1. Your vote determines our priorities

    News -

    All this week we are asking people to get involved in our campaign #YourChoiceOurPriority where we give you the power to choose our priorities for the year.
    Over the 7 days we will be asking you to vote for what you think we should prioritise.

  2. You have chosen our priorities and we have listened

    News -

    Over 7,800 saw our vote and hundreds of you voted, so thank you!

  3. Focus on nursing care at home on the Isle of Sheppey

    Report -

    On the Isle of Sheppey, 700 people receive nursing care at home from Virgincare. We wanted to hear what their experience was like.

  4. What did people tell us about being discharged from hospital in East Kent?

    Report -

    Over 190 people shared their experience of being discharged from the three hospitals in East Kent in 2018.

  5. State of the Nation by the Care Quality Commission

    News -

    Today the Care Quality Commission have published their State of the Nation report which is their annual assessment of health and social care services across the country.

  6. Feedback from people with Asthma

    News -

    Today we chatted with people about what it is like to have Asthma and how things could be improved

  7. We ensure your voice is heard for the future of Extra Care Housing

    Report -

    When you get older, you may need to have care in your home. Many people consider moving into Extra Care Housing which ensures you have your own home but care and support is available should you need it. We wanted to know what you may want.

  8. 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.

  9. Have you been looked after by the community nursing team?

    News -

    Do you have ideas about what could be improved about the nursing care that you receive at home? Your questions could help inform what researchers should focus on.

  10. Coronavirus: What does shielding mean?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out more about shielding, who it applies to, and what to do if you're a shielder.

  11. What is adult social care?

    Advice and Information -

    Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below and find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it.

  12. Are you under 18, live in East Kent or Swale and have a long term health condition?

    News -

    This is your chance to speak up.

    The NHS want to hear from you because they want to improve the way your care is organised and co-ordinated.

  13. New idea to support older people and people with disabilities in Kent to live better at home

    News -

    A new project is being developed by Kent County Council to help support people with disabilities as well as older people in Kent to stay in their own homes and communities.

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

    News -

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

  15. 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?

  16. Have you had a baby recently?

    News -

    What was it like giving birth? Could your experience have been improved?

    Share your story and give feedback.

  17. Apollo 11: What medical milestones have happened since?

    News -

    Saturday 20th July 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of man landing on the moon. It was considered a huge milestone for science and mankind, but what big turning points have happened medically since then?

  18. Press Statement : East Kent maternity

    News -

    Healthwatch Kent comments on the Maternity services in East Kent.

  19. Healthwatch Kent comments on the National Review of Maternity Services in East Kent

    News -

    Today a national enquiry has been launched into maternity services in East Kent.
    We have already been in touch with East Kent Hospitals to discuss the review and will be fully involved in the process going forward.

  20. Healthwatch Kent comments on the Care Quality Commissions report on East Kent Hospitals

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission have published the results of their inspections to Accident & Emergency departments at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and QEQM Hospital in Margate. Both departments have been rated as 'Requires Improvement'.

  21. East Kent Hospitals publish their maternity strategy

    News -

    East Kent Hospitals have published their maternity strategy which outlines how they plan to improve the care they offer to parents and new-born children.

  22. New initiative to support women with mental health issues during pregnancy and after birth.

    News -

    Up to 20% of women develop mental health problems during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth. Many more experience mild mood changes. Partners may also experience poor mental health.

  23. Healthwatch Kent comments on the Kirkup Review

    News -

    Today the Government has published the outcome of the Kirkup review following an independent investigation into management and care provided by the maternity and neonatal services at East Kent Hospitals.

  24. Supporting joined up and equal social and health care provision and access

    News -

    Healthwatch Kent works to improve the experience of being a Kent resident regarding social needs, health and wellbeing. To do this we support the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) which are the NHS organisation form that replaced Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in 2022.

  25. 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.

  26. 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

  27. 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.

  28. New Corona Helpline launched in Kent

    News -

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

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. New Emergency Dental Care now available

    News -

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

  32. We want to hear from more people about lockdown. Could you help?

    News -

    It’s really important that we hear how people are coping right now. We can ensure that your feedback can inform emergency planning and help organisations to plan how to get back to 'normal'.

  33. Do you know someone who is helping to look after someone?

    News -

    Many people might normally be caring (albeit informally) for a neighbour or family member. For example, they may usually collect a prescription or do the shopping for someone. They may cook a hot meal for someone regularly.

  34. What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?

    Advice and Information -

    If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help.

  35. How did people cope during lockdown in April?

    Report -

    Since early April, we have been listening to people's stories about lockdown. We wanted to understand how they have been coping.

  36. 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.

  37. Do you have a friend or relative in a Care Home right now? Can you tell us your thoughts?

    News -

    This month our spotlight is on Care Homes, as we gather feedback from residents, families and Care Home staff about how Kent’s Care Homes are coping and what lessons have been learnt. We want the positive stories as well as what could be improved.

  38. 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.

  39. How did people cope during lockdown in May?

    Report -

    Since the beginning of lockdown, we have been collating feedback from people about how they are coping. Read our report which summarises what everyone told us in May.

  40. Becoming a carer for the first time in the middle of a pandemic

    News -

    Many people have found themselves looking after someone during lockdown for the first time in their lives. This is never a planned life event and would be hard even during ‘normal’ times.

    Catherine talked to us about her experience.

  41. 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.

  42. Tough decisions facing Kent County Council

    News -

    This week, the Council announced it was facing a £40 million shortfall in its budget.

  43. Kent Care Homes & Covid : The Reality

    Report -

    Today we are publishing a report detailing feedback from 204 Care Homes across Kent. The report shares what it has been like during COVID-19 and what lessons have been learnt.

  44. Kent Care Homes & Covid : The Reality

    News -

    Today we are publishing a report detailing feedback from 204 Care Homes across Kent. The report shares what it has been like during COVID-19 and what lessons have been learnt.

  45. 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.

  46. How did people cope during lockdown in June?

    Report -

    Since the beginning of lockdown, we have been collating feedback from people about how they are coping. Read our report which summarises what everyone told us in June.

  47. According to Department of Health and Social Care there are some exemptions to when you do not need to wear a face covering

    Advice and Information -

    In settings where face coverings are required in England, there are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering.

  48. 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.

  49. 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.

  50. Listening to pharmacists

    News -

    During Covid, we have heard about the challenges people had getting their prescriptions, particularly in the early days of lockdown. We have shared that feedback directly with the Local Pharmacy Committee and now we want to hear from pharmacists too