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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 3h

Just three minutes of your time can make a huge difference to improving services in your area. Let us know what is or isn’t working in our short, confidential survey. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

Have you recently had a healthcare experience you'd like to share?

We want to hear from you!

Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 1d

Contrary to evidence that men are reluctant to attend services, our research shows an overwhelming support for a prostate cancer screening programme. https://bit.ly/4gZbf85

"The willingness of men to take part in a national prostate cancer screening offers the NHS a chance to engage with men and narrow health inequalities."

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 1d

Our new research shows most men will come forward for prostate cancer screening, if it were available. We're calling on government to consider men's views when reaching a decision on whether to introduce a prostate cancer screening programme. https://bit.ly/4gZbf85

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 2d

Think there is no power in your feedback? Don't believe it can make a difference to services? We want to show you this isn't the case. Check out some recent examples of how your feedback made a difference - www.healthwatch.co.uk/our-impact

Your feedback can lead to change and help make care better for everyone

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 3d

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year the aim is to highlight the importance of preventing breast cancer before it starts. If you're invited to a screening - don't put it off, it might save your life. Find out more and how to book - www.nhs.uk/breast

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 6d

October marks Black History Month and it gives us the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. The theme serves as a tribute to the strength and commitment of everyone today and throughout history from the Black community.

Black History Month 2025

This year's theme "standing firm in power and pride" asks us to remember the ongoing struggle for equality and justice of Black people and their communities.

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 7d

From October 1, everyone who is eligible can get their NHS COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

You can book an appointment via the NHS App, your local GP practice, online or by calling 119.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/

Eligible people can now get their autumn COVID-19 and flu vaccines online or via the NHS app

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 8d

Navigating the world of health and social care services can be daunting. We want to help you get the care you need, with helpful, straightforward advice. Take a look at our advice articles - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information

We can help you to find reliable information about health and social care services.

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 9d

September is #SickleCellAwarenessMonth. People with sickle cell often need regular transfusions to stay well. The best match often comes from a donor of the same ethnicity.

Learn more and sign up: https://www.blood.co.uk/

Sickle Cell Awareness Month
September 2025
Be the giving type - book now at blood.co.uk
Save lives, give blood.

Image description - five people from ethnic minority backgrounds proudly showing their arms and the plaster from giving blood.

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 10d

Thanks to your feedback, we advocated for NHS England to publish better data to highlight and address inequalities in people's experience of waiting for NHS treatment - https://bit.ly/4nhPO4h

"Understanding who is waiting longer for hospital treatment is the first step to addressing inequalities and making sure everyone has the same access to care."

Louise Ansari, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 13d

Did you know that pharmacies provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Find out how they can help you.
https://bit.ly/46s7tyW

Promotional poster by Healthwatch listing conditions that a pharmacy can treat, including sinusitis, earache, yeast infections, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The text is set against a white background with pink and green decorative swirls.

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 14d

Today is World Pharmacists day. Have you heard of the The Pharmacy First scheme? It means patients can now get prescription-only treatment for conditions at a pharmacy, without needing to see their GP. Find out more. https://bit.ly/4gxYst9

Graphic for World Pharmacists Day showing a mortar and pestle superimposed on a globe, with the text "Think Health Think Pharmacist" and the date "25 September."

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 16d

Prevention and early intervention can be life changing for people as well. However, we have heard that too often barriers, like poor information and inaccessible services mean these opportunities are missed. Find out more. https://bit.ly/4nlpMNu

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 17d

You are more likely to need a transplant one day, than you are to being a donor. You can choose to donate some or all your organs and tissue, and you can amend or withdraw a registration at any time. Register today. https://bit.ly/39i6X9Q

An NHS promotional image urging viewers to register as organ donors, with text stating 'Someone will die today waiting for an organ transplant' and information on how to join the NHS Organ Donor Register at organdonation.nhs.uk.

Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 20d

Everyone in England can register with the GP surgery, or change their GP surgery for free. Find out how you can register and what information they will need from you in our article - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-09-03/how-register-gp-understanding-your-patient-rights

What do I need to register with a GP?

You will be asked for your name, date of birth and address.

You do not need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 21d

Our research shows that only 59% of men are aware of the NHS health check, despite the fact that it can help prevent and detect life-threatening illness. We are calling for better awareness of the health check - https://bit.ly/46ngJEE

Graphic from Healthwatch calling for a national campaign to raise awareness of the NHS health check, targeting men.

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 21d

The Men's Health Strategy is a crucial opportunity to get the NHS health check right and prevent thousands of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2025-09-18/time-get-serious-about-mens-nhs-health-checks

Healthwatch poster stating that the new Men's Health Strategy prioritizes improving outcomes for men with cardiovascular disease.

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 21d

Local authorities are required to invite all adults aged 40-74 without a long-term condition for an NHS health check every 5 years. Our research, published today, shows that many men are missed - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2025-09-18/time-get-serious-about-mens-nhs-health-checks

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 22d

Today is World Patient Safety Day - dedicated to ensuring safe care for every newborn and child. This year emphasises the need to act early and consistently to prevent harm throughout childhood. Be your child's safety champion. Stay informed, stay involved and speak up.

Why is safe health care for children so important?

Children face higher risks - even small errors can cause lifelong harm.

Children need care that fits their age, weight and development.

Children can't speak up - they rely on adults to keep them safe.

Safety takes teamwork - families and health workers working together.

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 23d

The Pharmacy First scheme means patients across England can now get prescription-only treatment for seven common conditions at their local high street pharmacy - without needing to see their GP. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-08-18/what-can-pharmacy-first-scheme-do-me

The Pharmacy First Scheme

Under Pharmacy First the following conditions can now be treated by your local pharmacist, without needing to see a GP.

Sinusitis (for patients aged 12 years and over only)
Sore throat (aged 5+)
Earache (aged 1 year-17)
Infected insect bite (aged 1 year+)
Impetigo (aged 18 years+)
Shingles (aged 18 years+)
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 24d

You can now book your flu and Covid-19 vaccine online or via the NHS App if you’re eligible.  Appointments will start from 1 October. 

You don’t need to wait to be invited. Find out more and book now: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/

Eligible people can now book their autumn Covid-19 and flu vaccines online or via the NHS app

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 27d

Summer's over and the holidays can feel like a distant memory! September can leave many feeling stressed or struggling to cope. If this sounds familiar check out the BBC's article with 5 science-backed ways to manage stress and stay in control - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg42zq7nqxwo

Stress is normal

But it's important to know how to manage it and stay in control

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 28d

Just three minutes of your time can make a huge difference to improving services in your area. Let us know what is or isn’t working in our short, confidential survey. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 28d

Today the latest waiting time statistics have been published and show that progress across elective care, cancer diagnosis and A&E treatment targets has stalled. Read our response showing the challenge ahead. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2025-09-11/our-response-new-hospital-waiting-list-data

“Keeping people informed and giving them help while they wait can make a huge difference. We urge the NHS to ensure that communication with those on waiting lists includes a clear update on their situation and an offer of support where needed.”

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 29d

This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, we're sharing an important message from @samaritans.bsky.social: if you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care. To find out how, visit samaritans.org/WSPD

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