1. Focus on Patient Experience

    Report -

    NHS Trusts all over Kent come to Healthwatch regularly seeking guidance on how to involve patients, carers and families more constructively in their services.  In this report, we discuss patient experience.

  2. We throw a spotlight on commissioning

    Report -

    With the commissioning landscape across Kent & Medway changing, we have been working to ensure the voice of patients is heard clearly by decision makers.

  3. Your community needs you – NHS call for volunteer army

    News -

    Protect your loved ones and protect the nation, volunteer to help those that are most vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus (COVID-19) stay at home. Join the army of NHS volunteers today.

  4. Coronavirus is affecting my mental health – what can I do?

    Advice and Information -

    The current Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic may cause you to feel worried, anxious, or scared. Read our seven steps to looking after your wellbeing while staying informed.

  5. Your COVID-19 story

    News -

    We want to hear how the Coronavirus is affecting you and your family. Tell us your story, no matter how small, and we can use it to identify any gaps in services

  6. Coronavirus Information for Long Term Conditions

    Advice and Information -

    If you, or someone in your family has a long term health condition, it can be tricky to know what to do. We are here to help.

  7. New Corona Helpline launched in Kent

    News -

    A new 24 hour Helpline has been launched to support people who need urgent help in Kent

  8. What services are still available during the pandemic?

    News -

    Many of Kent's health & social care services are still operating albeit in a slightly different way.

  9. What is Healthwatch doing to help right now?

    News -

    Everyone has been thinking about how they can help during the Corona epidemic. Here is a snapshot of what the Healthwatch team has been doing.

  10. Planning care at the end of life

    Advice and Information -

    We explain why it’s important to have a plan in place, should you or a loved one become critically ill with coronavirus.

  11. New Emergency Dental Care now available

    News -

    New Urgent Dental Care Centres are being opened to provide emergency dental treatment during the Coronavirus pandemic.

  12. Information about Coronavirus

    Advice and Information -

    Read the latest advice and information from NHS England and Public Health England about the Coronavirus.

  13. Giving thanks to our volunteers

    News -

    Although we can't see our volunteers face to face this week, that doesn't stop us from thanking our Volunteers this Volunteers Week.

  14. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black and Asian people according to latest PHE report. Tell us your experience

    News -

    Share your story to help Kent services learn and improve from the experiences of people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds during COVID-19.

  15. What's the difference between social distancing, self-isolation and shielding?

    Advice and Information -

    Self-isolation, social distancing and shielding are all new terms that have become part of our daily language. Find out what they mean in practice and what applies to you.

  16. Five principles for post-COVID-19 digital healthcare

    News -

    Healthwatch England has published a new report exploring people's experiences of digital and remote healthcare. They have set out five principles for post-COVID19 care to ensure no one is left behind.

  17. New testing location in Kent

    News -

    A new drive through testing facility for Coronavirus opened at Manston Airport in Ramsgate opened this week. This site will join the existing locations in Ashford & Ebbsfleet to increase the number of people who can be tested each day.

  18. New Helpline for Dermatology patients

    News -

    The Dermatology service deals with skin conditions which can include rashes, lesions, lumps on the skin, changes to moles and skin cancer.

  19. Covid-19 vaccine – where are we?

    Advice and Information -

    Scientists all over the world are racing to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus pandemic. The virus causing this disease is called SARS Cov2. A total of 26 candidates are currently in the clinical evaluation stage of development, according to WHO.

  20. When should I get a Covid test?

    Advice and Information -

    With testing hitting the headlines in recent days, and increasing numbers of people trying to get a Covid test, it can be confusing to know when you should, or shouldn’t seek a Covid test.

  21. Will you get a flu jab this year? Start thinking about it now!

    Advice and Information -

    Influenza, or flu, is a viral infection that can cause an unpleasant respiratory illness with symptoms such as fever, exhaustion, and cough. Luckily after a few days in bed most people recover.

  22. Did you know that smoking is a leading cause of accidental fires in peoples’ homes?

    News -

    Kent Fire & Rescue Service are looking to create a new campaign to help people stay safe in their homes.

    Could you be involved? KFRS wants to talk to smokers to understand your thoughts, feelings and experiences.

  23. Did you know that we now have an enhanced NHS 111 service in Kent?

    News -

    When people in Kent, Medway & Sussex call NHS 111 they will now find more experienced clinicians on hand to answer their queries than ever before.

  24. We've been shortlisted for a national award!!

    News -

    Our work to improve wheelchair services in Kent has been recognised at the national Healthwatch England awards

  25. Do you live in Swale? We have your invitation

    News -

    Would you like to get involved in discussion with leaders from health and care in Medway & Swale about what they should do?

  26. Blood tests back at Darent Valley Hospital thanks to your stories

    News -

    We’ve been hearing stories from people in North Kent about huge queues and long waits to get their blood tests done at Gravesham Community Hospital.

  27. Myths about the flu jab

    Advice and Information -

    We've all heard tales about the flu jab that might make us think twice about getting the vaccine. Read on to learn what's real and what's just not true.

  28. Do you use translation or interpreter services when you go to an NHS appointment?

    News -

    The NHS wants to hear about your experience of using translation or interpreter services when you visit the dentist, pharmacy or optician.

  29. Giving blood during a pandemic

    Advice and Information -

    This week we spoke to Rheanna, who shared her experience of giving blood at the start of our second national lockdown.

  30. Healthwatch Kent recognised in national awards

    News -

    Healthwatch Kent has been highly commended at a prestigious national award ceremony for their work to improve the wheelchair service for the 22,000 people who currently use a wheelchair in Kent and Medway.

  31. Get your Vitamin D supplements

    News -

    Did you know that everyone is advised to take Vitamin D supplements every day during the autumn and winter months?

  32. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas

    News -

    Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to share your experience of health and social care this year.

    Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

  33. 2020 : the good bits

    News -

    It wasn't the year that we planned, but thanks to you, we've still managed to make life better for hundreds of people. Check out our highlights