News and reports

New research shows that many NHS trusts are not meeting their legal duty to help people with additional communication needs.

As part of the Healthwatch 'Your Care, Your Way' campaign, we have set out five headline recommendations to help health and care services ensure that people who have communication needs are given their healthcare information in the way they need it.

Between September and November 2021, Healthwatch England submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to over 200 National Health Service (NHS) provider trusts to gather details on compliance with the Accessible Information Standard.

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

Everyone should be given healthcare information in the way they need it. Clear, understandable information is important to help you make decisions about your health and care and get the most out of services.

We joined forces with Parents and Carers Alliance MK (PACA MK) to investigate the experiences of families using CAMHS and Mental Health support for children and young people with autism and special educational needs.

Millions of women in the UK go through the menopause each year, with the majority experiencing 'symptoms that can be severe and have a negative impact on everyday life'.

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.

It's natural to feel anxious or worried if you're told you need a colonoscopy, but it's important to have the test if you are referred.

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

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.

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