1. Equipment Amnesty......get rid of all that clutter!

    News -

    Do you have old equipment at home that you no longer need? Don't know where to return it to?

  2. What people told us about Canada House, Medway

    Report -

    We hear from people all over Medway about community mental health services. Although some of it is positive, the majority are negative stories from people and their Carers. Take a look to see what people have told us about their experiences.

  3. Do you use a wheelchair?

    News -

    We've heard from lots of people about wheelchair services in Medway.
    Do you have a story to share with us?

  4. Healthwatch Medway comments on the CQC rating of South East Coast Ambulance Service

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission has announced today that the ambulance service, which serves Medway, has been rated as ‘Good’ and the Trust will now exit Special Measures.

  5. Talking with PPG groups

    News -

    This week, we took part in a conference to bring together all the Patient Participation Groups across Kent.

  6. What are you doing on Social Prescribing Day?

    News -

    The RBLI are hosting a social prescribing event together with over 35 local service providers coming together to offer practical support for your heath and wellbeing.

  7. State of the Nation by the Care Quality Commission

    News -

    Today the Care Quality Commission have published their State of the Nation report which is their annual assessment of health and social care services across the country.

  8. Safeguarding: How to recognise abuse and neglect

    Advice and Information -

    There are different kinds of abuse and it can happen anywhere. Abuse occurs when someone exploits another person or treats them in a way that harms or hurts them. It can happen once or on multiple occasions.

  9. Tips to reducing your chance of a stroke

    Advice and Information -

    1 in 4 of us will have a stroke in our lifetime, but most can be prevented with a few changes. Here are some tips to help reduce risk the risk of a stroke.

  10. Have you heard that the Clinical Commissioning Groups are going to merge?

    News -

    Currently in Kent & Medway, we have eight Clinical Commissioning Groups who are responsible for commissioning our health services. From April 1st 2020, GPs have voted for all the CCGs to merge into one single Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

  11. Diabetes: What are the signs?

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know, 1 in 2 people with diabetes are undiagnosed! In aid of World Diabetes Day, here are signs of diabetes you should look out for.

  12. Looking after someone? Know your rights

    Advice and Information -

    Across the UK there are seven million unpaid carers supporting a friend of family member. Many people are unaware of their rights as a carer and, as a result, are not accessing the help and support they are entitled to.

  13. What you need to know about the flu

    Advice and Information -

    This article will help you spot facts from fiction about the virus, what symptoms to look out for and how to prevent spreading it around.

  14. Men, how are you out of 10?

    News -

    A club run by the Sunlight Development Trust is here for you to know you’re not alone. 

  15. Calling all gay men in Medway!

    News -

    Medway Public Health and the METRO Charity in Medway are working together to understand more about chemsex and the needs of people who take part.

    Do you have a story to share that could help others?

  16. A better 111 service for Kent, Medway and Sussex

    News -

    Last summer the NHS Commissioners in Kent, Medway and Sussex announced that South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) had been awarded a five-year contract to provide the new NHS 111 and Clinical Assessment Service commencing April 2020.

  17. Information about coronavirus

    Advice and Information -

    Read the latest advice and information from NHS England and Public Health England about the Coronavirus.

  18. Your COVID-19 story

    News -

    We want to hear how the Coronavirus is affecting you and your family. Tell us your story, no matter how small, and we can use it to identify any gaps in services

  19. Your community needs you – NHS call for volunteer army

    News -

    Your community needs you – NHS call for volunteer army

  20. Coronavirus is affecting my mental health – what can I do?

    Advice and Information -

    The current Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic may cause you to feel worried, anxious, or scared. Read our seven steps to looking after your wellbeing while staying informed.

  21. What services are still available during the pandemic?

    News -

    Many of Medway’s health & social care services are still operating albeit in a slightly different way.

  22. Coronavirus Information for Long Term Conditions

    Advice and Information -

    If you, or someone in your family has a long term health condition, it can be tricky to know what to do. We are here to help.

  23. New mental health crisis support Helpline launched in Medway

    News -

    A new 24 hour Helpline has been launched to support people who need urgent help with their mental health in Medway

  24. Planning care at the end of life

    Advice and Information -

    We explain why it’s important to have a plan in place, should you or a loved one become critically ill with coronavirus.

  25. New Emergency Dental Care now available

    News -

    New Urgent Dental Care Centres are being opened to provide emergency dental treatment during the Coronavirus pandemic.

