1. What have we changed in A&E?

    Report -

    Our volunteers spoke to 138 patients during visits to every Accident & Emergency department in Kent.

    We made a number of recommendations based on their feedback.

  2. The Healthwatch Kent Guide to Pre-consultation & Engagement

    Report -

    During our work to scrutinise consultations; poor pre-consultation engagement was the main area vulnerable to legal challenge via judicial review.

  3. Dentists : The Tooth Be Told

    Report -

    In 2016 we spoke to 44 people about their experience of going to the dentist.

    In 2017 we wanted to find out what had changed as a result.

  4. You Said We Did April 2016 - December 2020

    Report -

    What have we done with your voice between April 2016 and March 2019?

  5. The Healthwatch Guide to Public Consultations

    Report -

    This guide is intended to support commissioners and service providers to deliver genuine, meaningful public consultations.

  6. 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.

  7. What should you expect from home care services?

    Advice and Information -

    The number of people being cared for in their own homes is increasing but what should you expect from home care services?

  8. If you had learning difficulties, what support is available to help you attend a hospital appointment

    Report -

    We wanted to understand what support is available for people who have learning difficulties when they need to attend a hospital appointment

  9. 2 million people live with sight loss. Are you one of them?

    Advice and Information -

    Some people are born blind, but for most people sight loss or blindness can occur later. Around 340,000 people in the UK are registered as being blind or partially sighted.

  10. Dry January. Are you in?

    Advice and Information -

    Are you up for the challenge to go 31 days alcohol-free?!

  11. Why is obesity a problem?

    Advice and Information -

    Obesity is a common health problem in the UK.

  12. Regardless of your IQ, how is your STIQ?

    Advice and Information -

    Sexually transmitted infections (STI), also called STD’s, are a risk for everyone who is sexually active.

  13. Looking after your health during the Cost of Living crisis.

    Advice and Information -

    The continuing cost of living crisis is adversely affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on lower incomes hit the hardest.

  14. It’s Time to Talk about Mental Health

    Advice and Information -

    We need to look after both our mental and physical health.

  15. Do you use Children’s Centres, Youth Hubs or the Gateways?

    News -

    What about other buildings owned by Kent County Council such as services for people with learning disabilities or public health services for children and their families?

  16. What support is out there for LGBTQ+ people

    Advice and Information -

    Mental health problems are very common amongst lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) people. We have put together a guide on how you can get the support you need if you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help.

  17. Have you experienced a mental health crisis?

    News -

    Has urgent help become essential to support in the management of your life? If this has meant you have been on Section 136 we would value your thoughts.

  18. Have you or those you know experienced a mental health crisis?

    Advice and Information -

    Across February and March, the NHS are holding Forums attended by a Lead NHS Officer to understand the experience of Crisis services in Kent. These Forums are to guide changes and improvements, with interest in those who have been on Section 136.

  19. How to recognise epilepsy?

    Advice and Information -

    Epilepsy is a common condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures.

  20. Are you receiving care in your own home or in the community?

    News -

    Or did you reach pension age before 6th April 2016?

  21. Helping more people get health and care information the way they need it.

    News -

    Healthwatch is committed to ensure healthcare information is clear and understandable to help you make decisions about your health and care and get the most out of services.

  22. Have you heard of NHS Talking Therapies? (Formerly IAPT)

    News -

    Thousands of us use the mental wellbeing service every month to help us deal with anxiety and depression. If you, or someone you know, have used the service, we want to hear your story.

  23. Safeguarding: How to recognise abuse and neglect

    Advice and Information -

    There are different kinds of abuse and it can happen anywhere. Abuse occurs when someone exploits another person or treats them in a way that harms or hurts them. It can happen once or on multiple occasions.

  24. Help decide what services should be offered at the new health centre in Edenbridge

    News -

    A new health centre is currently being built in Edenbridge.

  25. Have you used community navigators or social prescribers recently?

    News -

    Thousands of you across Kent & Medway have been supported by social prescribers or community navigators.

  26. How do I know if I have an eating disorder?

    Advice and Information -

    If you or people around you are worried that you have an unhealthy relationship with food, you could have an eating disorder.

