News and reports

Our Healthwatch is eight years old this month. Here, CEO Sandie Smith reflects on a unique 12 months. And thanks everyone who has supported us and shared their experiences to help us learn from the pandemic.

The way we use our GP practices has fundamentally shifted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has had an impact on all of us. But young people have been hit very hard – with a rise in those troubled by anxiety, loneliness and social isolation.

Healthwatch Chair Val was delighted to be one of this year's judges at the recent HUC staff awards - celebrating the achievements of staff and teams within our local NHS 111 and out of hours' GP service provider.

As part of LGBTQ+ History Month, Sharron Spindler, Chief Executive of local sexual health charity Dhiverse, tells us that modern treatments make HIV a manageable long-term condition. But outdated attitudes and stigma remain a barrier to diagnosis.