1. Annual Report 2020-21

    Report -

    Welcome to our 2020-21 Annual Report. The last year has been unlike any other.

  2. COVID-19 vaccine round-up: access, attitudes and experiences

    News -

    Thousands of people shared their experiences of the COVID-19 vaccine. Find out what you told us and how we made sure your views were heard.

  3. YiS Feedback Forum Report

    Report -

    YiS wanted to make sure that the services being offered to young people were aligned with what young people need and delivered in the way young people want.

  4. Read the latest e-alert from the HWMK team

    News -

    Our latest e-alert contains all the latest Healthwatch Milton Keynes news, and information about local and national health and social care related issues.

  5. How can we manage hospital waiting lists caused by the pandemic?

    News -

    NHS services across the UK have faced unprecedented pressures due to COVID.

  6. Managing your mental health as lockdown eases

    Advice and Information -

    The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may cause you to feel worried, anxious, or scared. Read our tips to looking after your wellbeing.

  7. "I really need to see a dentist but none are taking on new patients!"

    Advice and Information -

    Getting to see a dentist, both for routine and emergency treatment, is a real problem in Milton Keynes right now.

  8. NHS patients, staff and visitors must continue to wear face coverings in healthcare settings

    News -

    Restrictions are lifting today, but if you're accessing or visiting healthcare settings across MK, or the rest of the UK, you must continue to wear a face covering and follow social distancing rules.

  9. Change to COVID restrictions across England

    News -

    From 19 July, restrictions are easing in England but some recommendations will stay as COVID cases are still rising.

  10. Non-UK nationals are entitled to free COVID vaccines at walk in clinics

    Advice and Information -

    We have heard reports that some overseas people have been refused the vaccination at walk in centres in Milton Keynes.

  11. Holistic welfare checks part of updated hospital discharge guidance

    News -

    The Government has recently updated national hospital discharge guidance, taking on board key recommendations from Healthwatch England. Take a look at what the improvements mean for you.

  12. Q&A session highlights from our AGM

    News -

    Q&A session highlights from our AGM on 21 July 2021.

  13. Vaccinations for children aged 12-15

    Advice and Information -

    A small number of children and young people with underlying chronic conditions are at increased risk of serious COVID-19 disease.  

  14. 16 - 17 year olds will be offered the Pfizer vaccine

    News -

    The Government announced yesterday that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to all 16 and 17 year olds.

  15. Bronchiolitis – keeping your baby well this Autumn/Winter

    News -

    Milton Keynes University Hospital is launching a campaign to help parents to keep their babies well by minimising the risks of bronchiolitis and helping them to give the most appropriate care to their little ones.

  16. Your views helped improve non-emergency patient transport services

    News -

    NHS England has published a new report outlining changes to non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS) and broader NHS transport support. Take a look at what the changes mean for you and your loved ones.

  17. Vaccine boosters for people with severely weakened immune system

    News -

    New COVID vaccination guidance has been outlined for anyone who has a severely weakened immune system.

  18. What should I expect after being referred for mental health support?

    Advice and Information -

    Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health.

  19. How your pharmacist can help you.

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know that pharmacies provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Take a look at how they can help you.

  20. Are you or your loved one waiting for hospital care? Tell us your story.

    News -

    Millions of people have had their treatment delayed by the pandemic – are you one of them? We want to know if you’re getting the advice, information and support you need while you wait.

  21. What to expect when waiting for care

    Advice and Information -

    Waiting for planned medical care or surgery can be a frustrating time. That’s why it’s so important that while you wait, you get regular, clear and accessible updates so that you can plan your next steps.

  22. What should happen when you're diagnosed with dementia

    Advice and Information -

    Being diagnosed with dementia can be a big shock, and it can be hard to know what to do next. Take a look at our guide to find out what support you should receive.

  23. New patient info leaflets for NHS services in Milton Keynes

    News -

    Want to understand more about the NHS services available to you in Milton Keynes? These two patient information leaflets are a great place to start.

  24. Blood test equipment: how the shortage may affect you

    News -

    There is currently a global shortage of vials used for blood tests - and the NHS in England and Wales is advising of disruption to blood testing.

