News and reports

Healthwatch Kingston champions better standards of care in socially funded health and social care services. This report presents the findings of the Healthwatch Kingston's Authorised Representatives’ visit to Medihands Clifton. Medihands Clifton is situated in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and is one of the two homes run by Mrs Jayashreer Sawmynaden.

Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense of purpose.

Being part of a positive community is good for mental health and wellbeing. Celebrate the importance of community this Mental Health Awareness Week by getting involved in Kingston community events.

At Healthwatch Kingston, we are proud to support Equality, Diversity & Human Rights Week and reaffirm our mission to champion the voice of local people.

New reseach from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) has found that half of sign language users do not understand diagnoses, or how their treatment works.

A new Royal Mail NHS-specific barcode will support mail delivery teams to ensure NHS letters are delivered on time.

People needing medical help or advice should go to 111.nhs.uk first, unless it is a life-threatening emergency, in which case they must call 999

GP practices in South West London introduced a new British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter provider in 2024. We want to know if the new services are helping to address concerns that people raised with us. Share your experience with us for a chance to win a non-cash voucher.

Does signing up with your dentist work the same way as registering with your GP? If you think the answer is yes, you're not alone.

Martha’s Rule is a key patient safety initiative to ensure that patients, families, carers and hospital staff’s concerns about a worsening health condition are listened to. This can help detect deterioration early, so action can be taken to prevent more serious health problems.

This report presents insights from three surveys on mental health services in Kingston, conducted between June 2023 and March 2024. Commissioned by South West London and St George’s NHS Mental Health Trust, the findings will help shape future improvements and assess progress since the Trust’s mental health service transformation began in 2021.

Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust have upgraded all parking payment machines across Kingston Hospital, simplifying the process for Blue Badge holders.