News and reports

The Greater London Authority (GLA) is introducing the Cool Spaces initiative to support Londoners during periods of extreme heat.

As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week this week, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers for everything they do. Healthwatch is an organisation that amplifies the voices of local communities in health and social care, while also signposting people to relevant NHS services and support. We make sure local people’s views, experiences and concerns are heard by the decision-makers who can help improve services. None of this would be possible without our volunteers, who generously give their time, energy and skills to help us make a difference.

A new texting service for NHS 111 option 2 has launched, giving people another way to access urgent mental health support. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, you can still call NHS 111 and choose option 2 for help at any time, day or night.

A new report from Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham has found that residents who use the NHS Pharmacy First service are largely positive about their experiences, with many praising the speed, convenience, and quality of care received at local pharmacies.

A new report from Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham has uncovered the often unseen struggles of unpaid family carers, exposing a system where those providing essential care are themselves under immense strain. Titled “Supporting Those Who Care: Understanding the Role and Needs of Family Carers,” the report draws on the voices of 84 carers and delivers a stark message: caring is a full-time responsibility with profound emotional, financial, and physical consequences.

The gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal is warning people about the dangers of misinformation online after new testing found that ChatGPT failed to identify some key red flag symptoms linked to gynaecological cancers.

The Enter and View report, based on an unannounced visit carried out in February 2026, found that most patients rated their overall experience as “very good”, with particular praise for friendly reception staff, clear communication, comfortable waiting areas and timely appointments.

Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham is inviting local residents to take part in a new survey to better understand people’s experiences of using the NHS App.

Faith leaders, councillors and health partners came together on 27 March 2026 to celebrate the achievements of the Barking and Dagenham Faith Leaders Network (BDFLN) and the impact of its collaborative health projects.

A report by Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham highlights patient experiences at Five Elms Medical Practice in Dagenham, showing generally positive feedback alongside some areas for improvement.

A new community-focused project is launching in April 2026 to better understand how residents in Barking & Dagenham experience healthcare referral pathways—and to identify practical ways to improve them.

This Share for Better Care Week, take three minutes to share your experience of health and social care.