  27. Is your work is affecting your health? Maybe it’s time to do something about it?

    Advice and Information -

    We all know that a work life balance is hard to achieve. But sometimes we need to take a moment to step back and consider what we can do to help ourselves.

  28. How to recognise abuse and neglect

    Page -

    There are different kinds of abuse and it can happen anywhere. Abuse occurs when someone exploits another person or treats them in a way that harms or hurts them. It can happen once or on multiple occasions.

  29. Celebrating excellence at the Healthwatch Recognition Awards

    News -

    32 people and organisations were winners last night at the prestigious Healthwatch Recognition Awards in Ashford.

  30. Pharmacies open this Easter Bank Holiday

    Advice and Information -

    Preparing for your pharmacy needs during the coming bank holiday

  31. Covid-19 spring booster vaccinations

    News -

    More than a million people will be eligible for a spring Covid-19 jab in the south east, as the NHS begins to roll out the next phase of the vaccination programme.

  32. You Said, We Did 2023

    Report -

    What have we done with your voice in April?

  33. Pharmacies open during May Bank Holiday

    Advice and Information -

    Preparing for your pharmacy needs during the coming bank holiday

  34. Support during pregnancy and when caring for those under 5years old

    News -

    The theme this month is about support during pregnancy and when caring for those under 5years old which you can download at the bottom of the page.

  35. Heroic individuals and organisations working within our Mental Health Community

    News -

    At the end of last month, organised by both Healthwatch Kent & Healthwatch Medway, 200 guests came together to celebrate the best in health & social care.

  36. How much do you know about Ovarian Cancer?

    Advice and Information -

    Here are some facts about ovarian cancer:

  37. Getting NHS Dental care

    Advice and Information -

    What is available on the NHS? What do you have to pay for? How much is it going to cost? These are some of the questions you have asked that our leaflet has the answers to. 

  38. Epilepsy is more than seizures

    Advice and Information -

    Epilepsy is one of the world’s oldest known medical conditions which affects around 600,000 people in the UK. 87 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every day, but many people still don’t understand it or talk about it.

  39. This March, ovarian cancer is being put in the spotlight.

    Advice and Information -

    Two thirds of those with ovarian cancer are diagnosed too late when the cancer has already spread.

  40. Take care of your teeth. Don’t forget your gums!

    Advice and Information -

    More of you call us about getting a dentist appointment than anything else. Every day we hear from people who are struggling to get to see an NHS dentist.

    That means than looking after our own teeth is more important than ever!

  41. Make May Purple for Stroke Awareness

    Advice and Information -

    Over 1 million people in England have had a stroke. For many people having a stroke is a life changing experience. May is Stroke Awareness Month so we are sharing everything you need to know.

  42. When is getting old, not just getting old?

    Advice and Information -

    So many of us put memory loss down to old age; but that’s not always true.

  43. You probably don’t know if you have high blood pressure

    Advice and Information -

    High blood pressure (which is also known as hypertension) rarely has noticeable symptoms; so if you have it, you’re unlikely to realise it. But if untreated, it increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

  44. What to watch for in your health and community this month

    Advice and Information -

    Each May multiple awareness raising campaigns are running, some focused on specific weeks or days.

     

  45. What to watch for in your health and community this month

    Advice and Information -

    Each June multiple awareness raising campaigns are running, some focused on specific weeks or days.

  46. New orthopaedic service being developed for all patients living in the Kent & Medway area

    News -

    A new orthopaedic service providing extra outpatient clinic appointments and operating theatres is being opened for all patients living in Kent & Medway.

  47. Have your say on the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Strategy

    News -

    The Integrated Care Board (ICB) are creating plans to improve health and care in Kent and Medway. NHS organisations, local councils, care organisations and the voluntary sector in Kent and Medway are working together to improve health and care for you.

  48. New smoke free services in Kent and Medway

    Advice and Information -

    Two new smoke free services are launching this year.

  49. Influence domestic violence support services

    Advice and Information -

    Influence domestic violence support services

  50. What have we achieved this year?

    News -

    35,316 people came to us for advice and information about topics such as mental health, accessing dentists and the cost-of-living crisis.