Healthwatch Blackpool

17/04/2026

We are proud to be taking another step forward in accessibility.

From next week, we will be introducing discreet incontinence bins in male toilets across the zoo. This small but meaningful change helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those who need it.

14/04/2026

💙 April is bowel cancer awareness month 💙

Know the symptoms. Don’t ignore changes. Get checked by your GP if you notice any of the following:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits
• Blood in your poo
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ongoing tummy pain or discomfort
• Feeling very tired for no reason

Bowel Cancer UK offer a wide range of support for anyone affected, you’re not alone 💙
https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/how-we-can-help/support-for-you/

Bowel cancer is more treatable when it’s found early – and knowing the symptoms can save lives.

🔍 Watch out for symptoms such as:

• a persistent change in your bowel habits
• blood in your poo
• ongoing tummy pain, bloating or unexplained weight loss

📬 If you’re sent a bowel cancer screening kit, please don’t ignore it – it’s a simple test done at home and could make a real difference.

If something doesn’t feel right, contact your GP. It’s always better to get checked.

Visit Bowel Cancer UK for more information and support.

30/03/2026

⭐ Say hello to Kerrie Bailey ⭐

Kerrie has worked at the Trust for 17 years and is our Macmillan Personalised Care Lead.

🗣️ Tell us about your role...

As the Macmillan Personalised Care Lead, I support our clinical teams to embed personalised care across cancer services, ensuring care is shaped around what matters most to people affected with cancer. I work collaboratively with clinical, operational and system partners to support high‑quality holistic needs assessments, personalised care and support planning, and access to health and wellbeing information and support, driving improvements in patient experience, equity and outcomes.

ℹ️ Why is this important to you...

My role is important to me as I truly care about people and the support which our patients receive. I believe that if we can make make any part of our patents experience better in such difficult circumstances, then we as health-care professionals should be influencing this.

📓 Tell us about an upcoming project...

Healthwatch Blackpool were commissioned by the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board Blackpool Population Health team, and the Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance, to explore cancer awareness and barriers to early diagnosis in Blackpool.

A common theme throughout the report was high level of stress and anxiety as people were worried about the pathway ahead of them and not knowing what to expect. I have initiated a patient-led project where I plan to create some informative and supportive videos for patients coming into the trust with a suspected cancer diagnosis. These videos will cover their referral process, diagnostics, treatment options, and the support available for people living with cancer.

19/03/2026

Feeling a bit off lately?

If you’re registered with Highfield Surgery, Stonyhill Medical Practice, Arnold Medical Centre, or Abbey Dale Medical Centre, and something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it.

🌸Drop-in Early Cancer Diagnosis Clinic🌸
• Confidential chat with the team – no examinations, no immediate diagnosis. Just a supportive ear to listen to your concerns and guide you on possible next steps.
• Every Monday: 9:30am–12:30pm
• The Hub South Shore, 120 Highfield Road, Blackpool, FY4 2JF
• No appointment needed – just drop in.

Check it, don’t chance it - act now on cancer!
Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board Blackpool South Primary Care Network The Hub at South Shore

12/03/2026

We are excited to be growing 🌱

We have two roles available within our Healthwatch Blackpool team, working to address health inequalities within our community.

We'd love to hear from you if you are passionate about working alongside people to create positive change.

We are an organisation that believes everyone — without exception — should be seen, heard, and supported.

We strive to create an environment where people can thrive and flourish.

We deliver our support through a range of services and projects, but we always keep it human.

We’re inspired by lived experience, and we go above and beyond to support our people.

Take a look at the details on our website https://empowermentcharity.org.uk/careers/

06/03/2026

🌸Cervical Screening Drop-In Clinics in March🌸

The cervical screening bus is visiting various locations within Blackpool. Cervical screening saves lives. This is your chance to get it done quickly and easily - no appointment needed!

