1. Blood tests

    News -

    Hospitals have been told they must cut their demand for blood collection tubes by at least a quarter and GPs must only order clinically urgent tests for the next three weeks, according to instructions issued by NHS England. Read what this means.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. NHS leaders in Sussex ask for public support as reports of abuse against GP practice staff rise

    News -

    Sussex health leaders are asking for the public’s continued support of GP practices – whilst sending a strong message that abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.

  5. Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2021

    News -

    Raising awareness of Breast Cancer

  6. Your views about Patient Transport Services - join us on 13 October

    News -

    We are keen to find out more about what you think about patient transport services in Sussex.  

  7. Patient Transport Services - how your views are helping to reshape services

    Report -

    A year on from our patient survey on Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services, we take a look at what impact our reports have had.

  8. 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.

  9. Get your free flu jab today!

    News -

    The NHS in the Sussex is reminding people with that this year it’s more important than ever for them to have their free flu vaccination.

  10. Survey about COVID-19 booster vaccinations

    News -

    Share your views about the COVID-19 booster vaccination programme.

  11. PRESS RELEASE (28.10.21): Healthwatch Brighton and Hove shortlisted for two prestigious awards

    News -

    Healthwatch Brighton and Hove has been shortlisted for two prestigious national awards which celebrate our volunteer team.

  12. Healthwatch Bulletin - Health, Social Care and COVID-19 (29.10.21)

    News -

    Welcome to our Healthwatch bulletin. This includes an update on the COVID-19 vaccination programme and our regular bulletin on health, social care and COVID data.

  13. 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. Our latest research looks at how the backlog is impacting the lives of those waiting.

  14. People’s views about remote access to appointments during the Covid-19 pandemic – compilation of evidence

    Report -

    Follow our ‘Accessing health and care services – findings during the Coronavirus pandemic’ (October 2020), we have strengthened our understanding of people’s opinions towards remote consultations though a compilation of recent evidence.

  15. People’s views about remote access to appointments during the Covid-19 pandemic

    News -

    Read the latest report presented by Healthwatch Brighton and Hove report on what the peoples opinions are towards remote consultation.

  16. Healthwatch Bulletin - Health, Social Care and COVID-19 (30.11.21)

    News -

    Welcome to our Healthwatch bulletin. This includes an update on the COVID-19 vaccination programme and our regular bulletin on health, social care and COVID data.

  17. Putting good communications with patients at the heart of service change (November 2021)

    Report -

    This Healthwatch report is a summary of a review of patients’ experiences of being referred for an outpatients’ appointment. It showcases the core standards that patients themselves recommend should be applied to all the communications.

  18. Support and services over Christmas and New Year 2021

    News -

    On this page you can find information and links to services over the festive period

  19. Healthwatch Bulletin - Health, Social Care and COVID-19 (24.12.21)

    News -

    Welcome to our Healthwatch bulletin. This includes an update on the COVID-19 vaccination programme and our regular bulletin on health, social care and COVID data.

  20. Where to go for support when you have an eating disorder

    Advice and Information -

    Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that anyone can develop, regardless of age, income and ethnicity. Take a look at some of the common signs of eating disorders and where to go for support if you need help.

  21. Join the week of COVID vaccination walk-ins 14-21 January

    News -

    'A Week of Walk-ins' goes live across our communities from today 14th January 2022.

  22. Share your experience of NHS physical health services for children and young people in Sussex

    News -

    Have your say on physical health services for children and young people across Sussex.

  23. What is The Accessible Information Standard, and what you can expect from services

    Advice and Information -

    The Accessible Information Standard is mandatory for all organisations that provide NHS or adult social care. Here’s some key information about the accessible communications you should expect from services.

  24. Healthwatch helps Brighton patients campaign to increase GP access

    News -

    Healthwatch supports New Larchwood patients to voice their concerns to the CCG & Practice about a reduced service forcing patients to travel on 2 buses to the alternative surgery. As a result, the Practice has promised to recruit staff & extend hours

  25. Cancer Plan - call for evidence. Share your views

    News -

    The government has launched a call for evidence for the 10-Year Cancer Plan. Although descried as a call for evidence, much of it asks for people's views about priorities and their experiences. Share you views.

