For the latest updates visit: Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do.
Our role, planning and remote working
Planning checklist
From dealing with the shortages of staff to supporting the battle against Coronavirus, we've put together a checklist to help you think about the different areas of your work that could be affected by COVID-19.
Guidance for local Healthwatch statutory activities
The Healthwatch England committee wrote to all local Healthwatch Chief Executives, Lead Officers and Chairs, as well as Chief Executives of local Healthwatch provider organisations to provide guidance in response to COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic.
Helping you work remotely
Find out how you can use Workplace to make remote working easier.
Six ways to work well from home
Working remotely presents all sorts of challenges, and can feel isolating. To help you, we’ve compiled six tips for working well from home, including advice from Healthwatch England staff who are already used to working remotely.
Managing volunteers remotely
It’s always important to involve and support our volunteers. We look at the best ways to do this remotely.
Guidance for local Healthwatch lead officers
The following sections are the key areas where we believe local Healthwatch leaders should focus their attention:
- Continue to keep abreast of Government guidance
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Protect staff, volunteers and the public
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Continue to gather people’s experiences of care
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Find virtual ways to discharge your functions
Important guidance
Find the latest information about COVID-19
Take a look at our list of reputable sources about the latest advice for the public, support for you and your employees and wider health and care updates.
Policy changes you need to know about
Here are some changes to policy that you should be aware of at Healthwatch if you are to run effectively.
Scroll down for more issues specific related updates.
Guidance to help you play your part
Communicating with the public
This guidance aims to support local Healthwatch staff and volunteers to:
- Communicate the service that local Healthwatch can offer during the current outbreak
- Frame communications that seek to get public feedback about care
Refer people for NHS Volunteer Responders support
Help those at higher risk of serious medical complications from COVID-19 get the help and support they need to remain isolated.
Promoting advice and information
We've pulled together advice and information pieces that you can share with your own communities to help people know where to go to get the support they need.
How to collect public feedback during COVID-19
Read our top tips on how to develop a survey to collect people’s experiences of services during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as template questions you can use.
Essential online activity
Are you helping people find the information that they are looking for about Coronavirus? Here are essential steps every Healthwatch service can take.
Share your evidence on people's experiences of care during the pandemic
To help spot any gaps in information, identify any issues, and keep the government informed, we need you to share your evidence with us. You can do so in this simple webform.
Issues specific updates
Care Act easements during COVID-19
During the COVID-19 outbreak, councils can pause some of their obligations under the Care Act. Take a look at what it could mean for users of social care and how local Healthwatch can flag potential issues.
Changes to Primary Dental Care services
Read the new guidance from the NHS regarding changes to Primary Dental Care services in response to COVID-19.
COVID-19 second phase response
Find out what NHS services have been told about resuming routine care.
NHS policy on the use of ‘Do Not Attempt to Resuscitate Forms’
Read more about the policy and how you can help make sure it is being followed by services.
What is the NHS COVID-19 tracing app?
Find out what we know so far and the issues the public might raise with local Healthwatch.