News and reports

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.

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.

According to the Guardian, the past week has seen an average of 2,660 patients a day in an NHS hospital bed with flu. A significant increase from 1,717 last week. By comparison, in the same week last year the number of patients in hospital with flu stood at 1,861, compared with 402 in 2023.

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a life-changing event, but knowing what support is available to you and what steps to take next can help you or a loved one process the diagnosis and plan for the future.

ADHD and autism are two neurodiversity conditions that present in contrasting ways. In Healthwatch England's recent research they heard from people who were diagnosed with, or suspected they had, both conditions. They talked to Healthwatch England about the impact of being diagnosed with both conditions.

The Government has published its NHS 10-Year Health Plan for England. Read our response.

The Government has announced measures to improve women's experiences with cervical screening. Booking screening should be easier, and lower-risk people will attend fewer appointments. Read our response.

A new approach to care is making dementia support better for people in Suffolk, after those with the condition, their families and carers shared their experiences with Healthwatch Suffolk.

People who have a sensory impairment or a learning disability continue to face difficulty communicating with services. Read our latest blog.