  26. Do you have a friend or relative in a Care Home right now? Can you tell us your thoughts?

    News -

    Since the start of the Covid pandemic, we have been keeping in contact with a number of Medway Care Homes to understand how they are coping during the pandemic. Now we want to hear from people who have a family member in a Care Home right now.

  27. What's the difference between social distancing, self-isolation and shielding?

    Advice and Information -

    Self-isolation, social distancing and shielding are all new terms that have become part of our daily language. But what do they really mean and what applies to you?

  28. How did people cope during lockdown in May?

    News -

    Since the beginning of lockdown, we have been collating feedback from people about how they are coping. Read our report which summarises what everyone told us in May,

  29. New Helpline for Dermatology patients

    News -

    The Dermatology service deals with skin conditions which can include rashes, lesions, lumps on the skin, changes to moles and skin cancer.

  30. Covid-19 vaccine – where are we?

    Advice and Information -

    Scientists all over the world are racing to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus pandemic. The virus causing this disease is called SARS Cov2. A total of 26 candidates are currently in the clinical evaluation stage of development, according to WHO.

  31. When should I get a Covid test?

    Advice and Information -

    With testing hitting the headlines in recent days, and increasing numbers of people trying to get a Covid test, it can be confusing to know when you should, or shouldn’t seek a Covid test.

  32. Will you get a flu jab this year? Start thinking about it now!

    Advice and Information -

    Influenza, or flu, is a viral infection that can cause an unpleasant respiratory illness with symptoms such as fever, exhaustion, and cough. Luckily after a few days in bed most people recover.

  33. Update to visiting at Medway Maritime Hospital

    News -

    Visiting to Will Adams, Jade & Wakeley wards has today been suspended at Medway Hospital.

  34. Did you know that we now have an enhanced NHS 111 service in Medway??

    News -

    When people in Medway, Kent & Sussex call NHS 111 they will now find more experienced clinicians on hand to answer their queries than ever before.

  35. Your invitation to get involved in the planning of health and social care services in Medway

    News -

    Would you like to get involved in the discussion with leaders from health and care in Medway & Swale?

  36. Myths about the flu jab

    Advice and Information -

    We've all heard tales about the flu jab that might make us think twice about getting the vaccine. Read on to learn what's real and what's just not true.

  37. Have your say about 5 GP surgeries in Medway

    News -

    Patients at five GP surgeries in Medway are being asked to let decision makers know what is important to them.

  38. Do you use translation or interpreter services when you go to an NHS appointment?

    News -

    The NHS wants to hear about your experience of using translation or interpreter services when you visit the dentist, pharmacy or optician.

  39. Get your Vitamin D supplements

    News -

    Did you know that everyone is advised to take Vitamin D supplements every day during the autumn and winter months?

  40. 2020 : the good bits

    News -

    It wasn't the year that we planned, but thanks to you, we've still managed to make life better for hundreds of people. Check out our highlights.

  41. Merry Christmas from Healthwatch Medway

    News -

    Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to share your experience of health and social care this year. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

  42. National lockdown : what does it mean for me?

    News -

    To help stop the spread of coronavirus, the government is advising everyone to stay at home from 5 January 2021.

  43. When will I be vaccinated?

    News -

    One million adults in Kent & Medway will be offered the Coronavirus vaccine in the coming weeks and months. When will you get yours?

  44. Testing sites for people with no Covid symptoms

    News -

    Five testing sites across Medway are offering free Covid tests to people working in key professions who don't have any Covid symptoms.

  45. Medway vaccination centres

    News -

    All of us are waiting for the call for our Covid vaccination. Have you had yours yet?

  46. We're raising your vaccine questions directly with decision makers

    News -

    Unsurprisingly we've had lots of calls and emails about the Coronavirus vaccine in recent weeks. We've been able to help some frontline workers get access to their vaccine.

  47. Everyone can now get a Covid test in Medway

    News -

    Testing is now available for all us living and working in Medway if you don't have any Covid symptoms. One in three of us will have Covid with no symptoms so it's really important to get tested regularly to reduce the spread of the virus

  48. Your vaccine questions answered

    News -

    So many of you have been in touch to share your experience of being vaccinated, or to ask questions about the vaccine programme.

    We asked the Head of the Vaccine Programme all your questions, and more.

  49. All adults with learning disabilities are now being offered the vaccine

    News -

    All adults with learning disabilities in Medway are now being offered the vaccine.

  50. Medway Hospital in the news

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission published a report following a recent unannounced visit to the emergency department at Medway Maritime Hospital. Although they found many positives, they’ve asked the hospital to make a number of immediate changes.