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News & reports
News
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust: CQC assessment
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a new assessment of Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, following a visit in March 2026. The Trust provides mental health, community health and learning disability services across Essex, including Southend. The assessment looked at how well the Trust is led and managed, including how it keeps people safe, listens to patients and staff, works with partners and improves its services. The Care Quality Commission rate
Healthwatch Southend
Aug 28
NHS Cervical screening at home
A new NHS service is offering some women the option to test for high-risk HPV at home. The NHS is beginning to roll out self-testing kits in England for women who have not attended cervical screening after receiving invitations. This could provide an easier way to take part in the screening programme that helps prevent cervical cancer. Around 4 million women in England are not on track with cervical screening. What is HPV self-testing? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very com
Healthwatch Southend
Aug 25
Update: Norton Place
Healthwatch Southend attended a special meeting of Southend City Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee to discuss the future of Norton Place. Norton Place is seen as an important local health facility for many people in Shoeburyness and nearby areas. Since the possible closure was announced, we have heard concerns from residents, especially older people, people with disabilities and others who rely on the services provided there. The committee explained that it can
Healthwatch Southend
Jul 31
Reports
Annual Report: Your Voice in 2025-26
Our Annual Report is now available to read. Everything we've achieved this year has been possible because local people took the time to share their experiences of health and social care in Southend. Your stories, feedback and insights have helped us raise concerns, influence improvements and support people to find the information they need. While the future of Healthwatch remains uncertain, one thing hasn't changed: we will continue to listen, amplify your voice and be here t
Healthwatch Southend
Jul 15
Would you use a national online hospital?
As part of its plans to reduce waiting times, the Government has suggested the development of a new NHS Trust, which will offer outpatient consultations online. Over three years, the Government hopes that an extra 8 million appointments will be available. Healthwatch services around England have been asked for their views. We act as your voice when changes are suggested to the NHS. Starting with three specialties in 2027, patients will be able to choose an online consultat
Healthwatch Southend
Mar 2
Do you use the NHS App?
The Government is keen to get more people accessing services using mobile phones, tablets and computers. This is especially the case in the NHS, with patients being encouraged to make appointments, request prescriptions, and access information. The NHS 10 Year Plan is calling for a move from analogue to digital. We know many people will be happy to do this. It also means taking some pressure off telephone lines at GP surgeries and hospitals. But we also know it won't work
Healthwatch Southend
Jan 12
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