1. Healthwatch Network Awards 2019

    News -

    We are pleased to announce Healthwatch Bexley has been recognised and awarded highly commended in the Championing Diversity and Inclusion category at the 2019 Healthwatch Network Awards.

  2. Do you need help getting to hospital?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you travel to your hospital appointments.

  3. BSL Health Directory

    Advice and Information -

    British sign language health videos can be hard to find so we have produced a BSL Health Directory.

  4. GP Access & Quality of Experience for People with Learning Disabilities

    Report -

    This snapshot study seeks to explore the experience of people with learning disabilities when accessing their GP surgery, in addition to the quality of care they receive when accessing the service.

  5. Learning Disability Virtual Big Health Week

    Advice and Information -

    The virtual Learning Disability Big Health Week took placed from 2nd to the 6th November 2020.

  6. Healthwatch England Annual report 2019-20

    Report -

    Since COVID-19 struck, the work of the Healthwatch network to support and listen to local people became more crucial than ever.

  7. Do you know anyone who could benefit from a GP Access card?

    News -

    Previously known as My Right to Healthcare, GP Access cards allow people who aren't registered with a GP practice, have no fixed address or identification to communicate their right to healthcare.

  8. South Asian community members needed for Breast Cancer Care project

    News -

    Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine are looking for South Asian community members living with and beyond breast cancer and their family members or carers to join a public involvement project.

  9. Healthwatch Bexley shortlisted for network award

    News -

    Local health champion is shortlisted for the creation of the South East London Healthwatch Director in major national awards scheme

  10. GP Access For Deaf British Sign Language Users

    News -

    Are you a deaf British sign language user? Please take part in our latest survey.

  11. Where to go for support when you have an eating disorder

    Advice and Information -

    Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that anyone can develop, regardless of age, income and ethnicity. Take a look at some of the common signs of eating disorders and where to go for support if you need help.

  12. Easy Health Website

    News -

    As part of a local project to make easy read information available to patients Bexley Mencap are working with a small number of local GP Practices to test a new website - Easy Health

  13. Improving health outcomes for people with a learning disability

    Advice and Information -

    A new £60,000 scheme to help people with learning disabilities or severe mental illness access GP services digitally has contributed towards Bexley Mencap producing three new education films.

  14. Lost for words – improving access to healthcare for ethnic minority communities

    Blog -

    People with little or no English struggle at all points of their healthcare journey. Our new research shines a light on barriers and delays to care they often experience and calls for equal access for all.

  15. What medical support are you entitled to if you’re new to the UK?

    Advice and Information -

    For new arrivals to the UK it can be confusing where to go if you need medical assistance. Here we outline your rights as a refugee, where you can access emergency help and how to register for a GP.

  16. Does the NHS have to provide an interpreter?

    Advice and Information -

    Do you know about your rights to language support in NHS settings?

  17. The Accessible Information Standard - What you can expect from services

    Advice and Information -

    A year ago the Accessible Information Standard came into force. It requires any organisation providing NHS or social care to communicate in a way that everybody can understand. Here's a reminder of what you should expect.

  18. 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.

  19. Someone I love has died - where can I find support

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.

  20. Coronavirus: What does shielding mean?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out more about shielding, who it applies to, and what to do if you're a shielder.

  21. Coronavirus Local Resources

    News -

    Here's a number of local resources we have pulled together to help Bexley residents through the Coronavirus Pandemic. The list is updated regularly as services and information become available.

  22. How is Healthwatch helping during the coronavirus outbreak?

    News -

    We have been considering guidance from Healthwatch England and working closely with our host organisation, Mind in Bexley, to decide how we can best support people in Bexley during the coronavirus outbreak.

  23. Coronavirus-related scams are on the rise

    Blog -

    The National Trading Standard Scams Team have recently released guidance on how to protect yourself from scams and fraud, and what to look out for.

  24. Dentists and Coronavirus

    News -

    Routine dental care has had to change because of COVID-19, with social distancing rules making it difficult to access services. Here’s some information on how to access an NHS dentist during the pandemic.

  25. Cancer and coronavirus

    News -

    If you have cancer, it’s understandable you might feel anxious about COVID-19. The Government and the NHS have both confirmed that cancer treatment should continue to be prioritised during the response to the COVID-19 emergency.

  26. Local NHS assures patients health services are open and accessible

    Blog -

    The NHS in Bexley is urging patients to continue accessing health services for symptoms and conditions requiring medical care.

  27. 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.

  28. New Guidance: Preventing Infection in Hospitals

    Blog -

    From 15th June 2020, hospital visitors and outpatients need to wear face coverings

  29. Join us and the Care Quality Commission to help shape health and social care services post COVID-19.

    News -

    Help patients, key workers and your community by telling us about a recent experience of health and social care services in Bexley.

  30. The Impact of Covid 19 on Bexley Residents

    Report -

    Our report looks at people's experiences of health and social care during the first few months of lockdown and social distancing.

  31. Are digital consultations working for you during COVID-19?

    News -

    Since the Coronavirus pandemic, many more GP and outpatient consultations are being handled through the phone or online systems, instead of face to face.  Some people find this change easy and convenient, but for others it can create difficulties.

  32. Face coverings: what you need to know

    Advice and Information -

    Later this week, new rules are coming into force in England making it compulsory to wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets.

  33. What you need to know when visiting a care home (updated 8th March 2021)

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at what the guidance around visiting your loved ones in care homes means in practice.

  34. Government launches new obesity strategy

    News -

    Government launches new obesity strategy as country urged to achieve a healthy weight to beat Covid-19 and protect the NHS.

  35. Getting the most out of the virtual health and care experience

    News -

    Using people’s experiences, we have created top tips for both patients, health and care professionals on how to get the most out of digital consultations.

  36. Blood tests during Covid-19

    News -

    Blood tests are currently by appointment only due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing measures

  37. Covid-19 Report Update June- July 2020

    Report -

    Our report looks at people's experiences of health and social care during the Coronavirus pandemic from the beginning of June 2020 to the end of July 2020.

  38. 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.

  39. Government launches new contact-tracing app

    Advice and Information -

    The NHS COVID-19 app has been launched to help notify users if they have come into contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.

  40. Supporting our young people through coronavirus pandemic

    Advice and Information -

    The pandemic has had an impact on all of us. But young people have been hit very hard – with a rise in those troubled by anxiety, loneliness and social isolation.

  41. Covid-19 Report Update August - September 2020

    Report -

    Our latest report looks at how people are feeling and their concerns as life starts to get back to a "new normal". 

  42. Review of Mind in Bexley’s Wellbeing Line

    Report -

    On 1st April 2020 Mind in Bexley opened the Wellbeing Line to offer reassurance, support and advice to those struggling with their mental health during the Coronavirus pandemic.

  43. NHS 111: How do I book a timeslot at A&E?

    Advice and Information -

    From the 1 December you’ll be able to book a slot at your local A&E if you need to by calling NHS 111. Find out what is changing and what it means for you and your loved ones.

  44. Young Persons Signposting Directory

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our new Young Persons Signposting Directory.  It is full of useful information on support services and useful websites.  

  45. Children and Young People's Emotional Wellbeing during Covid-19

    Report -

    Healthwatch Bexley asked young people aged 11-25 years about the impact that Covid-19 has had on their emotional wellbeing with the aim of increasing awareness of support services that are available for young people.