News and reports

In some rural areas, your GP surgery may not only prescribe your medicine but also dispense it, and this is known as a dispensing doctor service.

People from ethnic minority communities across North Yorkshire have shared their experiences of adult social care, including what works well, the challenges they face accessing or using it, and what they would like to change.

Diabetes UK estimates that five million people in the UK are living with diabetes, with 850,000 of them not yet diagnosed.

We reflect on what The King’s Fund says about listening to people’s experiences of the NHS and social care, the future, and the value of Healthwatch.

Following recent reports of meningitis cases in Kent, we have brought together clear NHS advice on the symptoms to look out for, what to do, and when to seek urgent help.

Waiting for planned medical care or surgery can be frustrating. That’s why you should get regular and accessible updates from your healthcare professionals while you wait.

More than a million people have an appointment with their general practice every day in England. Most are satisfied with the quality of care they receive. But there is still much to do to improve public satisfaction with accessing help from their local surgery.

Healthwatch North Yorkshire will be visiting libraries across the county this spring. Come along to share your experiences of health and social care, ask questions, and find information about local services.

Behind every improvement in local care, there are Healthwatch volunteers who help turn real experiences into change.

Behind every improvement in health and care services are the voices of people locally. Volunteers like Sheena play a vital role in making sure you are listened to.

Women say being listened to and taken seriously by healthcare professionals is one of the most important factors in good care, according to new research from Healthwatch England.

Listening to people’s real experiences helps show what accessing health and social care is really like. It highlights inequalities and helps services make practical improvements that better reflect people’s everyday needs.