News and reports

Listening to the voices of patients, families, and frontline staff is essential to improving healthcare. That’s why Healthwatch North Northamptonshire conducted an Enter & View of paediatric services at Kettering General Hospital—bringing together real experiences to inform meaningful, practical recommendations for the future.

Staying well isn’t just about treating illness—it’s about preventing it. An NHS Health Check is a simple, free way to understand your health and reduce your risk of serious conditions before they develop.

If you’re aged 40 to 74 and don’t already have certain long-term health conditions, this check could provide valuable insight into your future health—and practical steps to protect it.

Knowing where to go when you need medical help can make a real difference—not only to your own care, but also to how quickly emergency services can respond to those in greatest need. Choosing the right service helps you get the right treatment faster and ensures that critical resources are available for life-threatening situations.

This guide explains when to use NHS 111, when to visit Corby Urgent Treatment Centre, and when to go to A&E or call 999.

Residents across North Northamptonshire are being encouraged to take advantage of a wide range of vaccinations now available through a convenient mobile healthcare unit. Designed to make healthcare more accessible, this service offers walk-in appointments at various locations—making it easier than ever to stay protected against serious illnesses.

Mental health support in North Northamptonshire is designed to meet people where they are—whether they are looking to maintain their wellbeing, need someone to talk to, or require urgent help. Understanding what services are available and when to use them can make it easier to reach out with confidence. This guide outlines the different types of support available locally and nationally, helping you choose the right option based on your needs.

People who are Deaf, Deafblind or hard of hearing across Northamptonshire can now access dedicated information and advice through RJ Community CIC, the new service commissioned to support the local Deaf community.

Following changes to previous provision, RJ Community CIC is now the main point of contact for individuals seeking guidance, support and connection. The service officially took over from 1 April and is focused on ensuring that people continue to receive accessible, inclusive and meaningful support.

Healthwatch North Northamptonshire is sharing important information from local NHS partners to help residents understand how to access urgent dental care and what to do if you need treatment quickly.

Access to NHS dentistry remains a key concern for many people locally. Knowing the right steps to take if you are in pain or need urgent care can help you get the support you need as quickly as possible.

Healthwatch North Northamptonshire is highlighting important information from Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) about upcoming resident doctor strike action, scheduled from 7am on Tuesday 7 April until 6:59am on Monday 13 April. NHS services across the area are preparing to manage the impact, with patient safety remaining the top priority.

We would like to inform residents in North Northamptonshire of an important change to local support services. Deafconnect, a long-established service supporting Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and Deafblind people, will be unable to continue delivering the service beyond 31 March. We understand the impact this may have on individuals who relied on this service, and we want to reassure you that alternative support is available.

Recent headlines have brought meningitis back into public focus following a cluster of cases in Kent. While this has understandably caused concern, it is important to emphasise that the outbreak has been localised and effectively managed, with no evidence of widespread transmission beyond the affected area. Health authorities report that cases have stabilised, suggesting the situation is contained and the wider public risk remains very low.

Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. If you're an unpaid carer, find out more about the help and support you are entitled to.

As the number of flu cases rise, we have put together some useful information so you are aware of how you can take care of yourself this holiday season and also when to seek medical attention.