1. News -

    The findings come from the latest NHS England statistics for 2023.
  2. Blog -

    One of the most rewarding things about being part of the Healthwatch network is seeing improvements to health and care services that are a direct result of listening to patients, acting on their feedback and involving them in solutions to problems.
  3. News -

    New HWE research shows that in the past year, access to primary care is the main concern for patients across England.
  4. News -

    We’re collaborating with local partners to reduce the risk of medication errors for patients receiving at-home care from family or official carers.
  5. News -

    As a direct result of your feedback, Milton Keynes City Council’s Housing Team have made changes to their policy on Social Housing Allocation.
  6. Advice and Information -

    Many of us will need out-of-hours medical assistance, especially over the winter. Using NHS guidelines, we've put together some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.
  7. Advice and Information -

    Did you know Volunteer Responders can help you access support and services such as collecting prescriptions and shopping delivery?
  8. News -

    Healthwatch England have set out recommendations for NHS decision makers across ten key areas, in their report, 'The public’s perspective: The state of health and social care'.
  9. News -

    Each month we run a ‘Let’s Talk’ discussion group for local women of all ages, to
    explore experiences of specific women’s health issues.
  10. Advice and Information -

    James* contacted us after being referred for physio following an injury. James has a severe hearing impairment.
  11. News -

    Our team will be taking a well-earned break over Christmas.
  12. Advice and Information -

    Did you know you can choose which hospital you go to when referred for a test, diagnosis, or treatment? Find out how.
  13. Advice and Information -

    Long wait times for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) support can have a severe impact on individuals. We look at what people have already told the Healthwatch network.
  14. News -

    A new team at Milton Keynes University Hospital that combines professionals across health and social care, will now give residents increased support after a stay in hospital.
  15. Advice and Information -

    We may be more connected than ever through our smartphones and digital tech, but loneliness and feelings of isolation are affecting children and young people.
  16. News -

    If you have lived, personal experience of health conditions including PCOS or endometriosis, you could play a vital role in NHS Confederation research.
  17. Advice and Information -

    Here's how to get the care you need over Christmas and New Year.
  18. Advice and Information -

    From 31 October 2023, GP surgeries must give patients online access to their new health record entries. Find out what information is in your record and how to access it.
  19. News -

    Homeless people have worse mental and physical health than the general population. Healthwatch England have carried out research that shows the issues facing homeless people when they try to access the health and social care they need.

  20. Advice and Information -

    DAFS (Drug and Alcohol Family Support) are a grass roots voluntary service who support and empower families of people who are living with drug and/or alcohol addiction.
  21. Advice and Information -

    The East of England Gambling Service is free and run by the NHS. It offers support to anyone in Milton Keynes affected by gambling.
  22. Report -

    We carried out an Enter and View visit of Caton House care home. Here are our findings and recommendations.
  23. Report -

    We carried out an Enter and View visit of Bletchley House care home. Here are our findings and recommendations.
  24. News -

    Measles vaccination rates are at a ten-year low as cases rise nationwide. Find out about measles, who can get the vaccine, and what you can do to stay safe.
  25. News -

    In July last year, Healthwatch England (HWE) published their findings of experiences you shared about trying to get cancer care. Thanks to this insight, the NHS has simplified their process so people can better understand what to expect.
  26. News -

    Some residents in Milton Keynes are being invited to a free lung health check. If you're eligible, you'll get a letter in the post or a text message.
  27. News -

    We are proud to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for a national award for our work helping to improve care for local people.
  28. Advice and Information -

    Waiting lists for Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) can be very long, so you may be looking for additional support whilst you wait.
  29. Advice and Information -

    Heavy periods can have a severe impact on daily life for many women.
  30. Report -

    We carried out an Enter and View visit of Devon Lodge care home. Here are our findings and recommendations.
  31. Advice and Information -

    Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men: 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer. If you’re over 50, or you’re black, or your Dad or brother had it, you’re at even higher risk. More than 10,000 men die from prostate cancer every year in England.
  32. News -

    Under a new plan published this week, it's hoped that people will start to benefit from more NHS dental appointments over the next year.
  33. Advice and Information -

    The new Pharmacy First scheme means your local pharmacy can treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. Find out everything you need to know.
  34. News -

    ‘Share for Better Care’, a new campaign launched by Healthwatch, aims to help address health inequalities across England.
  35. News -

    Are you struggling to find an NHS dentist? The new dental recovery plan might help you get the dental care you need.
  36. Report -

    Read the minutes from the August 2023 Board of Trustees meeting.
  37. Report -

    Read the minutes from the November 2023 Board of Trustees meeting.
  38. News -

    Have you seen your GP, or tried to make an appointment, in the last 12 months? If so, we'd like to hear about it.
  39. News -

    We've been commended at the National Healthwatch Impact Awards this week for helping to improve care for local D/deaf people.
  40. Advice and Information -

    Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone. Take a look at our top tips to make the most of your GP appointment.
  41. Advice and Information -

    How can I get the most out of my next visit to the dentist? Take a look at our tips to help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you understand your treatment and how much it will cost.
  42. Report -

    We carried out an Enter and View visit of Blakelands Hospital. Here are our findings and recommendations.
  43. News -

    Recent BBC figures show that waiting times at Milton Keynes University Hospital are the longest in England.
  44. News -

    In Milton Keynes, we're lucky to have plenty of green space to enjoy.
  45. Advice and Information -

    This weekend, 29 March - 1 April 2024, is the bank holiday Easter weekend, which means some opening times for pharmacies in Milton Keynes may be different to normal.
  46. News -

    Find out more about the Milton Keynes ACTIVATE study.
  47. Advice and Information -

    Autistic people in Milton Keynes can now get a better understanding of what to expect from screening appointments and other common NHS experiences, thanks to videos produced by Autism Bedfordshire.
  48. Advice and Information -

    The service supports adults and children with a sensory loss in Milton Keynes.
  49. Report -

    We carried out an Enter and View visit of Lathbury Manor care home. Here are our findings and recommendations.
  50. News -

    These are the projects and health issues that we'll be working on over the next 12 months.