Healthwatch Derby

15/06/2026

Too many men are missing out on the NHS Health Check.

This Men's Health Week, learn what's stopping men from getting the care they need, and what can be done to prevent illness and save more men's lives.
https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/blog/2025-09-18/time-get-serious-about-mens-nhs-health-checks

15/06/2026

One case in Derby showed how tracking feedback works in practice. After several people raised the same issue about booking appointments with a community service, we shared the pattern with Joined Up Care Derbyshire and the local authority. Within months the provider changed its systems and saw a clear drop in missed appointments. We then published the before and after data so everyone could see the link.

This is the kind of result we aim for every time someone contacts us. We map each piece of input, record every step it takes through the system, and check later to confirm real changes happened. The process turns everyday comments into evidence that services can act on.

Have you ever wondered whether your feedback about local care actually led to anything?



Read the full post on our blog → https://www.healthwatchderby.co.uk/measuring-impact-and-accountability-in-derby-health-services/

15/06/2026

Reminder for all.

Healthwatch Derby have released an app, providing updates and information regarding local health and social care services.

See details below to find out how to download.

Healthwatch Derby have released a new app!

The app is a handy way of accessing HWD news, information regarding local health and social care services and getting in touch.

It is available on the links below:-

iPhone App Link:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthwatch-derby/id6762453578

Android App Link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cmslogin.healthwtchderby

12/06/2026

Imagine a Derby where every young person knows their voice shapes the health and care services they use. By involving children in advisory groups and co-design workshops, we can close the gaps that currently leave many without timely support.

Healthwatch Derby is exploring a permanent Youth Advisory Panel that reviews evidence, co-designs solutions and presents directly to Children's Services. This vision builds on our existing work with statutory boards and ensures improvements stay relevant long term. Parents and young people alike tell us that simply being heard makes a real difference to local wellbeing.

How would better listening change the experience of young people you know?



Read the full post on our blog → https://www.healthwatchderby.co.uk/improving-children-health-services-by-listening-to-young-people/

12/06/2026

"We hear some of the most heartbreaking cases of people having to choose between heating their homes, feeding their kids and fixing really painful dental issues," - William Pett, our director of policy and public affairs, told BBC Breakfast this morning.

As people continue to face difficulties accessing NHS dental appointments, more and more are turning to private care.

And that's only an option for those who can afford it. Many cannot, and are left living in pain or, in the most extreme cases, resort to treating their own teeth.

These stories are a stark reminder that we urgently need fundamental reform of the NHS dental contract.

That reform must involve the public. Ultimately, we need an honest conversation about what kind of NHS dental system we want and whether we are willing to pay for it, because the current system is simply not working for patients.

You can watch the full interview from 8:15am: https://bbc.in/4464RGg

12/06/2026

We want to hear your feedback! By telling us your experiences with health and social care services, you help us understand what's working and what's not. Take our short survey: https://bit.ly/2t8K2IJ

11/06/2026

Young people value being listened to, yet they are rarely asked directly how services could improve. At Healthwatch Derby we want to change that by creating safe, confidential spaces where their ideas shape real decisions.

We already hold a statutory seat on local boards, so feedback travels straight to planners. A standing Youth Advisory Panel is now being explored to review evidence, co-design solutions and present findings to Children's Services. This step keeps improvements relevant and sustainable for families across Derby.

If you could ask one question about youth services in Derby, what would it be?



Read the full post on our blog → https://www.healthwatchderby.co.uk/improving-children-health-services-by-listening-to-young-people/

11/06/2026

Final reminder - our Community Pharmacies survey closes tomorrow (Friday 12th June).

See below, click on the link for the survey to ensure your voice is heard, thank you.

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/L20MWH/

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10/06/2026

Traditional meetings often miss the mark with young people. A more effective route is to mix short digital surveys, school-based activities and creative workshops that let children share experiences in their own words.

Healthwatch Derby uses these age-appropriate tools in every ward, with extra attention on groups that are harder to reach. The result is robust evidence that commissioners can act on quickly. This blend also helps families who may face digital exclusion, as paper options and arts projects sit alongside online channels.

Which method do you think would work best for gathering honest views from young people?



Read the full post on our blog → https://www.healthwatchderby.co.uk/improving-children-health-services-by-listening-to-young-people/

09/06/2026

Many young people in Derby face long waits or no offer when seeking mental health help. This gap shows up clearly in higher A&E attendances among under-18s living in more deprived areas, leaving families uncertain where to turn.

Healthwatch Derby tackles this by running targeted listening exercises that focus on timeliness and suitability of support. We combine quick online forms with in-person sessions at youth clubs, reaching seldom-heard groups across all wards. The findings are presented directly to service boards so adjustments can happen faster. This approach reduces inequalities and makes adolescent health advocacy more effective.

What challenges have you noticed when trying to access support for a young person?



Read the full post on our blog → https://www.healthwatchderby.co.uk/improving-children-health-services-by-listening-to-young-people/