1. 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.

  2. New Emergency Dental Care now available

    News -

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

  3. Do you know someone who is helping to look after someone?

    News -

    Many people might normally be caring (albeit informally) for a neighbour or family member. For example, they may usually collect a prescription or do the shopping for someone. They may cook a hot meal for someone regularly.

  4. We want to hear from more people about how they are coping during lockdown. Could you help?

    News -

    It’s really important that we hear how people are coping right now. We can ensure that your feedback can inform emergency planning and help organisations to plan how to get back to 'normal'.

  5. What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?

    Advice and Information -

    If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help.

  6. Read how people coped during lockdown in April

    News -

    Since early April, we have been listening to people's stories about lockdown. We wanted to understand how they have been coping.

  7. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black and Asian people according to latest PHE report. Tell us your experience

    News -

    Share your story to help Medway's services learn and improve from the experiences of people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds during COVID-19.

  8. 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?

  9. How do I make a complaint about the NHS?

    Advice and Information -

    The NHS complaints process was paused during the Coronavirus pandemic, but from today NHS England has advised NHS hospitals and services that unless there are exceptional circumstances, their complaints processes must restart.

  10. 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,

  11. 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.

  12. According to Department of Health and Social Care there are some exemptions to when you do not need to wear a face covering

    Advice and Information -

    In settings where face coverings are required in England, there are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear a face covering.

  13. Visiting allowed at Medway Hospital

    News -

    For the first time since March, visitors are once again allowed onto some wards at Medway Maritime Hospital.

  14. Would you be willing to help Medway Hospital design better online services?

    News -

    With so many more hospital appointments being held online, Medway Maritime Hospital are looking to bring together a group of patients to help design and improve their digital services.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. Listening to pharmacists

    News -

    During Covid, we have heard about the challenges people had getting their prescriptions, particularly in the early days of lockdown. We have shared that feedback directly with the Local Pharmacy Committee and now we want to hear from pharmacists too.

  18. How helpful has your GP website been during Covid?

    Report -

    During Covid, we've heard from hundreds of people about how they have been coping. Many people have talked to us about the difficulties they've had to see their GP with many surgeries offering telephone or online appointments.

  19. How have Medway residents coped during Covid?

    Report -

    Ever since March, we have been gathering feedback from Medway residents about how they have been coping.

  20. Update to visiting at Medway Maritime Hospital

    News -

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

  21. 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?

  22. Infection control session cancelled

    News -

    Earlier this week we shared details about an event organised by Medway Maritime Hospital about infection control. We've just heard it has had to be cancelled.

  23. 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.

  24. How are you coping?

    Report -

    Every month, we share with you the stories that we're hearing from people in Medway about how they are coping

  25. Giving Care Homes a voice : what has it really been like for Care organisations in Medway during Covid?

    Report -

    Throughout the pandemic, we have been talking to Care Homes across Medway to understand how they are coping.

  26. Pharmacies & Covid : The Reality

    News -

    We have today published a joint report with Healthwatch Medway detailing feedback from 101 pharmacies across Kent and Medway. The report details what it has been like during COVID-19 and what lessons have been learnt.

  27. Visiting restricted at Medway Maritime Hospital

    News -

    Medway Maritime Hospital has updated it's visiting rules as we move into a second lockdown.

  28. How are you doing in lockdown 2.0?

    Advice and Information -

    As we all face another lockdown and uncertain times ahead, please remember that there is support is available to you, and your family, during lockdown 2.0

  29. Put your questions to the Governors at Medway Maritime

    News -

    If you've got a burning question about Medway Maritime Hospital, but didn't know who to ask, then here is your opportunity.

  30. Did your child miss their flu vaccine at school?

    News -

    If your child is aged 5 - 11, and missed their flu vaccine at school then there is a solution.

  31. Giving blood during a pandemic

    Advice and Information -

    This week we spoke to Rheanna, who shared her experience of giving blood at the start of our second national lockdown.

  32. What did you tell us in October?

    Report -

    Every month during the pandemic, we have been sharing with decision makers what life is really like for you right now.

  33. What does Tier Three mean for me?

    News -

    With numbers of Covid patients on the increase, and the news today that Medway will move into Tier Three restrictions next week, it's a good time to remember to look after yourself.

  34. Could you help with mass testing in Medway?

    News -

    With Medway in Tier 3 and Covid numbers rising, the Government has announced that mass testing will be offered to Tier Three areas.

  35. 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?

  36. Making life a little bit easier for Personal Assistants

    News -

    In November, we shared an insight into how Personal Assistants were coping during the Covid pandemic.

  37. How are our hospitals coping?

    News -

    It's no secret that Kent & Medway's hospitals are under extreme pressure right now due to increasing numbers of Covid patients.

  38. When will I be vaccinated?

    News -

    The last few days have brought great hope to us all as we've watched the first Medway residents get vaccinated against Coronavirus.

  39. How did people cope during November?

    Report -

    Every month during the pandemic, we have been sharing with decision makers what life is really like for you right now.

    In November, you talked to us about a whole range of issues. Key themes are:

  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. How to get an NHS dentist appointment during COVID-19

    Advice and Information -

    We’ve heard from hundreds of people since the pandemic started with questions about how to get a dentist appointment or emergency dental care. Here are some of the answers.

  45. 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.

  46. COVID-19 vaccine: what you need to know

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look about what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme including how you will know when it's your turn, where to go, and why it's important.

  47. Medway vaccination centres

    News -

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

  48. 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.

  49. 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

  50. I couldn’t get there fast enough!

    Advice and Information -

    How does it feel when you get your vaccine call up? This week we chatted with Lesley whose had her first Covid vaccine.