News and reports
Latest news and views
Public Urged To Use NHS 111 Ahead Of Doctor Strikes
People across Cheshire and Merseyside are being urged to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs ahead of industrial action by resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors).
News
What Do You Think Of The Live Well Directory
Live Well helps residents and professionals find local health, wellbeing, care, and community services and other information. They are conducting this survey to better understand how the directory is currently being used, how well it meets your needs,…
News
Measles is on the increase in Cheshire & Merseyside
Measles is an infection that spreads very easily. It can cause serious illness in some people and, in rare cases, can spread to the lungs or the brain. Babies and pregnant women are at increased risk of harm. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to…
News
St Helens Mind Launch New Male Mental Health Programme
St Helens Mind have received some funding to create a Men's Suicide Prevention group aimed at 18-30 year old men.
News
Consultation Launched On Proposed Changes To Fertility Treatment Policies In Cheshire And Merseyside
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB) has launched a six-week public consultation on proposed changes to local fertility treatment policies, running from 3 June – 15 July 2025.
Currently, there are ten separate policies for Cheshire and Merseyside, which means that eligible people have varying access to NHS-funded fertility…
News
Book your blood tests
Please see attached new poster including new website information for patients wishing to book a blood test appointment on-line.
News
Open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Healthwatch St Helens joins 131 local Healthwatch to oppose Government plans to undermine independent public voice.
News
Count Me In – Involving Patients And Service Users In Mental Health Research
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust has launched Count Me In, an innovative new approach to research. The aim is to increase the number of patients and…
News
We're Still Here for You
The Government has announced that it wants to change the law to:
1. Transfer the work of Healthwatch England to the Department of…
1. Transfer the work of Healthwatch England to the Department of…
News
Latest reports and publication
GP Access Survey - The views of St Helens Residents - June 2025
A total of 488 residents in St Helens participated in the survey. The survey revealed both challenges and successes in how GP services are provided, shedding light on real-life challenges with phone queues, online booking systems, and the 8am appointment scramble.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board commissioned the nine Healthwatch organisations to assess how recent changes to GP services are functioning in practice—and to ensure public feedback plays a key role in shaping future improvements.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board commissioned the nine Healthwatch organisations to assess how recent changes to GP services are functioning in practice—and to ensure public feedback plays a key role in shaping future improvements.
Find out more
The views of Cheshire and Merseyside Residents on GP Access - June 2025
A new report has been published from 9 local Healthwatch across Cheshire and Merseyside from 6,944 people in how their GP services are provided.
Find out more
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