News and reports

Healthwatch engaged Herefordshire communities to raise awareness of health and social care research and promote how people can get involved.

Cervical screening, previously known as a smear test, saves over 4,000 lives every year in the UK. However, some women find it uncomfortable, so it's important to know what support is available and what adjustments you can request.

Lord Darzi’s Independent Investigation of the NHS highlights the NHS's problems but presents a chance for change.

At Healthwatch Herefordshire our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission to improve health and social care services for everyone in Herefordshire. Read volunteer Muriel's story and find out how she is making a difference in her role as a Wellness Watcher.

As our 10,000 Stories initiative gets well underway across Herefordshire, we talk with Simone Thompson - Herefordshire Together Program Manager about where the idea came from and what it’s all about.

The British Medical Association has announced today that GPs will start capping appointments in an immediate work-to-rule action following a dispute over funding levels. Read Healthwatch England's response.

A poll of 1,504 working-age disabled adults found that 28% have never accessed social care or other support despite potentially being eligible. We call for a fully funded, long-term plan to reform social care.

Read all about the project work, activity, impact and engagement of the Healthwatch Team.

Hear Our Voices is a way for people with a learning disability and their supporters to get together in a relaxed environment. These events bring together people who like speaking up and explore ways that they can make a difference and help build confidence, connections and skills.

The Research Engagement Network 2 (REN2) project seeks to establish a health, wellbeing and care participation function and resource for Herefordshire. This interim report provides an overview of the Phase 1 REN2 activities and presents the findings from the focus groups involved, emphasizing the value and importance of co-production and public participation.

Healthwatch Herefordshire were commissioned by Taurus Healthcare in May 2024 to carry out a 6-week public consultation on a proposed change to the urgent out of hours GP service in regards to moving the service to a new location in Autumn 2024. This report details the findings of that consultation.

Welcome to this year's Annual Report for 2023-2024 which provides an overview of our work and highlights some of our key projects and the impact of our work over the past year.