1. Update on access to NHS Dental Services in the Midlands - March 2021

    Advice and Information -

    We are aware that people in Northamptonshire are finding it difficult to access NHS dental treatment and we are discussing the issues with NHS England. The NHS England Midlands Dental Commissioning Team have sent us the following new update.

  2. Update on Coronavirus testing

    Advice and Information -

    Since testing for COVID-19 first became available in Northamptonshire in May last year, the range and volume of testing sites has increased significantly.

  3. 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.

  4. Northampton Prostate Cancer Support Group

    Advice and Information -

    Supporting men with prostate cancer and their families in the Northampton Area

  5. Second dose of the life-saving COVID-19 vaccination is vital for maximum protection

    Advice and Information -

    If you have had the first part of your life-saving COVID-19 vaccination, it’s absolutely vital that you take up the offer of the second part.

  6. COVID-19 Indian variant of concern identified in Northamptonshire

    News -

    In common with many areas of the UK Northamptonshire now has confirmed cases of a variant of concern.

  7. Mental Health Awareness Week: Highlighting partnership working to promote the protection and resilience of young people’s mental health and well-being

    News -

    Public Health Northamptonshire, North and West Northamptonshire Councils and Free2Talk have teamed up to listen to and help with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people’s mental health across the county.

  8. Our strategy and work plan 2021 - 2022

    Advice and Information -

    The Healthwatch North and West Northamptonshire annual plan helps provide commissioners and key stakeholders with an overview of planned activity for the next 12 months.

  9. Step 3 on the government’s ‘roadmap’ back to freedom comes into effect as of 17 May

    News -

    As of 17 May, residents of Northamptonshire and across England will take Step 3 on the four-step ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown, with further freedoms legally allowed.

  10. Twin crisis of access and affordability calls for a radical rethink of NHS dentistry

    News -

    Healthwatch England warns dental care crisis shows no signs of slowing, with four in five people who contacted Healthwatch (80%) struggling to access timely care between January and March 2021.  

  11. Carers Week 2021

    News -

    Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

  12. Stakeholder NHS dentistry and Covid-19 update - June 2021

    Advice and Information -

    We are aware that people in Northamptonshire are finding it difficult to access NHS dental treatment and we are discussing the issues with NHS England. The NHS England Midlands Dental Commissioning Team have sent us the following new update.

  13. Key messages from Northamptonshire's Vaccine rollout

    News -

    Drop-in sessions at the Moulton Park Vaccination Centre have now been extended from ‘evenings only’ to ‘all day’

  14. The importance of two doses of COVID-19 vaccines

    Advice and Information -

    Two doses will give you vital extra protection against the Delta variant which data suggests is between 40% and 80% more transmissible than the Alpha variant

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. Public health remind everyone to keep being Covid safe

    News -

    Public Health officials issue further advice this week as COVID-19 cases fall by 20% across Northamptonshire but hospitalisations rise.

  18. Stay Connected Locality Newsletter August 2021

    News -

    Download and read Northamptonshire's Children's Trust Locality Newsletter

  19. Young people aged 16 and 17 urged to take up the offer of the COVID vaccine

    News -

    Northamptonshire’s 16- and 17-year-olds are being urged to protect themselves and their loved ones from coronavirus by taking up their offer of the COVID-19 jab.

  20. Are you or your loved ones waiting for hospital care? Share you views

    News -

    Millions of people have had their treatment delayed by the pandemic – are you one of them? We want to know if you’re getting the advice, information and support you need while you wait.

  21. What to expect when waiting for care

    Advice and Information -

    Waiting for planned medical care or surgery can be a frustrating time. That’s why it’s so important that while you wait, you get regular, clear and accessible updates so that you can plan your next steps.

  22. An update about our new contract and new Advisory Board members

    News -

    Connected Together CIC has been awarded a new contract to run Healthwatch North and West Northamptonshire

  23. What to do it you are struggling to find a dentist

    Advice and Information -

    It is currently very difficult to find an NHS dentist and the number of people contacting us for help continues to increase. We are raising this issue with health planners at a local and national level and giving people the following advice.

  24. Calls for a recovery plan for NHS dentistry

    News -

    Access to dental care continues to be an issue you are raising with us locally and it is also a national issue that Healthwatch England is working on. Healthwatch England co-signed an open letter addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  25. NHS dentistry and Covid-19 update - November 2021

    Advice and Information -

    Access to NHS dental care continues to be an issue you are raising with us locally, which we have been raising with NHS England. The NHS England Midlands Dental Commissioning Team have sent us the following new update.

  26. Healthwatch England launch the 'Because We All Care' campaign with the CQC

    News -

    Everyone has different experiences of care - Healthwatch England wants to hear feedback on health and social care from everyone. Tell them about your care to make sure services work better for us all.

  27. We have been awarded the Investing in Volunteers accreditation!

    News -

    Healthwatch North and West Northamptonshire have been awarded the Investing in Volunteers (IiV) accreditation due to our volunteers hard work in the community to improve health and social care services.

  28. 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.

  29. Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services in Northamptonshire

    Advice and Information -

    Patient Transport Services (EMAS) provides non-emergency patient transport for people in Northamptonshire.

  30. Annual Meeting 2021-2022

    News -

    Our 2021-2022 Annual Meeting held live via Zoom on November 2nd can now be viewed by the public.

  31. Taking care of Cyber Essentials

    News -

    Healthwatch North and West Northamptonshire are happy to announce that we have been awarded the Cyber Essentials accreditation.

  32. Service for local cancer patients wins top award

    News -

    A cancer service that offers emotional, practical, and financial support to people living with cancer has won a national award.

  33. Kettering General Hospital is looking for a new Non-Executive Director

    News -

    Kettering General Hospital is currently looking to appoint a new Non-Executive Director to its Board of Directors.

  34. Belinda Black has been appointed the Interim Chair of Healthwatch England

    News -

    We are glad to announce that Belinda Black has been appointed as the Interim Chair of Healthwatch England.

  35. Tell us about your experiences with the Corby Urgent Care Centre (CUCC)

    News -

    In February, Healthwatch North and West Northamptonshire will be commencing enter and view visits to the Corby Urgent Care Centre (CUCC) where we will observe the care they provide.

  36. Join us for the Wellingborough sight loss open day

    News -

    Join us on Monday 20th March for the Wellingborough sight loss open day in partnership with the Macular Society.

  37. Our report on the Young People's Health and Wellbeing survey

    News -

    Young Healthwatch Northamptonshire, supported by Healthwatch East and North Northamptonshire, have released their report on young people’s health and wellbeing in East Northamptonshire.

  38. Unannounced visit to Northampton General Hospital Accident and Emergency Department

    News -

    Volunteers from Healthwatch North and West Northamptonshire visited Northampton General Hospital's A&E department unannounced using their statutory power to conduct Enter and View visits on 31st January 2023.

  39. Unannounced visit to the Kettering General Hospital Accident and Emergency Department.

    News -

    Healthwatch North and West Northamptonshire unannounced visit to Kettering General Hospital Accident and Emergency Department

  40. Access to mainstream crisis services for D/deaf and hard of hearing people

    Advice and Information -

    Shout currently provide a 24/7 free text service for times where D/deaf people feel they need immediate support.

  41. 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.

  42. Our Annual Work Plan for 2023-2024

    News -

    Read the HWNW Workplan to find out our planned activity for 2023-2024.

  43. Advisory board meeting minutes 30/01/2023

    News -

    Our minutes from our Advisory Board Virtual Meeting in Public

  44. Community Engagement; Carnival 2023

    News -

    We are proud to share our impactful experience at this year’s Northampton Carnival, which was held at the Racecourse on June 10th 2023.

  45. Public Advisory Board meeting minutes 24/04/23

    News -

    Our minutes from our public Advisory Board meeting held on 24/04/23.

  46. #IWILL Movement

    News -

    We have signed the Power of Youth Charter and joined the #IWILL Movement

  47. Religious holidays and events

    News -

    Please see the below for a guide on all the holidays and observances taking place in 2024