News and reports

Local Healthwatch organisations have warned that the Government’s Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) for the NHS 10-Year Health Plan fails to fully consider the impact of losing independent patient voice and scrutiny, as required under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).

On 11 November 2025, Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire carried out an Enter and View visit to West Lodge Care Home to understand residents’ lived experiences, with a particular focus on spiritual and cultural life, social connection, and emotional wellbeing. Overall, the visit found a warm, inclusive, and caring environment where residents feel safe, respected, and well supported by a compassionate and culturally diverse staff team. While many examples of good practice were observed, a small number of practical issues were identified that, if addressed, could further enhance residents’ day-to-day quality of life.

In our final edition of the year, we include updates on the future of Healthwatch, and an illustration of our organisational strategy. We also introduce our latest Enter and View report, this time based in a GP practice. Our Annual General Meeting highlights are also featured, alongside our earliest project of the new year, focussing this time on the efficacy of the NHS App, and how you can participate. The newsletter also features positive patient feedback, and key issues raised by the community, all aimed at driving meaningful improvements in healthcare across the region.

Key highlights include our updates on the future of Healthwatch, highlights from our new Enter and View report, and details on our upcoming virtual event in relation to our GP Access Report. The newsletter also features positive patient feedback, advocacy updates, and key issues raised by the community, all aimed at driving meaningful improvements in healthcare across the region.

A recent inspection of Fairfields GP Practice, conducted in collaboration with Healthwatch Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, captured patient feedback highlighting generally positive experiences, while also revealing some challenges faced by a diverse and underserved community.

In May 2025, our team carried out an Enter and View visit to Annesley Lodge, a residential care home in Hucknall, to understand what the residents thought of the care they received. Good care is about more than keeping people clean and fed. It’s about making sure they feel happy, included, and respected. Therefore, the team focused on four areas: social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

Key highlights include our updates on the future of Healthwatch, highlights from our new GP Access Report, and some updates from our partners. The newsletter also features positive patient feedback, advocacy updates, and key issues raised by the community, all aimed at driving meaningful improvements in healthcare across the region.

Healthwatch Nottingham & Nottinghamshire urge you to sign our petition to review the decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch.

Access to GP services remains a pressing concern for patients in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, as it does across the country. Even with continued investment and policy focus at both national and regional levels to reform and strengthen primary care, many patients still face difficulties booking appointments, navigating appointment systems and accessing timely, appropriate care.

131 local Healthwatch services across England have signed a powerful open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, urging the government to reconsider proposals that would bring public voice functions under the control of local authorities and NHS bodies.

As changes to the NHS are proposed, Healthwatch Nottingham and Nottinghamshire remains committed to championing the voices of our communities, ensuring that people’s experiences continue to shape health and care services.

Key highlights include the last chance to secure tickets for the annual showcase, reflection on our Community Pharmacy Hot Topic Stakeholder Event, and recent news from our partners. This edition also shares encouraging patient stories, updates on our advocacy efforts, and pressing concerns raised by the community — all contributing to our shared goal of improving healthcare across the region.