Everyone aged 50 and over will be among those offered a COVID-19 booster and a flu jab this autumn under plans to increase protection against respiratory viruses ahead of winter. WHO WILL GET COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINES? On COVID-19 boosters, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has now published its final recommendations for this autumn’s programme. Under the advice, those eligible for a further dose will be: Residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults Frontline health and social care workers* All adults aged 50 and over Those aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group, [...]

Do you live in Portsmouth?, and are you or members of your family waiting for hospital treatment, like surgery or treatment for another health condition? Would you consider treatment at an alternative hospital in Winchester if it was available? The NHS would like to support people by finding out if an alternative hospital for treatment would be favourable if the waiting times could be reduced. Your participation in this survey would help and inform the decision makers of your wishes. To access the survey, click the link below. https://survey.zohopublic.eu/zs/N7B8Mc

    CQC inspectors visited Portsmouth Hospitals University in April and May, and found overall the Trust retains it's good rating.   Read the full report here: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Inspection Report   In Summary CQC have said: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust retains its good rating, following an inspection by Care Quality Commission (CQC). Inspectors visited the trust in April and May in response to concerns about the quality of services. CQC looked at how well-led the trust was overall, and also inspected urgent and emergency care and medical care (including older people’s care). Following the inspection, the overall rating for medical care remains as [...]

Our Healthwatch Portsmouth Advisory Board Chairperson, Roger Batterbury had a VIP ticket for the University of Portsmouth Graduation Ceremony: Class of 2022 this week, and had a wonderful time. The photo below was from the Faculty of Science and Health, Roger said " I saw nursing students that HWP has taught as part of their course graduating, plus Paramedics, Social Workers and Radiographers graduating too".  Thank you for sharing Roger, it looked a wonderful occasion, and congratulations to all the graduates!

This weeks Independent Living Newsletter has the following interesting topics. Deaths by welfare Seeking refuge The Broken Plate Adult CP - UP Fit notes Claddag crowdfunding Independent Living News 20.07.22 

The NHS  have announced reforms to dental services as a result of you sharing your stories via Healthwatch. Chris McCann, Director of Communications, Campaigns and Insight at Healthwatch England, said: “This announcement shows the power of the voices of thousands of patients who have spoken up in the last few years about their need to see an NHS dentist. The NHS is listening and taking action. The changes will make it is easier for people to see which dentists are taking on new NHS patients. Those with more complex dental problems should also have better access to care because of the shift in how the NHS pays dentists. Ultimately [...]

Due to the high temperatures over the next few days, the South Central Ambulance Service will be under pressure. They have released this guidance regarding 999 calls to reduce waiting and response times for emergencies.