Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin Appoints Two New Co-Chairs to Champion Local Voices

Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin is proud to announce the appointment of two new Co-Chairs, a move that reinforces our commitment to amplifying the voices of local residents at a time of national uncertainty. Despite recent announcements regarding the future of Healthwatch, our mission remains unchanged: to be the independent champion for people who use health and social care services in Telford.

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Telford and Wrekin Veterans Health and Wellbeing Survey

Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin often hear experiences from Veterans which indicate some Veterans can find it hard to access the services they need. We are your independent health and social care champion. We make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care.

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Healthwatch Walsall Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment Report

Healthwatch Walsall were asked to engage with the citizens of Walsall to ascertain their views on how Community Pharmacies meet their needs. The PNA is a statutory required document which help Walsall Borough Council assess current and future pharmaceutical needs for the local population.

To read the full report, please click here.

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Healthwatch Warrington Unveils New Report to Improve Children's Oral Health Across the Borough

Healthwatch Warrington Unveils New Report to Improve Children's Oral Health Across the Borough.

Healthwatch Warrington has today released its comprehensive new report, “Tooth & Paste and Beyond: Addressing Oral Health Needs for All Children in Warrington,” shining a spotlight on the challenges local families face when accessing dental care, and highlighting promising community-led solutions.

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ECS partners with Signlive Ltd

We are pleased to announce our partnership with SignLive Ltd, a video relay service designed to assist Deaf clients in aiding communication with ease and confidence.

SignLive enables real-time communication through British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters via video relay. It is completely secure and confidential. SignLive is accessible on smartphones, tablets and computers, making it easy for Deaf clients to consult with our team remotely or in person at our offices.

This marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide equitable advocacy and Healthwatch services for all.

https://lnkd.in/eCwxpyUT

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NHSE sets out specification for ICBs on urgent NHS dental appointments

NHS England has published a national specification and clinical guidelines to support the goal of delivering 700,000 extra urgent NHS dental appointments during 2025-26.

The spec and clinical guidelines define the type of problems that count as urgent as well as stressing that patient access to these appointments shouldn’t be contingent on the practice already having the patient on their books. However we can still foresee issues around ongoing care for people who aren’t attached to a regular practice.

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The impact of waiting for specialist eye care in Walsall

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

Healthwatch Walsall conducted a project to understand people’s experiences of optometry and ophthalmology in Walsall. We asked people about their experience of eye care services in the last two years, including individuals who have in the past or are currently waiting for any specialist eye care treatment.

The survey reveals how waiting for specialist eye care has impacted many aspects of daily life. While some people’s ability to work remained unaffected, nearly two-thirds reported at least some negative impact. Independence was also a challenge, with 38% struggling to live on their own and two-thirds finding household tasks more difficult.

Read the full report here: https://www.healthwatchwalsall.co.uk/sites/healthwatchwalsall.co.uk/files/Healthwatch%20Walsall%20Specialist%20Eye%20Care%20Report%20March%202025%20Final.pdf

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Share for Better Care Week 24 February 2025

Your voice plays a vital role in making service better. 

Recent research shows nearly 90% of people want to see care improve, but 40% are not sure how to give feedback. 

How do I share my feedback?

It's quicker and easier than you might think to complete our online survey

You can talk about any experience of care, in as much or as little detail as you want. It can take as little as three minutes to complete our survey - that's as little time as it takes to boil the kettle!

Every story matter, and every story, good or bad, helps us to understand what works and what could be better when it comes to your care. 

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PLANS FOR NHS HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE: NEWS & REPORTS

REDUCING NHS WAITING TIMES - NEW PLANS

The Government has published its NHS Elective Reform Plan to reduce waiting times for planned hospital care. Their plan sets out how, by 2029, it wants to have 92% of patients receiving a diagnostic test, outpatient appointment or operation within 18 weeks of a GP referral - a target the NHS has not met for the past 10 years. 

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Join our team: Advocate job vacancy is now live!

Advocate needed for a busy statutory advocacy HUB based in Widnes.

Are you looking for a job where your qualities and expertise will make a real difference to people’s lives?

Hoping for a varied, interesting workload as part of a friendly, supportive team? 
If so, then read on!

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