News and reports

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.

We’re pleased to share our Annual Report for 2024–2025, highlighting the work we’ve done to champion the voices of people across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire in health and social care.

Our report outlines how we’ve engaged with communities, gathered public experiences, and worked with partners to help improve local services.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences with us — your voices shape our work and drive real change. We also want to thank our dedicated volunteers, our partners in the community, in health and social care, and the local authorities we work with.

Following the publication of our Community Pharmacy Hot Topic Report, we held an online Stakeholder event to present our research and findings on the 21st of May 2025.

Spiking is a serious and growing threat that involves administering drugs or alcohol to someone without their consent, often with the intent to harm or exploit them. Understanding the risks, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to respond can help keep you and others safe.

Following our previous Community Roadshows, we have collected and evaluated feedback from our attendees. Thanks to those who responded to our Community Roadshow survey back in Feb! Find our results below.
It is clear that our Roadshows have presented a valuable opportunity for networking, and a constructive environment in bringing communities and providers together.
We’re excited to welcome you to our upcoming Annual Showcase and Community Roadshow on the 15th July this year at The Crossing, Worksop. For more information, please follow this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hwnn-north-notts-annual-showcase-and-roadshow-tickets-1343902862639?aff=ebdsoporgprofile.

Read our latest newsletter here!

Our latest report reveals the significant impact of medication shortages on pharmacy services and patient care across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Over 280 residents shared their experiences, highlighting both the strengths and areas needing improvement in local pharmacies.

Community pharmacies play a vital role in accessible healthcare, but many patients face challenges such as medicine shortages, accessibility, and understanding new services like the Pharmacy First scheme, with Healthwatch Nottingham & Nottinghamshire’s latest report exploring these issues and offering recommendations to improve services for all.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to advancements in screening and vaccination. Both cervical screening (Smear Test) and the HPV vaccination play vital roles in reducing the incidence of this cancer. Here’s everything you need to know about these important health measures.

Blue Monday—the third Monday of January—has earned a reputation as the "most depressing day of the year." While the science behind this claim is debatable, it is understandable why this time of year might feel challenging. The post-holiday period, cold weather, and New Year’s resolutions that seem daunting can all contribute to a sense of heaviness. However, there are many ways to take positive steps toward better mental health.

The flu vaccine, also known as the flu jab, is offered on the NHS every year in autumn and winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu. Understanding the symptoms of flu and what the flu vaccine is helps you make informed decisions about your health.