Archive for category: Health

Patients deserve an independent voice Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen responds to recent announcements made about the future of the Healthwatch network in the national press and the importance of independence and transparency. This weekend, national media outlets including the BBC and the Daily Ma...

• New research shows that patients waiting for NHS specialist eye care strongly support using high street opticians’ staff more to help address the impact of long wait times. • Seventy per cent of patients report a decline in vision during their wait for care, while over half said the wait impacts w...

What are pharmaceutical services? Across Lancashire, some pharmaceutical services are provided from community pharmacies, internet pharmacies, and providers of specialist medical appliances (such as stoma products) – also known as appliance contractors. Community pharmacies also provide healthcare s...

Could you help us learn more about trans and non-binary (sometimes referred to as trans+) people’s experiences of GP care?  Everyone should have care that meets their needs. But research into trans and non-binary people’s care experiences, while limited, shows they often face challenges when navigat...

 Three-quarters of women hesitant about cervical screening would use a self-testing kit if it was available free on the NHS.  A poll of 2,444 women highlights that pain, fear, and misconceptions make them hesitant about taking up invitations for cervical screening appointment. · Healthwatch Englan...

Healthy vision is something many of us take for granted – until there is a problem. An estimated 50% of sight loss is avoidable. That is why people need to be able to have their eyesight tested regularly and, if there is a problem, get the help they need.  But can people get the eye care they need? ...

NHS 111 Offering Crisis Mental Health Support For The First Time   Millions of patients experiencing a mental health crisis can now benefit from support through 111, the NHS has announced today. The change means the NHS in England is one of the first countries in the world to offer access to a ...

“Babies cry, you can cope!” is the message from NHS, local authorities, and healthcare organisations across the country who have come together to promote lifesaving messages to parents. Research shows that some parents and caregivers can lose control when a baby’s crying becomes too much. Some go on...