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Thank you to everyone who came and spoke to us, shared their feedback, or joined one of our events in 2024. Without hearing your experiences, we wouldn't be able to do the work we do.
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Our plans for 2025
In the new year, we are planning to hold our next community assembly, including a discussion of the public consultation of the NHS 10-year plan. We'll also continue visiting local groups such as the Southend and Shoebury foodbanks, Southend Pensioners Group, Welcome to the UK, Muslim Ladies Group North Road Chapel, Big Sparks Community Engagement Team Events, and the Little Havens Carers Support Group. We also want to reach more young people, so we will be focussing on this early next year.
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Need to contact us this festive period?
Our phone lines will not be manned from lunchtime on Thursday 19 December until Monday 30 December 2024, or on Wednesday 1 January 2025. We don’t give clinical advice at any time, but if you do need help over this period, call 111 or visit https://111.nhs.uk/.
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Where to get the right care this winterÂ
If you need help but are unsure where to get the right care over the festive period, we've shared some information on our website for you to take a look at.
Holding an event in the new year?Â
If you, or someone you know, is looking for speakers for an event or for your community group, please get in touch as we’d love to share what we do and see how we can help more residents of Southend.
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 You can email us at info@healthwatchsouthend.co.uk
A few updates...
LARC report
We've published our latest report looking at people's experiences of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) in Southend, and how to increase take-up.
Patients Know Best
NHS Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust is gradually introducing a new digital platform for its patients - Patients Know Best (PKB).
Did you know...
COVID-19 Medicines Delivery Unit
Patients at a high risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19 can now self-refer to the COVID-19 Medicines Delivery Unit.
Dental Rescue Plan
Healthwatch England has published new research into NHS dentistry as the government develops its ‘Dental Rescue Plan’.
Festive bank holidays
There are three bank holidays over the festive period. Make sure to order any repeat prescriptions in advance.
Norovirus
Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It usually lasts about 2 days. Cases of it are on the rise.
Healthwatch Southend in the news
The Echo: Southend new NHS health centre update issued by bosses
Contact us
Have you used any NHS health or social care services in Southend recently? Did you have a positive experience or any ideas on how things could work better? If so, get in touch with us today - we want to hear it!