Healthwatch Southend

04/11/2026

We visited Welcome 2 the UK in Southend to deliver a session on navigating NHS services — covering Pharmacy First, minor illness treatment, and how to find the right care when you need it. It was a privilege to support people learning English and settling into the community. Read more about our visit and the resources we shared: https://wix.to/M4vCRDz

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Welcome 2 the UK, a charity based in Southend that supports people to learn English, settle into the community and access the help and support they need.During our visit, we delivered an informative session about navigating NHS services, helping people to und...

03/11/2026

Good news: Healthwatch is here to stay. The Government has confirmed Healthwatch England and all local Healthwatch organisations will continue—so Healthwatch Southend will keep championing your voice in health and care. Read how this affects our work and what’s next for local services: https://wix.to/DrR5HEw

We are pleased to see the Government's announcement that Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch will not be abolished, as previously proposed eighteen months ago.This means Healthwatch Southend, alongside all 150+ local Healthwatch organisations and our national body, Healthwatch England, will co...

28/10/2026

https://news.comms.essex.icb.nhs.uk/0D4B10C9F1141D23F9945DA6CBE72267BF65F90C054741DF8366467B56CAFA0D/3C44A2580074A896F6A98F8F35306C6C/VIB?utm_source=e-shot&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Share+your+experience+of+Patient+Transport+in+Essex+survey

NHS Essex is inviting people who use Patient Transport, as well as relatives and carers who support someone using the service, to share their experiences through a short survey.

26/10/2026

Live well age well drop in and meet some of the support services in Southend

20/10/2026

New Report from Healthwatch Southend published following an enter and view visit to Southend Hospitals Eye Clinic.

We spoke to patients and visitors and made recommendations for improvements for patient experience. A representstive from the eye clinic responded to these recommendations. You can read the full report here: https://www.healthwatchsouthend.co.uk/report-how-was-your-experience-at-southend-hospital-s-eye-unit

20/10/2026

A&E departments are often very busy at this time of year. Knowing where to go for help means you can get the right care and helps emergency teams focus on those who need them most.

For urgent medical problems that are not life-threatening, such as minor burns, sprains or cuts, search for or call NHS 111. They can direct you to the right service. You may also be able to get help at a minor injuries unit.

If someone’s life is at risk, for example, if they may be having a stroke or heart attack, or are struggling to breathe, call 999 immediately.

Not sure where to go? Search online or call NHS 111.

A&E departments are particularly busy at this time of year. Knowing where to get help can help you access the right care and support emergency teams to treat those who need them most.

For urgent medical problems that are not life-threatening, such as minor burns, sprains or cuts, NHS 111 can direct you to the most appropriate service. A minor injury unit may also be able to help.

If someone’s life is at risk, including a suspected stroke or heart attack, or severe difficulty breathing, call 999 immediately.

Unsure where to go? Search or call 111.

12/10/2026

Are you eligible for a NHS winter flu jab? find out by clicking the link below.

Essex adults with long term conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are being urged to get their free flu jab to prevent serious illness or even death. UK Health Security Agency estimates the flu vaccination prevented around 104,000 hospital admissions and 7,100 deaths in England last winter.....

09/10/2026

ADHD Awareness post - read about some of the ways this can affect people of all ages and how to access support.

https://www.healthwatchsouthend.co.uk/adhd-awareness-breaking-the-barriers-to-support

07/10/2026

'Pride in Place Shoeburyness is a £20 million Government programme helping local people shape the future of the area. The Board is now developing its Investment Plan and wants to make sure as many voices as possible are heard.

They are particularly keen to hear from more young people, but the survey is open to everyone with a connection to Shoeburyness, including residents and people who work, or visit the area.'

The improvement of services and facilities for this area of Southend has the potential for positive impact on health and wellbeing - have your say.

Find out more and have your say at https://yoursay.southend.gov.uk/pride-in-shoeburyness

Pride in Shoeburyness
SAVS

01/10/2026

NHS Essex ICB have published a media release for the planned improvements of several Southend GP surgeries. Read more in the link below

https://www.healthwatchsouthend.co.uk/planned-improvements-to-gp-surgeries-in-southend