1. Complaints about GPs

    Advice and Information -

    The care you receive from a GP is usually very good and most people don’t have any problems. But occasionally things can go wrong. This page tells you where to start when you want to sort out a problem with a GP.

  2. Help health and social care services recover from COVID-19 #BecauseWeAllCare

    News -

    Two-thirds of people in England say they are more likely to act to improve health and social care services since the outbreak of COVID-19. You can help improve care in Northamptonshire by joining our campaign #BecauseWeAllCare.

  3. The future of health and social care in Northamptonshire workshop report

    Report -

    On the 14 May 2015 Healthwatch Northamptonshire invited the heads of the local health and social care providers to a workshop to discuss the future of health and social care in Northamptonshire.

  4. Getting the most out of the virtual health and care experience

    Advice and Information -

    Working with National Voices, Traverse, and PPL, Healthwatch England put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals.

  5. Northampton Borough and Corby Borough removed from the government watch list

    News -

    Northampton and Corby has now been removed from the Government watch list for Coronavirus this week

  6. Update your first aid kit with the new My Health and Care Directory smartphone app

    Blog -

    People across Northamptonshire can now benefit from quick and easy access to the latest information about local health and care services – thanks to the launch of a brand new smartphone app.

  7. NHS 111 First

    News -

    A new national programme called NHS 111 First, which encourages patients to contact NHS 111 before attending an Emergency Department (A&E) so they can be directed straight to the right service for their needs, is now live.

  8. The way health and care professionals in Northamptonshire use the information they hold about you is changing

    News -

    Local providers of health and social care have a duty to keep complete, accurate and up-to-date information about your care to ensure you can receive the best possible treatment and support.

  9. Community Healthcare for Young People Focus Groups Report

    Report -

    Find out what young people told us about their views and experiences of community health and wellbeing services.

  10. Do you have a long term health condition? Have you had your flu vaccine? If not get in touch with your GP or a local pharmacy.

    Advice and Information -

    For most healthy people, the seasonal flu is mostly unpleasant. However, if you have a serious long term health condition if you have a BMI over 40, you are at particular risk from the more serious effects of flu.

  11. Care Quality Commission

    Advice and Information -

    The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the inspector and regulator for health and adult social care facilities in England.

  12. VoiceAbility

    Advice and Information -

    VoiceAbility provide advocacy for people who need help to have their voice heard and to make complaints to health and social care services.

  13. Countywide services

    Advice and Information -

    Visit the West Northamptonshire Council or North Northamptonshire Council (depending on your location) website to find all services they provide, including adult social care, children and families services, and safeguarding of children and adults.

  14. Do you know anyone who could benefit from a GP Access card?

    Advice and Information -

    Previously known as My Right to Healthcare, GP Access cards allow people who aren't registered with a GP practice, have no fixed address or identification to communicate their right to healthcare.

  15. Step 2 on the government’s ‘roadmap’ back to freedom came into effect Monday

    News -

    From Monday 12 April, residents of Northamptonshire and across England will take Step 2 on the four-step ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown.

  16. Experiences of caring during the coronavirus pandemic

    Report -

    Your feedback from 2020 suggested that more people were providing care to their loved ones during the pandemic and the changes to services had put extra strain on carers. In 2021, we set out to find out more about the experiences of unpaid carers.

  17. Annual Report 2020-2021 - On equal terms

    Report -

    This year has been a very difficult one for everybody. While Healthwatch could not visit health and social care premises, we were still able to investigate the impact of the pandemic on people's access to the services that matter to them most.

  18. Top tips to get the most out of your GP appointment

    Advice and Information -

    Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone. Take a look at these top tips to make the most out of your GP appointment.

  19. GP Data for planning and research collection: what you need to know

    Advice and Information -

    The NHS is making some changes to how it collects and uses patient data. To make sure you're clued up, read some frequently asked questions about the upcoming GP Data for planning and research collection below.

  20. What are your experiences of accessing a GP appointment in Northamptonshire?

    News -

    We want to know about your experiences with accessing GP services in Northamptonshire.

  21. Annual Report 2021-2022 - Championing what matters to you

    Report -

    Our 2021-2022 Annual Report looks at the work that we completed last year whilst still being limited by the new ways of working. Despite the year's challenges we continue to work relentlessly to ensure the public's voice was heard.

  22. Our report on the publics' views about accessing GP appointments in Northamptonshire

    News -

    Healthwatch North and West Northamptonshire created a short survey to ask the public their views on what was working and what could be improved to enhance the accessibility of GP services in the county.

