Healthwatch Wirral

05/09/2025

On Sunday 7 September 2025, the government will be testing the UK Emergency Alerts system.

This means most mobile phones will make a loud siren-like sound, vibrate, and show a message on screen.
It’s only a test – you don’t need to do anything.

The test alert is designed to warn people in real life emergencies, like severe weather or danger to life.

If you, or someone you know, might be worried by the sound or message, please let them know in advance so they feel prepared.

We’ve attached an Easy Read guide below to help explain what’s happening.

Find out more about emergency alerts here: https://www.gov.uk/alerts

05/09/2025

Measles cases are rising in England.
You can still ask your GP practice for the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine if your child has missed either of their 2 doses.
For more information ➡️ nhs.uk/MMR

05/09/2025

Our next BRIDGE Forum is just around the corner!

📅 Wednesday 10 September 2025
🕚 11am – 12.30pm online

We’ve got a full line-up of discussions this month – covering neurodiversity support, mental health and bipolar awareness, breast screening services, perinatal pelvic health, carers’ research linked to cancer, and more.

We’re also really pleased to welcome a guest speaker from Barclays, who’ll be sharing advice on spotting and avoiding banking scams.

The BRIDGE Forum is a space for people across Wirral to connect, share updates, raise issues and strengthen links between our communities and local health and care services.

If you’d like the link to attend or if there’s something you’d like added to the agenda, just let us know at spare5@healthwatchwirral.co.uk.

More about the BRIDGE Forum here: https://healthwatchwirral.co.uk/what-we-do/bridge-forum/

28/08/2025

Need urgent help for your mental health?
Call 111 and select the mental health option

21/08/2025

More of your health is going online… what do you think?

Through the NHS App, you can already book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and view parts of your medical record. In the coming years, even more of your health information and care will be online.

But not everyone uses the NHS App – and we’d love to understand why.

Healthwatch Wirral is running a short survey to hear from people in Wirral - whether you use the NHS App regularly, have only tried it once or twice, or never use it at all.

Your views will help us build a clearer picture of how digital healthcare is (or isn’t) working here in Wirral.

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SFCFXF8

Need a paper copy or another format? Call 0151 230 8957 or email info@healthwatchwirral.co.uk – we can even help you complete it over the phone or in person.

✨ Your experience matters – and can help shape future services.

21/08/2025

Healthwatch Wirral is concerned about the plan to abolish independent local Healthwatch services.

These services are important because they make sure local people have a say in health and care decisions.

We’ve joined colleagues across England to promote a national petition calling for a rethink.

We urge you to sign the petition and help protect the future of Healthwatch. Please share with colleagues, friends, and your communities.

You can sign the petition here 👉 https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/732993

Now more than ever, we need independent voices that champion patient safety, inclusion and transparency.

Find out more: https://healthwatchwirral.co.uk/review-decision-to-abolish-independent-local-healthwatch/

Thank you for your continued support.

Healthwatch Wirral has joined colleagues across England to promote a national petition to protect the independence of local voices in health and care, and we’re encouraging as many people as possible to sign and show their support.

20/08/2025

Are you caring for a loved one?

Find out more about the Carers Assessment, who it’s for, what’s involved and how it can help 👇

Caring for a loved one is a role many of us take on, whether we call ourselves a "carer" or not. The support you provide is invaluable, but are you getting the support you deserve in return?

Local councils offer a vital resource called a carer's assessment to help both you and the person you're caring for. This evaluation is designed to figure out what assistance you're eligible for, from financial aid to practical support.

In our latest blog post, we break down what a carer's assessment is and, more importantly, why taking this step is crucial for your own well-being and ability to continue providing care.

https://carefreespace.org/the-notebook/carers-assesment

15/08/2025

Think there's no power in your feedback? Don't believe it can make a difference to health and social care services? We want to show you that isn't the case. Check out some recent examples of how you made a difference - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/our-impact

14/08/2025

Have your say on visiting rules in care homes

The Government is looking at the rules (called CQC Regulation 9A) about visiting people in care homes, hospitals and other care places.

They want to hear from:
✔ People who live in care services
✔ People who visit friends or family in care
✔ People who work in care

The main survey has now closed.
But there is still an Easy Read survey open until 26 August 2025.
It uses simple words and pictures to make it easier to understand.

Your answers will help decide how visiting rules should work in the future — so people can stay in touch with the people they care about.

Easy Read survey link:
https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/review-of-CQC-regulation-9A-visiting-and-accompanying-easy-read/74df6887-782b-47f8-84f2-c3e1d585a991/7b7d5730-9328-4037-9ac8-68e91526c484

14/08/2025

Want to make sure your voice is still heard? Protect your right to feed back independently. Sign local Healthwatch national petition calling on the government to review the decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch.

Review decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch - Petitions: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/732993

14/08/2025

☀️ Keeping Well in the Heat

Hot weather can affect your health.

Here are some tips to stay safe:

🥤 Drink plenty of water – even if you’re not thirsty.
🧢 Keep cool – stay in the shade and wear a hat.
🪟 Close curtains in sunny rooms to keep them cooler.
🍎 Eat light meals and avoid too much alcohol.
👶 Check on others – especially older people, babies, and anyone with health problems.
If you feel dizzy, weak, or confused, get to a cool place, drink fluids, and seek help if you don’t feel better.

📞 For urgent advice: Call NHS 111.
🏥 In an emergency: Call 999.

Let’s look after ourselves — and each other. 💙

13/08/2025

If you are in pain or need support, help, or advice, please contact your dental practice as usual.

If you don't have a usual dentist, call the Cheshire and Merseyside dental helpline:
0161 476 9651