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Patient information: Parking charges From the 31st of July 2026, parking charges will increase at Southend, Basildon, Broomfield and Orsett Hospitals. If you are travelling to one of these hospitals by car, please be aware of the updated tariffs before you park. There is a free parking allowance of up to 20 minutes. The hospital car parks use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), so paper tickets are not currently issued. Before leaving, it is advisable to visit a pay po

July is Disability Pride Month, a good opportunity to celebrate the lives, achievements, identities and contributions of disabled people, whilst also recognising the barriers many still face every day. Celebrated in the UK since 2015, Disability Pride Month encourages us to challenge stereotypes, tackle stigma and promote a more inclusive society. Not everyone starts from the same place. Making reasonable adjustments and removing barriers helps ensure people with disabilities

Make this the summer you go smoke free. Quitting smoking isn't always easy, but it could be one of the most important decisions you ever make. If someone you loved smoked, you'd want them to have the support they needed to quit, the same is true for you. Smoking can seriously damage your lungs and increase the risk of long-term health conditions such as COPD and lung cancer. But despite the high risks, people continue to smoke because of stress, anxiety, trauma or simply beca

It's time to highlight lung health and encourage people to protect their lungs. Around one in five people in the UK will develop a lung condition during their lifetime. In Southend-on-Sea, lung conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), pneumonia and lung cancer are a particular concern, with rates higher than the national average. Lung conditions affect people of all ages. Some are preventable, while others are inherited or develop without a clear cause

Southend, like much of Essex, is experiencing temperatures much higher than we have been used to so far this year. With temperatures expected to peak this week, it is important that everyone takes steps to stay safe and well. A few simple changes can help keep you comfortable during hot weather: The hottest part of the day is usually between 11am and 3pm. During these hours, try to avoid strenuous physical activity such as exercising, gardening or carrying heavy loads. If pos

A new bill will change how patients are heard, but until it becomes law, you can continue to expect the same service from Healthwatch. The NHS Modernisation Bill will change how patients and people who use social care services are listened to. Under the proposed new law, Healthwatch England’s responsibilities will move to the Department of Health and Social Care. Local Healthwatch roles will be absorbed by NHS Integrated Care Boards and local councils. We don’t yet know when

We all have times when we feel stressed, alone, low or overwhelmed. Mental Health Awareness Week is a chance to talk openly, take time to listen and remind people that help is available. Your Mind and Body Work Together As human beings, our minds and bodies are closely connected and what we feel physically can affect how we feel emotionally. For example: Poor sleep can affect mood. Stress can cause headaches or stomach pain. Long-term physical illness can affect confidence an

Today is World Hearing Day, a global campaign to raise awareness about hearing loss and the importance of ear and hearing care. Around 90 million children and young people aged 0–19 worldwide are affected by hearing loss. Many causes such as earwax build-up, untreated ear infections, or vaccine-preventable illnesses could be avoided or significantly reduced if detected and treated early. However, many children live with undiagnosed hearing loss for long periods of time. When

1 in 50 people in the UK and around 1.25 million people are living with a diagnosed eating disorder. Eating disorders affect the way a person thinks about food, eats, and feels about their body. For some people, food can become a way of coping during tough times. This might include bereavement, relationship breakdown, losing a job, housing difficulties, trauma, or extreme stress. Controlling food may feel like a way to manage overwhelming emotions or situations. Types of Eati

Help Shape Mental Health Services in Southend NHS Mid and South Essex integrated care system want to hear from local people about their experiences of community mental health services. Whether you’ve used these services yourself or supported a friend, family member, or loved one, your feedback is incredibly important. By sharing your experiences, whether good, bad, or somewhere in between, you can help make sure mental health services reflect what really matters to the people

Good news for Shoeburyness - £20 million will be invested in the area over the next 10 years through the Pride in Place Fund. This is a Government plan allowing communities to spend the funding on what matters most to them - from improvements to pavements and high streets to investing in culture and green spaces - and make a long-term difference. Local MP Bayo Alaba wants the community to lead the way in deciding how this money is spent. A Survey Is Now Open If you live in S

Staying Well This Festive Season The festive period is a busy time, but it’s important to look after your health. Cold weather can make some health problems worse, especially for older people, young children, and anyone with a long-term condition. Keep warm, wear layers, and drink hot drinks. GP practices and many pharmacies have reduced opening hours over the bank holidays. This means you may not be able to get help as quickly as normal. If you take regular medicine, order y

The NHS in Mid and South Essex has shared some helpful advice to keep you and your loved ones healthy this winter.

We attended the Feel Good Festival on Saturday 14 September, hosted by Everyone Health Southend. We gathered lots of valuable feedback.

Join us for our next Community Assembly on Thursday 26 September! We're going to be at The Haven Community Hub between 6pm and 8pm.

We'll be at Southend Pride on Saturday 13 July so come and meet our team, share your feedback, and get information about local NHS health...

Healthwatch Southend is holding its next Community Assembly on 27 February 2024. We'll be at the SAVS offices in Alexandra Street,...

Healthwatch Southend took part in Southend Pride for the first time this month! We were so pleased to be able to talk to local people,...

Would you like to meet with others who understand what day to day life is like living with COPD in Southend? Would you like to help shape...