📍 Clinic locations (11.00am–4.00pm):
-Thursday 5th March: Lidl, 127 Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY3 8B
-Wednesday 11th March: Tesco Clifton Retail Park, Clifton Road, Blackpool FY4 4UJ
-Wednesday 18th March: The Range, 1 Parkinson Way, Blackpool FY4 2AZ
-Friday 27th March: Sainsbury’s, Bispham, 80 Red Bank Road, Bispham, Blackpool FY2 9HH

👉 Find out more: https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Campaigns/Mobile-cervical-screening-clinics.aspx
Live outside Blackpool? The cervical screening bus is also visiting other locations within Lancashire 👉 Find out more: https://www.cwp.nhs.uk/livingwellservice

• CERVICAL SCREENING DROP-IN CLINICS • Is your cervical screening test (smear test) due or overdue?

The NHS is bringing a mobile cervical screening service to Blackpool, making it easier for you to attend locally.

The test takes around 10 minutes and is carried out in a private, discreet setting by trained, female clinicians. No appointment needed - just drop in!

*️⃣ Thurs 5 Mar, Lidl Devonshire Rd
*️⃣ Weds 11 Mar, Tesco Extra
*️⃣ Weds 18 Mar, The Range
*️⃣ Fri 27 Mar, Sainsbury's Bispham

All clinics open between 11.00am to 4.00pm.
Find out more: www.blackpool.gov.uk/CervicalScreening

04/03/2026

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20/02/2026

ICB non‑executive board member and audit chair Steve Spill spent the day in Blackpool this week to see how population health work is making a real difference in local communities.

Steve is pictured with Helen Mason, primary care network manager at Blackpool Central West, and Amy Butler, engagement and partnerships manager at Empowerment Charity.

His short tour included:

✅ a stop at the leisure centre to meet the MSK and Active Blackpool team
✅ time with the priority ward team in Claremont
✅ a visit to the Recovery Hub to see support in action

The day highlighted how population health work, strong partnerships, and community insight are shaping better outcomes for Blackpool residents.

16/02/2026

Between November and December 2025, Healthwatch Blackpool partnered with Trinity Hospice & Palliative Care Services to gather feedback from patients, families, and carers about their experiences of care. Through surveys and one-to-one conversations, we heard very positive experiences, highlighting the compassionate, high-quality care provided by Trinity Hospice, as well as some opportunities for continued development.

We are pleased to share that the Trinity Hospice – Your Voice Matters report has now been published.

You can view and download the full report using the following link:
https://healthwatchblackpool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Trinity-Hospice-Full-Report.pdf

We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this project and shared their valuable experiences!

13/02/2026

The Mobile Cervical Screening Unit is coming to @ the Grange. 2a Dinmore Avenue, Blackpool, FY3 7RW

📅 Date: Wednesday 18th February 2026
🕘 Time: 11am to 4pm
📍 Location: @ the Grange. 2a Dinmore Avenue, Blackpool, FY3 7RW

Cervical screening saves lives. It’s quick, simple, and could prevent cancer.

Drop in, no appointment needed.

Spring North

05/02/2026

🌸Cervical Screening Drop-In Clinics in February🌸

The cervical screening bus is visiting various locations within Blackpool. Cervical screening saves lives. This is your chance to get it done quickly and easily - no appointment needed!

📍 Clinic locations (11.00am–4.00pm):
Monday 9th February - Sainsbury's, 80 Red Bank Road, Bispham, Blackpool FY2 9HH
Wednesday 18th February - At the grange Blackpool 2a Dinmore Avenue, Blackpool FY3 7RW
Wednesday 25th February - Bickerstaffe Plaza, Number One Bickerstaffe Square, Blackpool, FY1 3AH

👉 Find out more: https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Campaigns/Mobile-cervical-screening-clinics.aspx

Live outside Blackpool? The cervical screening bus is also visiting other locations within Lancashire 👉 Find out more: https://www.cwp.nhs.uk/livingwellservice