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News -
The NHS national booking system (NBS) is now open for eligible people to book their spring COVID-19 booster for free, from 22 April until 30 June 2024 -
Report -
We engaged with patients and staff at Elgin Clinic to gather feedback on service accessibility and provided recommendations to the GP Practice based on this feedback. -
Report -
We engaged with patients and staff at Doctor Hickey Surgery to gather feedback on service accessibility and provided recommendations to the GP Practice based on this feedback. -
Report -
We engaged with patients and staff at Grand Union Health Centre to gather feedback on service accessibility and provided recommendations to the GP Practice based on this feedback. -
News -
Senior NHS doctors in England have accepted an improved pay deal from the government after months of striking. Read our response. -
Advice and Information -
If English is not your first language, have you used emergency or urgent care services? Did you know that the London Ambulance Service provides language support over the phone and on-scene?
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Advice and Information -
If you, your child, your parent or someone you care for are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency you can now contact your local crisis service by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option -
News -
Our new data suggests that people are increasingly avoiding booking NHS appointments or taking up prescriptions because of the cost-of-living crisis. Find out more about the support available to help you cover NHS treatment costs -
News -
This year, Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place between Monday 29 April to Sunday 5 May 2024, with World Maternal Mental Health Day 2024 on Wednesday 1 May -
News -
This year, Deaf Awareness Week will take place from the 6th to the 12th of May, with the theme of Celebrating Love and Trust. The aim of the week is to shed light on the challenges that the deaf community face and educate others on how they can support them. -
News -
We recently hosted a discussion, in partnership with the Advocacy Project, to understand how patients would like to access their GP and allow them to share their experiences. -
News -
Today marks the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week which is taking place from 13 to 19 May, with the theme of “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”. -
Advice and Information -
Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving. -
News -
Every month, we come together with our host organisation The Advocacy Project and Brent Councillor Ketan Sheth to host a topical discussion about building better health equalities. Previous topics have included children and young people's mental health, food inequality and hidden addictions. -
News -
A public consultation evaluation report on the proposed changes to acute mental health services for residents in Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea has recently been published. We have summarised the main findings below. -
Response -
The Government has launched a consultation on the NHS Constitution, which sets out your rights as an NHS patient. Read why it's important to have your say. -
Advice and Information -
After recent meetings allowed Healthwatch to share and reflect on patient safety concerns, we developed an intermin escalation process. Read about it and our longer-term plans here. -
Advice and Information -
June is Pride month and we have compiled a list of resources for people looking to access LGBTQ+ support groups, information, and helplines throughout the month and beyond. -
News -
Every month, we come together with our host organisation The Advocacy Project and Brent Councillor Ketan Sheth to host a topical discussion about building better health equalities. Previous topics have included children and young people's mental health, food inequality and hidden addictions. -
Advice and Information -
In the run-up to the general election on 4 July 2024, we would like to share information about the voting rights of mental health patients and those living with intellectual disability. -
News -
This week is National Blood Week, with World Blood Donor Day celebrated on 14 June 2024 under the theme of “20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!” -
Advice and Information -
Every year, Men’s Health Week is celebrated to raise awareness about the unique health challenges faced by men and promote strategies for better physical and mental well-being. -
Advice and Information -
This year, Learning Disability Week is taking place from Monday 17 - Sunday 23 June 2024. The theme this year is "Do you see me?" which is all about being seen, heard and valued -
News -
New research by The Eve Appeal, the UK’s leading gynaecological cancer charity, reveals a lack of understanding about cervical screening and why some don’t attend. Find out more below. -
Advice and Information -
Refugee Week, the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking asylum, is taking place from 17th to 23rd June. -
News -
During Carers’ Week 2024, the Central and North West London NHS Trust launched their first Carers’ Charter for unpaid carers. Read more about it below. -
Advice and Information -
Junior doctors will be on strike from 7am on Thursday 27 June until 7am on Tuesday 2 July. Read below to find out how you can get support during this period. -
Blog -
During Volunteers’ Week, we ran a competition inviting volunteers to share with us what volunteering means to them. Take a look at their inspiring entries! -
Report -
Our annual report for 2023/2024 is now out! -
Report -
Understanding how people in Westminster feel about vaccination and other winter health proposals -
Blog -
Healthwatch Westminster is your local health and social care champion, helping people across Westminster to raise their voices about the issues that matter to them. But what have we actually achieved over the past year? Our annual report was published today and gives you the opportunity to look deeper at our work. -
Blog -
In October 2023, Healthwatch Westminster received funding from the North West London Integrated Care System (ICS) to speak to residents about keeping well over the winter – including by distributing resources and promoting positive health messaging. Our report presents an overview of our findings and the recommendations we proposed to tackle key challenges in Westminster, such as vaccine hesitancy. -
News -
We are pleased to share that The Advocacy Project, our host organisation, has appointed Katherine Shaw as the new Chief Executive, taking over from interim CEO Donna Covey. -
Report -
In this project, Healthwatch Westminster explores the mental health needs and experiences of Westminster's homeless community. -
How is Healthwatch Westminster addressing the mental health needs of homeless people in the borough?
Blog -
We recently conducted a project to explore the mental health needs of Westminster's homeless communities, specifically their experiences with or access to primary mental health treatment services. Our report presents an overview of our findings and the recommendations we proposed to meet the mental health and wellbeing needs of homeless groups. -
Advice and Information -
The NHS is planning to employ more physician associates. Find out about their role, the care that they can provide you with and how this differs from doctors’ responsibilities. -
News -
Pop up hubs – including local libraries and community spaces situated around the borough of Westminster – continue to be transformed into vaccination spots so that residents of all ages can get vaccinated against Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR). -
Advice and Information -
With the temperatures expected to rise over the next few weeks, we would like to remind you about how to look after yourself and your loved ones during this time. -
Blog -
Join us on Friday 30 August as we invite service users, service providers, and individuals with lived experiences to co-produce ideas on how we can support homeless people in accessing the care they need. -
Blog -
In partnership with The Advocacy Project, we invited the renowned poet and author Michael Rosen on 29 July to share his experience with ill health and overcoming various challenges. Following this event, we’re so excited to introduce our 2024 poetry competition Survivor Stories, which will be judged Michael himself. -
Advice and Information -
Sexual health is an important, and sometimes overlooked topic when it comes to health. Read below to find out how you can take care and protect your sexual health. -
Blog -
On Thursday 25 July, we held a focus group with Age UK clients on the subject of GP access. This was an opportunity for residents to share their feedback about accessing primary care services and for us to offer them advice and information. -
News -
We are looking forward to Notting Hill Carnival which is taking place on Sunday 25 and Monday 26 August 2024! The carnival is known for celebrating the rich Caribbean culture in London through music, dance, and culture. We wanted to share some information about how to keep well and enjoy the event. -
Advice and Information -
Summer can be challenging for those concerned about their body weight and appearance. To support mental health, we are providing information on available resources. Find out more below. -
Response -
On Thursday, 1 August, the British Medical Association announced that GPs in England have voted in favour of collective action in protest of limited funding increases. Read Healthwatch England's response. -
Report -
We recently collaborated with Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea to conduct a project exploring patient and carer experiences with intermediate care services provided in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. -
Blog -
We recently collaborated with Healthwatch Kensington & Chelsea to conduct a project exploring patient and carer experiences with intermediate care services provided in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. -
Report -
Information about how we run our Advisory Board -
Report -
Our patient experience reports give a snapshot of what we're hearing from local people. -
News -
Pop up hubs – including local libraries and community spaces situated around the borough of Westminster – continue to be transformed into vaccination spots so that residents of all ages can get vaccinated against Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR).