1. Covid-19 Patient Experiences – What can Hertfordshire learn?

    News -

    During the first lockdown, we celebrated the NHS and others who put their own health at risk to deliver what services they could. However, there have been challenges and concerns raised about how patients have been affected.

  2. What can you expect when you’re discharged from hospital?

    Advice and Information -

    The usual processes the NHS follows to discharge you from hospital have changed during the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you can expect when it’s time to leave hospital.

  3. Helping to shape and improve Health and Social Care Services in Hertfordshire

    News -

    Our Annual Report 2019/20 is now published online. The report details the work that we have been doing over the past year to help the patient voice in Hertfordshire and to recommend improvements to health and social care services.

  4. Preventing infection in hospitals

    Advice and Information -

    From Monday 15th June in line with Government recommendations, outpatients and visitors attending hospital must wear a face covering at all times to help prevent the spread of injection and keep everyone safe.

  5. Those with serious conditions should still seek help

    Advice and Information -

    Data has shown that the number of people going to A&E has dropped, prompting concerns that the seriously ill may be staying away because of concerns about catching coronavirus, or not wanting to place additional burden on the NHS.

  6. Advice for parents during coronavirus

    Advice and Information -

    Whilst it is extremely important to follow Government advice to stay at home during this period, it can be confusing to know what to do if your child is unwell or injured. Parents should not delay seeking help or advice.

  7. Essential NHS Services remain available to everyone who needs them

    Advice and Information -

    In line with government guidelines, the vast majority of the public in Hertfordshire are protecting themselves and others from coronavirus by staying at home.

  8. Changes to outpatient activity made in response to Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak

    Advice and Information -

    Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, there have been local changes to the NHS provision of non-essential outpatient appointments.

  9. Restrictions to visitation made until further notice due to the Coronavirus outbreak

    Advice and Information -

    Following national guidance, there have been restrictions placed on most hospital visitation.

  10. Visit to St Albans City Hospital, West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust

    Report -

    The report from our visit to Minor Injuries, Beckett ward and Outpatients at St Albans City Hospital using our legal power to Enter and View.

  11. Changes to hospital discharge in response to Coronavirus

    Advice and Information -

    The Coronavirus outbreak is placing huge press on our local hospitals. So that they can look after patients with acute needs, hospitals are changing the way patients are discharged

  12. Patients with Minor Injuries and Illnesses no longer treated at Lister Hospital as NHS Trust plans ahead

    Advice and Information -

    The Coronavirus outbreak is placing huge pressure on our local hospitals. So that they can look after patients with acute needs, hospitals are changing the way patients are discharged.

  13. NHS 111 First

    Advice and Information -

    To keep urgent NHS services safe and to make sure that they are available for everyone who needs them, an appointment system for urgent and emergency care is being introduced across the country from 1 December.

  14. Temporary change to opening hours for New QEII Hospital Urgent Care Centre due to COVID-19 pandemic

    Advice and Information -

    From today onwards (Monday 11 January), the New QEII Hospital Urgent Care Centre for minor illnesses and injuries in Welwyn Garden City will close its doors to new patients at 10pm every day. It will reopen at 8am every morning.

  15. Covid-19 Patient Experiences – What can Hertfordshire learn?

    Report -

    Our report on people's experiences of health, social care and community support during the pandemic is published today. It contains the views of more than 660 Hertfordshire residents. Find out what people told us.

  16. Meg Carter: Volunteer Interview

    Blog -

    Meg is a Trustee on the Healthwatch Hertfordshire Board.

  17. Survey launched to gain views on end of life care in East and North Hertfordshire

    News -

    Across East and North Hertfordshire, a new survey has been launched to gain vital feedback on end of life care to help improve services and share learnings.

  18. Improving Healthcare Access for Veterans

    News -

    Find out what the veteran community in Hertfordshire told us about their experiences of accessing healthcare.

  19. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has investigated ‘do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation’ decisions made during Covid-19.

    News -

    The CQC said it was unacceptable for any do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions to be made without proper conversations with the individual, or an appropriate representative, taking into account their wishes and needs.

  20. Planning the Future of Mount Vernon Cancer Services for the people of Hertfordshire

    News -

    The review of Mount Vernon Cancer Services is moving into a new engagement stage and project organisers want to hear from you. Find out what is happening now and how you can get involved and have your say.

  21. Covid-19 safety measures stay in place at healthcare settings

    Advice and Information -

    Official message from NHS England - Anyone using or visiting healthcare settings must continue to wear a face covering and stick to social distancing rules.

  22. Health and Social Care Bill moves through Parliament

    News -

    A Health and Social Care Bill was introduced to Parliament in early July.

  23. People living in the poorest areas waiting longer for hospital treatment

    News -

    The King’s Fund and Healthwatch England have jointly called for urgent action to address hospital waiting lists and improve patients’ experience of delays to treatment.

  24. Do you think you get the healthcare you deserve, regardless of race or ethnicity? Share your views and experiences

    News -

    Everybody is entitled to access equal and fair treatment from the NHS. But current ethnic inequalities in healthcare mean this is not always the case.

  25. Healthwatch Hertfordshire has begun work to help end race and ethnic inequalities in local healthcare

    News -

    We have just launched a new project working with local communities and NHS services to improve equality and inclusiveness within the NHS.