy England’s 2025 Pressures Survey shows that pharmacies continue to face a range of critical challenges.
Photo by Christine Sandu on Unsplash
131 Local Healthwatch Services Unite to Fight for Independent Public Voice
131 local Healthwatch services across England have signed an open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, urging the government to reconsider proposals that would bring public voice functions under the control of local authorities and NHS bodies.
The letter, which to date has been signed by 131 Healthwatch Chief Officers/Chairs - representing 86% of the national network - warns that the proposed changes would seriously compromise the independence that makes public feedback effective and trusted.
Read our full press release here.
Time to strengthen, not silence, people’s voices in health and care
The Government has announced that as part of the NHS 10-year plan they intend to close the Healthwatch Network, the National Guardian’s Office and the Health Services Safety Investigations Body.
What will replace these groups isn’t clear. What has been suggested is that local Healthwatch roles can be absorbed into local authorities and Integrated Care Boards. The role of Healthwatch England will be integrated into the role of National Director of Patient Experience at the Department of Health and Social Care. It has also been announced people will be encouraged to share their feedback on hospital services via the NHS App.
This is our response to the news.
Overwhelming response to regional cancer awareness survey
More than 6,000 people from Humber and North Yorkshire have shared their attitudes, awareness and understanding of cancer in the
People with ADHD find diagnosis life-changing but long waits on the NHS need urgent action
New poll of 2,579 adults highlights ADHD diagnosis can change people’s lives, giving them a better understanding of themselves, improving