News and reports

Our E-bulletins let you know what we have been up to and highlights both local and national health and care updates and opportunities.

The needs assessment conducted by The Polish Family Association (PFA) and Healthwatch Merton, focuses on the Polish and Eastern European (EE) community, aimed to investigate the disparities in healthcare for these populations within the Borough of Merton.

The needs assessment conducted by The Polish Family Association (PFA) and Healthwatch Merton, focuses on the Polish and Eastern European (EE) community, aimed to investigate the disparities in healthcare for these populations within the Borough of Merton. The assessment engaged 176 individuals attending PFA services through surveys alongside five focus groups and two in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals.

Our new briefing provides the first geographical breakdown of pharmacy closures in England.

Healthwatch England's report unpacks women's experiences of cervical screening and sets our recommendations for healthcare leaders.

Cervical screening, previously known as a smear test, saves over 4,000 lives every year in the UK. However, some women find it uncomfortable, so it's important to know what support is available and what adjustments you can request.

The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. Find out everything you need to know.

What are physician associates? Find out about their training and what kind of care they can provide.

Healthwatch Merton Annual Report (2023-2024)

We would like to thank everyone who helped us to put people at the heart of health and social care.

NHS England is promoting a public consultation about changes to the treatment centre for children with cancer that serves South West London. They want the service to move from its current location at the Royal Marsden Hospital, citing safety concerns. Some patients of current service users disagree with this decision and say that the service should remain where it is.

Healthwatch Merton Annual report (2022-2023)

We would like to thank everyone who helped us to put people at the heart of health and social care.

After recent media coverage; Pete Flavell Chief Executive Officer Healthwatch Sutton on behalf of both Healthwatch Merton and Healthwatch Sutton wrote to James Blythe, Managing Director at St Helier Hospital. He told us that patients deserve a better hospital environment, and that while they do everything they can to ensure patients get safe and effective care, this relies on workarounds which aren't sustainable.