  26. Share your views on local Mental Health services

    News -

    Share your views on a Mental Health & Housing Plan for the city

  27. Press Release 6th February 2022 - Brighton and Hove praised by Healthwatch England

    News -

    Healthwatch England has published it's 2021/22 report and within that they commended our nationally recognised Hospital Discharge Project - for which we were short listed for an award. Read more.

  28. NHS sets out Elective Recovery Plan

    News -

    With a record six million people currently waiting for hospital treatment, the NHS has set out a plan to address backlogs that built up during the COVID-19 pandemic and tackle long waiting lists for care. Read Healthwatch England's response.

  29. Where to find LGBTQ+ support and resources

    Advice and Information -

    Resources for LGBTQ+ people

  30. Take our LGBTQ+ health and social care survey

    News -

    Healthwatch Brighton and Hove is working in partnership with Switchboard to deliver this project. The purpose of this survey is to understand LGBTQ+ people’s experiences of services such as GP surgeries, hospitals, and to improve feedback systems.

  31. Report: How to deliver personalised end of life care for LGBTQ+ patients (February 2022)

    Report -

    Today, Healthwatch has published a report which looks at how to deliver personalised end of life care for LGBTQ+ patients. The results are from a Healthwatch review of published literature. We have worked with our NHS Trust to examine our findings.

  32. Your Care, Your Way survey - Alternative fomats

    News -

    So you can take part in our campaign Your Care, Your Way, we have created our survey in several alternative formats, including Easy Read.

  33. New advice and support services to help people waiting for treatment in Sussex

    Advice and Information -

    A record six million people are currently waiting for hospital treatment. The NHS has set out a plan to address backlogs that built up during the COVID-19 pandemic and tackle long waiting lists for care.

  34. What do the new government guidelines mean for COVID-19 testing?

    News -

    COVID-19 testing rules have now changed across England. Find out the latest information on where to go to get tested, which test is most suitable for you, and what to do if you get a positive COVID-19 test result.

  35. Healthwatch continues to support our city's COVID-19 Vaccination Enquiry Service

    Report -

    Healthwatch Brighton and Hove volunteers continues to play a big role in supporting the Covid-19 vaccination enquiry line

  36. Lost for words – improving access to healthcare for ethnic minority communities

    News -

    People with little or no English struggle at all points of their healthcare journey. Our new research shines a light on barriers and delays to care they often experience and calls for equal access for all.

  37. British public satisfaction with the NHS lowest in 25 years – our response

    Response -

    More people in England, Scotland and Wales are now dissatisfied (41%) with the NHS than are satisfied for the first time since 2002, according to a report from King’s Fund and Nuffield Trust.

  38. Report: Evaluation of Brighton and Hove’s Equipment & Adaptations Service

    Report -

    Our latest report highlights the views of service users and prescribers, of Brighton & Hove's Equipment and Adaptations Service.

  39. Report: Patient Opinion in East & Central Brighton Primary Care Network (PCN)

    Report -

    Our latest report looks at the how local residents feel about the services they received at the East and Central Brighton Primary Care Network.

  40. Take part in our Mental Health & Accommodation survey

    News -

    Have you ever had or are you currently experiencing mental health issues? Does this apply to a friend or family member? We would like to hear about any mental health support including in your accommodation.

  41. Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

    Advice and Information -

    Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.

  42. Record NHS waiting times - behind every number is someone's story

    Response -

    The latest NHS data shows that a record number of people are waiting for care, although the number of people waiting a year or more has fallen slightly. Read our response.

  43. Healthwatch England chair to step down

    News -

    Sir Robert Francis QC to step down as our chair and from the Care Quality Commission Board

  44. Steps that can help people waiting for NHS treatment

    Response -

    The latest figures from the NHS show that the number of people waiting for NHS treatment has increased by 180,000. Read Healthwatch's response.