1. GP partners have voted for collective action

    News -

    Recently, the British Medical Association announced that GP members had voted to take ‘collective action’ in protest at funding levels and pressures. While there may be disruptions on service practices, the NHS is encouraging anyone to come forward for appointments and access care.


  2. Staying safe amidst far-right activity and public disorder

    Advice and Information -

    We have put together a list of resources for emotional support during periods of public disorder.

  3. Southwark Soundboard Reflection Report 2024

    Report -

    The Healthwatch Southwark Soundboard Listening Tour may be over, but we are still listening!

  4. Supporting Low-Income Individuals with Healthcare Costs

    Advice and Information -

    Access to affordable healthcare is a fundamental need, yet many low-income individuals struggle to cover medical expenses.

    Providing support for healthcare costs to low-income individuals is crucial for ensuring access to medical services, especially for those who may not have the same access to support than others.

    If you or someone you know is struggling with healthcare costs, exploring these options can make a significant difference.

    Remember, help is available, and no one should have to avoid necessary medical care due to financial constraints.

    The NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) can be a useful resource to help alleviate the financial burden and improve health outcomes for those in need.

    You may be able to get help with NHS costs such as:

    - prescription costs
    - dental costs
    - eyecare costs
    - healthcare travel costs
    - wigs and fabric supports

    Important numbers

    NHS Low Income Scheme helpline – 0300 330 1343.

    Prescription services helpline – 0300 330 1349.

    Queries about medical exemption certificates – 0300 330 1341.

    Queries about prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) – 0300 330 1341.

    Queries about tax credit certificates – 0300 330 1347.

    Call 0300 330 1343 for all other queries.

  5. Want us to promote your work?

    Advice and Information -

    Healthwatch Southwark requirements for promoting external content on our website, in our newsletters and on our social media channels

  6. What is an Integrated Care System?

    Advice and Information -

    Integrated care systems (ICSs) are partnerships that bring together NHS organisations, local authorities and others to share responsibility for how services are run, what policies and guidance is needed for them to be of high quality and effective and how they are funded across the UK.

  7. 1 Year Update of our Latin American Access Report!

    News -

    Find out what we have achieved in one year, since we launched our research report, "Access to Health and Social Care for Latin American Communities in Southwark."

  8. South London Listens Information Available in Spanish and Portuguese

    Advice and Information -

    Information about mental wellbeing services in Spanish/Portuguese.

  9. Volunteers Needed for Vaccine Trials

    News -

    Currently recruiting 70+ year old volunteers to take part in a vaccine trial

  10. 'Alive N Kicking' is Under Review!

    Advice and Information -

    Find out how weight management and exercise programmes could be improved for the residents of Southwark.

  11. Connecting people to power to make change: Our 2023-26 strategy

    Report -

    Read more here about our plans for the future, how we will better fulfil our mission, and how we will explore our priority areas for future work until March 2026.

  12. Quarterly Monitoring Report - Q2 2024-25

    Report -

    Learn what Healthwatch Southwark learned and achieved between July-September 2024.

  13. The Accessible Information Standard - What you can expect from services

    Advice and Information -

    A year ago the Accessible Information Standard came into force. It requires any organisation providing NHS or social care to communicate in a way that everybody can understand. Here's a reminder of what you should expect.

  14. 10 top tips to get the most out of your GP appointment

    Advice and Information -

    We know from our conversations with the public that some patients report feeling rushed during appointments and struggling to make themselves heard. Here are some tips that could help you get the most out of visiting your GP.

  15. What should you expect from home care services?

    Advice and Information -

    The number of people being cared for in their own homes is increasing but what should you expect from home care services?

  16. 10 top tips to get the most out of your dental appointment

    Advice and Information -

    Everyone should be able to access good quality NHS dental services. Take a look at our top tips to help you get the most out of your next dental appointment.

  17. Mental Health

    Report -

    Mental health was identified as a priority area for Healthwatch Southwark (HWS) through public and stakeholder consultation.

  18. Tower Bridge Care Centre

    Report -

    In November 2018, Healthwatch Southwark used our power of Enter and View to visit Southwark's only public nursing home, Tower Bridge Care Centre.