Safeguarding – it’s everyone’s responsibility to report it if you see it happening No abuse is acceptable. Protecting adults and children at risk is everyone's responsibility. Do not assume that someone else is doing something to help. If you are worried about an adult at risk call Portsmouth City Helpdesk: 02392 680810 If you are worried about a child, contact the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub: 023 9268 8793 For information about safeguarding in Portsmouth, and the work of the multi-agency Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board, visit the Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board website. For information about safeguarding in Portsmouth for children visit Children's Social Care pages safe4me  is a free resource [...]

A survey on the impact of COVID-19 on people living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including Portsmouth and Southampton was conducted in May and June. Hampshire and IOW Covid-19 Healthwatch Survey Report Topics covered included access to information and advice on looking after themselves during the pandemic, access to health services, including mental health services, access to social care and the support that the community provides

Healthwatch Portsmouth undertook research during 2019 and 2020 to find out patient awareness of the new 'GP hub' which provided additional routine and urgent same-day GP appointments between 6.30pm and 10pm at Lake Road GP Surgery.  Please click on the link below to see the report.  Huge thanks go to the co-production team which devised the research project, developed the methodology, carried out the research and wrote the report. Extended Access Service - Healthwatch Portsmouth research 19-20 Extended Access Service research 19-20 Table 1 (graph) Extended Access Service research 19-20 Table 2 (results)  

On Monday 27 th July, Public Health England launched a major new adult health campaign to seize the opportunity for a national reset moment of health.    Better Health Nearly two thirds (63%) of adults in the UK are overweight or living with obesity. The extra weight causes pressure to build up around vital organs, making it harder for the body to fight against diseases like cancer, heart disease and now COVID-19. By reducing our weight within a healthy range, we can cut our risk of being critically ill with COVID-19. To improve health and wellbeing, individuals should aim for a BMI below 25 and above 18.52 National [...]

New ‘standard framework’ for NHS Trusts to use to respond to NHS complaints raised by patients There is now a public consultation out on the Complaint Standards Framework, closing date 18th September 2020    Here is the link to the information https://www.ombudsman.org.uk/csf The Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) has written the framework and will be looking to NHS Trusts to implement nationwide in the way in which it handles NHS complaints made by patients. The PHSO is keen to see as many responses as possible from NHS staff, the public, advocates, everyone. The Liaison Team at the PHSO can also offer remote events for patient or user groups to [...]

Wearing face masks on public transport Advice and Information – 24 June 2020 Update on the new law about wearing face masks when on public transport, and who are exempt from doing so We have heard that local people are experiencing anxiety and facing challenges in regards to wearing face masks or coverings. From 15th June, it has now become the law that you must wear a face covering when travelling in England on a bus or coach, train or tram, ferry or hovercraft or other vessel, aircraft or cable car. All passengers must wear a face covering, unless you are exempt. Exceptions include: not being able to put on, [...]

Wessex Cancer Alliance Patients Survey published June 2020 The survey is an annual review to monitor national progress on cancer care.  The survey provides information to drive local quality improvements. The survey is designed to assist local health care commissioners and providers of cancer care to improve services and to inform the work of the various charities and stakeholder groups supporting cancer patients.