1. Nearly a fifth confess to knowingly using A&E for non-emergencies

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    Nearly a fifth confess to knowingly using A&E for non-emergencies.

  2. Taking public concern about data sharing to NHS England

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    Despite a nationwide mail-out campaign, people are still largely in the dark about plans to share their personal medical records, according to reports we have received.

  3. Local patient voice short changed by 10 million pounds

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    Our analysis shows that around a quarter of the £43.5 million made available by the Department of Health to fund local Healthwatch has failed to materialise in local Healthwatch accounts.

  4. Local people being cut out of decision making about their health services

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    The way decisions are made about local health services is changing. Early indications from local Healthwatch suggest that this is resulting in the public feeling less able to have their say.

  5. NHS complaints data is just ‘tip of the iceberg’

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    Our new analysis of complaints data shows that over half a million incidents of poor care across NHS went unreported in last two years

  6. Bringing the voice of consumers to Parliament

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    Healthwatch from across England share their concerns in Westminster to make sure people can have their say about changes to health services in their area.

  7. More reassurance needed about how medical records are being used by government

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    We share our views on government plans to provide medical researchers and NHS managers with access to people’s personal medical records.

  8. Renewed efforts required to create compassionate complaints system

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    Our new report highlights the complexity of the process someone needs to follow to make a complaint about their health or social care service.

  9. Using people’s views of good complaint handling to improve experiences

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    New joint report highlights what people can expect when making a complaint about health and social care services.

  10. Don’t blame patients for the bed crisis

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    New figures show a significant increase in the number of delayed transfers of people between hospitals, care homes and community services. We look at what people are telling Healthwatch about their experience.

  11. Those who witness poor care being denied right to complain by NHS

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    New research shows 1 in 3 of hospitals across England are turning away concerned citizens wishing to report incidents of poor care that they have witnessed.

  12. NHS steps up a gear to get people home for Christmas

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    People waiting to leave hospital are discharged more quickly and efficiently in the run up to Christmas than at any other time of year.