  25. Have you taken part in MK's More Life weight management programme?

    News -

    If you have, then More-Life and the Open University would like to hear your feedback.

  26. Your self-care toolkit this Autumn/Winter

    Advice and Information -

    As the nights begin to draw in and seasonal colds and flu increase, the NHS are providing information on how treat certain illness and ailments from the comfort of your own home.

  27. Practical advice if you're caring for a loved one with dementia

    Advice and Information -

    We often hear from people who are trying to access the right care and support for their loved one who is living with dementia.

  28. COVID vaccines for 12-15 year olds: how it works

    News -

    This autumn all children aged 12 to 15 years are being offered the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.

  29. Children and young people: what to expect from your healthcare

    News -

    When babies, children and young people access healthcare, it is important that their experience is as positive as possible.

  30. People living in the poorest areas waiting longer for hospital treatment

    News -

    The King’s Fund and Healthwatch England jointly call for urgent action to address hospital waiting lists and improve patients’ experience of delays to treatment.

  31. Ashby House Care Home: Enter and View Report

    Report -

    We carried out an Enter and View visit of Ashby House, a residential care home in Milton Keynes. Here are our findings and recommendations
    .

  32. Your guide to adult social care in Milton Keynes

    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.

  33. Have your say on IVF options and gluten-free prescribing in Milton Keynes

    News -

    Our local clinical commissioning group (CCG) have merged with those in Luton and Bedfordshire. This will mean changes to some services.

  34. Broomfield Care Home Enter and View

    Report -

    We carried out an Enter and View visit of Broomfield residential care home in Olney, Milton Keynes. Here are our findings and recommendations.

  35. Becket House nursing home Enter and View report

    Report -

    We carried out an Enter and View visit of Becket House nursing care home in Milton Keynes. Here are our findings and recommendations.

  36. Waiting lists are inevitable. It's how we manage them that matters.

    News -

    A record-breaking 5.7 million people are waiting for hospital care. In response, the Government is spending an extra £5.9 billion to tackle the problem. Latest Healthwatch research looks at how the backlog is impacting the lives of those waiting.

  37. Support for children after sexual harm: SASH

    News -

    SASH provides specialist support that's tailored to the needs of children and young people living in Milton Keynes.

  38. Waterhall Care Home: Enter and View report

    Report -

    We carried out an Enter and View visit of Waterhall care home in Milton Keynes. Here are our findings and recommendations.

  39. Bringing radiotherapy closer to home

    News -

    Every two minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer and radiotherapy is often a key treatment for many patients.

  40. What do you think of pharmacy services in MK?

    News -

    Milton Keynes Council wants to hear what you think of our local pharmacy services.

  41. Young Minds 13-25: what needs to change?

    News -

    We know that our young people are struggling right now, and something needs to change.

  42. Changes to social care: what does it mean for me?

    News -

    Find out what's in the Government's new social care plan and what it means for future care.

  43. Covid booster jab booking system opens to over-40s in England

    News -

    People aged 40 and over in England can now book their booster jab for three months after their second dose.

  44. Vaccine advice for pregnant women this Winter

    Advice and Information -

    New data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has provided further evidence for the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy.

  45. Neath House: Enter and View report

    Report -

    We carried out an Enter and View visit of Neath House care home in Milton Keynes. Here are our findings and recommendations.

  46. Boosters open to anyone over 18

    News -

    From Monday 13 December, boosters are open to every adult over 18 who has had a second dose of a COVID vaccine at least three months ago.

  47. Pharmacy opening times this Christmas

    Advice and Information -

    Pharmacy opening times in MK will change slightly over the festive season.

  48. Recovery of NHS dental care too slow to help thousands left in pain

    Report -

    Lack of access to NHS dentistry has intensified as an issue for people over the last 18 months. The latest Healthwatch England research is a stark reminder that it is an issue decision-makers must react to now, to protect our health.

  49. Statement from CQC on visiting care homes

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have responded to concerns that some care homes are not properly following COVID visiting guidelines.

  50. A guide to your local health services in Milton Keynes

    Advice and Information -

    With all the different ways to access health services, it can be confusing to know the best place to go - especially right now.