  23. Annual Report 2022-2023 - Together we're making health and social care better

    Report -

    Our 2022-2023 Annual Report is a showcase of the work we completed throughout the last financial year. Read about our year!

  24. Independent Investigation of the National Health Service

    News -

    The NHS report recently published came after a nine-week review by independent peer and surgeon Lord Darzi, who was asked to identify the current failings in the health service.

  25. Have your say to help improve the future of the NHS

    News -

    The government has recently launched the biggest ever conversation about the future of the NHS. See below how you can contribute to an improved NHS.

  26. 10 top tips to get the most out of your GP appointment

    Advice and Information -

    We know from our conversations with the public that some patients report feeling rushed during appointments and struggling to make themselves heard. Here are some tips that could help you get the most out of visiting your GP.

  27. We want to know about the emotional wellbeing of Young Carers’ in Northamptonshire

    News -

    Young Healthwatch Northamptonshire and Northamptonshire Young Carers Service want to find out about the emotional wellbeing of young carers locally.

  28. Seven pieces of information that you should expect to receive after being diagnosed with dementia

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's (NICE) quick guide to discussing and planning support following a dementia diagnosis.

  29. A snapshot of Carers’ views on the impact of Northamptonshire County Council cuts

    Report -

    During the autumn of 2018, Carers’ Voice and Healthwatch Northamptonshire undertook a small piece of work to identify the impact of recent cuts to Adult Social Care by Northamptonshire County Council on carers and those they care for.

  30. Carers' Voice Northamptonshire

    Advice and Information -

    Carers' Voice Northamptonshire has now closed but please contact Healthwatch Northamptonshire with any feedback or Northamptonshire Carers for any guidance or support.

  31. Domiciliary Care Lay Monitoring Pilot Project Report

    Report -

    Healthwatch Northamptonshire has been working in partnership with Northamptonshire County Council on a pilot project to monitor the quality of home (domiciliary) care services.

  32. Local young carers help develop a Commonwealth young carer charter at the East Africa Young Carers Festival 2019

    News -

    Members of Northamptonshire Young Carers and Young Healthwatch Northamptonshire members participated via video link in the East Africa Young Carers Festival 2019.

  33. Free guides available to support the health and wellbeing of carers

    Advice and Information -

    NHS England has co-produced a free guide that provide older people with practical advice to support healthy caring.

  34. New online system to cut Blue Badge application time

    Advice and Information -

    People eligible for Blue Badges can apply in a fraction of the previous time, thanks to a new system in Northamptonshire.

  35. Thank you: Nearly 300 people told Healthwatch Northamptonshire what they think would make health and care better

    News -

    Local people shared their views about how they want local health and care services to improve.

  36. Carers Week pledge

    Blog -

    This #CarersWeek we pledge to connect carers to each other and to information and support with caring.

  37. Young Carers Takeover Project report

    Report -

    Thanks to a Takeover Challenge grant, Young Healthwatch Northamptonshire and Northamptonshire Young Carers Service were able to work together to explore the needs and experiences of young carers.

  38. Anglian Water Support

    Advice and Information -

    If you think you’ll have difficulty paying your water bill, Anglian Water has lots of help and support available to you, from providing flexible and affordable payment plans - to guiding you to external help and benefits.

  39. Organisations that can help with general NHS Complaints

    Advice and Information -

    Organisations that can help with general NHS Complaints and advocacy

  40. Flu vaccinations for Carers

    News -

    Public Health Northamptonshire and Northamptonshire Clinical Commissioning Group are calling on carers to get their free flu vaccine. Having the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and anyone that you care for from flu.

  41. Are you accessible for people with any level of hearing loss?

    Advice and Information -

    Deafconnect is the only charity in Northamptonshire supporting deaf people of all ages. They are continuing to provide support and services throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

  42. Tell us your experiences of caring during the coronavirus pandemic

    News -

    During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic there have been many changes to health, care and support services, which will have affected those who provide informal (unpaid) care to family and friends. We would like to know about your experiences.

  43. Elderly Care: A Guide for Families New to Caring

    Advice and Information -

    SuperCarers (a UK organisation that helps families find the best possible elderly care option) has created a guide for families new to caring for elderly loved ones.

  44. Advice app for Carers

    Advice and Information -

    Agylia Care is a new social enterprise that has recently launched an app and online service for Carers. Agylia Care worked closely with two national charities to introduce this service and make it available free for Carers to use.