1. Registering with your GP: understanding your rights

    Advice and Information -

    People have told us they can have problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what do to if you are refused the right to register.

  2. Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

    Advice and Information -

    Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.

  3. Do you need help travelling to NHS services?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.

  4. 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.

  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. What support can I get as a carer?

    Advice and Information -

    Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to.

  7. How to stay informed while you wait for care

    Advice and Information -

    The wait for planned medical care or surgery can be frustrating. That’s why you must get regular and accessible updates while you wait.

  8. What should I expect after being referred for mental health support?

    Advice and Information -

    Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health.

  9. What is adult social care?

    Advice and Information -

    Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below and find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it.

  10. How to access mental health support if you have gender, sexuality or relationship diversity

    Advice and Information -

    Mental health problems are more common among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people. If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need.

  11. What is Long Covid and what help is available?

    Advice and Information -

    Confused about Long Covid? Find out the common symptoms and how to get support.

  12. Does the NHS have to provide an interpreter?

    Advice and Information -

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

  13. How can you find an NHS dentist?

    Advice and Information -

    Are you having trouble finding an NHS funded dentist? Read our tips on what to do if you’re facing problems.

  14. What the new dental recovery plan means for you

    Advice and Information -

    Are you struggling to find an NHS dentist? The new dental recovery plan might help you get the dental care you need.

  15. What can the Pharmacy First scheme do for me?

    Advice and Information -

    The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. Find out everything you need to know.

  16. Can I access my GP records online?

    Advice and Information -

    From 31 October 2023, GP surgeries must give patients online access to their new health record entries. Find out what information is in your record and how to access it.

  17. Referrals and your right to choose

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know you can choose which hospital you go to when referred for a test, diagnosis, or treatment? Find out how.

  18. What is social prescribing?

    Advice and Information -

    NHS social prescribing link workers can connect you to the right community groups and services to help support you.

  19. What can you expect when you're discharged from hospital?

    Advice and Information -

    The usual processes the NHS follows to discharge you from hospital have changed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you can expect when it’s time to leave hospital.

  20. What help can you get to pay for your prescriptions?

    Advice and Information -

    The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some can afford. Find out what help is out there to help you cover the cost of your medication.

  21. Annual Report for 2014/15

    Report -

    We are proud to publish our Annual Report for 2014/15.

  22. Annual Report for 2015/16

    Report -

    We are proud to publish our Annual Report for 2015/16.

  23. Annual Report for 2016/17

    Report -

    As you can see from the details in this report, this has been another busy year of engagement with people to find out what you think about health and local care services and how they can be improved. There is so much to do!

  24. Annual Report for 2018-19

    Report -

    We are proud to publish our Annual Report for 2018-19.

  25. Annual Report for 2020-21

    Report -

    We are proud to publish our Annual Report for 2020-21.

  26. Annual Report for 2021-22

    Report -

    We are proud to publish our Annual Report for 2021-22 - Championing what matters to you.

  27. Annual Report for 2022-23

    Report -

    It’s been a year of growth and development for Healthwatch Waltham Forest. We are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services in the borough.

  28. Enter & View Report - Elizabeth Ward, Whipps Cross University Hospital, November 2022

    Report -

    The final report for our Enter and View visit to the Elizabeth Ward at Whipps Cross University Hospital in November 2022. It highlights the positive feedback we received on the ward but also the impact that pressures on GP Access and social care are having on hospital services.

  29. Enter & View Preliminary Findings - Elizabeth Ward, Whipps Cross University Hospital, November 2022

    Report -

    These slides outline preliminary findings from our Enter and View Visit to Elizabeth Ward at Whipps Cross Hospital in November 2022. It highlights the positive feedback we received on the ward but also the impact that pressures on GP Access and social care are having on hospital services.

  30. The Experience of GP Services, 01.04.23 - 31.03.24

    Report -

    This annual report is based on the experience of 1,808 people.
    Findings show that the overall sentiment is 68% positive.

  31. The Experience of GP Services: E4 Network PCN, 01.04.23 - 31.03.24

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the E4 Network Primary Care Network (Chingford Medical Centre, Churchill Healthcare, Handsworth Medical Practice, The Old Church Surgery and The Ridgeway Surgery).

  32. The Experience of GP Services: Forest 8 PCN, 01.04.23 - 31.03.24

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the Forest 8 Primary Care Network (Dr Shantir's Practice, Kingshead Medical Practice, Larkshall Medical Centre, Penrhyn Surgery, Sinnott Medical Centre, The Bailey Practice, The Forest Surgery and The Microfaculty).

  33. The Experience of GP Services: Forest Integrated Health PCN, 01.04.23 - 31.03.24

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the Forest Integrated Health Primary Care Network (Crawley Road Medical Centre, Francis Road Medical Centre, Hampton Medical Centre, Lime Tree Surgery, The Allum Practice, The Ecclesbourne Practice and The Lyndhurst Surgery).

  34. The Experience of GP Services: Leyton Collaborative PCN, 01.04.23 - 31.03.24

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the Leyton Collaborative Primary Care Network (Leyton Healthcare, SMA Practice and The Manor Practice).

  35. The Experience of GP Services: South Leytonstone PCN, 01.04.23 - 31.03.24

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the South Leytonstone Primary Care Network (Green Man Medical Centre, Harrow Road GP Practice, High Road Surgery, Kiyani Medical Practice, L.L Medical Care and Langthorne Sharma Family Practice).

  36. The Experience of GP Services: Walthamstow Central PCN, 01.04.23 - 31.03.24

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the Walthamstow Central Primary Care Network (Addison Road Medical Centre, Claremont Medical Centre, Dr RP Dhital's Practice, The Firs Medical Centre and Wood Street Health Centre).

  37. The Experience of GP Services: Walthamstow West PCN, 01.07.23 - 30.06.24

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the Walthamstow West Primary Care Network (Higham Hill Medical Centre, Queens Road Medical Centre, Seymour Medical Centre, St James Medical Centre and The Grove Medical Centre).

  38. The Experience of Health, Care and Community Services, 01.01.24 - 31.03.24

    Report -

    This quarterly report is based on the experience of 1,437 people.
    Overall satisfaction has not changed this quarter (75% positive).

  39. The Experience of Whipps Cross University Hospital, 01.04.23 - 31.03.24

    Report -

    This annual report is based on the experience of 403 people.
    Overall satisfaction for Whipps Cross University Hospital is at 50%, which is marginally lower than the average of 52% for all hospitals within the North East London Integrated Care Board area. The Accident & Emergency department accounted for 38% of all feedback with satisfaction at 42%.

  40. The Experience of GP Services: Walthamstow West PCN, 01.01.23 - 31.12.23

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the Walthamstow West Primary Care Network (Higham Hill Medical Centre, Queens Road Medical Centre, Seymour Medical Centre, St James Medical Centre and The Grove Medical Centre).

  41. The Experience of GP Services, 01.01.23 - 31.12.23

    Report -

    This annual report is based on the experience of 1,570 people.
    Findings show that the overall sentiment is 64% positive.

  42. The Experience of GP Services: Walthamstow Central PCN, 01.01.23 - 31.12.23

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the Walthamstow Central Primary Care Network (Addison Road Medical Centre, Claremont Medical Centre, Dr RP Dhital's Practice, The Firs Medical Centre and Wood Street Health Centre).

  43. The Experience of GP Services: South Leytonstone PCN, 01.01.23 - 31.12.23

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the South Leytonstone Primary Care Network (Green Man Medical Centre, Harrow Road GP Practice, High Road Surgery, Kiyani Medical Practice, L.L Medical Care and Langthorne Sharma Family Practice).

  44. The Experience of GP Services: Leyton Collaborative PCN, 01.01.23 - 31.12.23

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the Leyton Collaborative Primary Care Network (Leyton Healthcare, SMA Practice and The Manor Practice).

  45. The Experience of GP Services: Forest Integrated Health PCN, 01.01.23 - 31.12.23

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the Forest Integrated Health Primary Care Network (Crawley Road Medical Centre, Francis Road Medical Centre, Hampton Medical Centre, Lime Tree Surgery, The Allum Practice, The Ecclesbourne Practice and The Lyndhurst Surgery).

  46. The Experience of GP Services: Forest 8 PCN, 01.01.23 - 31.12.23

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the Forest 8 Primary Care Network (Dr Shantir's Practice, Kingshead Medical Practice, Larkshall Medical Centre, Penrhyn Surgery, Sinnott Medical Centre, The Bailey Practice, The Forest Surgery and The Microfaculty).

  47. The Experience of GP Services: E4 Network PCN, 01.01.23 - 31.12.23

    Report -

    A report covering experience of patients of the GP practices within the E4 Network Primary Care Network (Chingford Medical Centre, Churchill Healthcare, Handsworth Medical Practice, The Old Church Surgery and The Ridgeway Surgery).