Healthwatch Round Up - 26 February 2026
Healthwatch Research, Articles & Advice You May Have Missed
As a reminder, please see the latest reports, news, advice and support articles from us and Healthwatch England.
Our position on NHS dentistry
Communities across England have made it clear that NHS dentistry needs to be fixed – so it’s affordable and accessible. Read more about our evidence and what changes we’re calling for the NHS and Government to make.
Read the Healthwatch dentistry article
Refugee and asylum seekers’ experiences of using the NHS
People are struggling to find the right information and are receiving care that’s not culturally appropriate. However, feedback suggests that many face barriers to getting the care that they need. We have also heard that when they can access health care, it can sometimes be culturally inappropriate or insensitive.
NHS announces conditions for treatment at online hospital
Living With or Affected by Prostate Cancer?
Details from Healthwatch in Greater Manchester
Healthwatch across Greater Manchester want to hear your experiences of prostate cancer services. Your feedback will help to raise awareness and shape better services.
New GP Contract to Improve the Experience at Local GP Practices
Details from Healthwatch England
On 24 February, the Government confirmed how it expects GP practices to deliver patient care from 1 April 2026. Under the GP contract for 2026-2027, they'll help recruit more GPs, deal with urgent patients more quickly and ensure GP practices deliver high-quality clinical care.
Usually, the Government consults with the British Medical Association, but this year, has sought views and evidence from Healthwatch, National Voices (a coalition of health and care charities) and professional bodies including the Royal College of GPs. This broader consultation has made patient experience a core part of government decisions on what it expects from GP practices.
1. You should not be told to ‘call back tomorrow’
2. Clinically urgent requests should get a same-day response
3. Online request systems should not cap requests during core hours
4. Practices must clearly show how and when you can contact them
5. Advice and Guidance will be used more often before referrals
6. Registration goes online, and vulnerable people won’t lose their registration
Patients to Benefit from Improved Access to Dental Appointments
Details from UK Government
Patients across the country will have better access to NHS dentistry.
- New figures show the Government and NHS are on track to deliver millions more dental appointments this year, with 1.8 million additional treatments already delivered seven months in
- Broadening scope of extra urgent appointments will increase access to NHS dental treatment boosting earlier intervention, prevention, and continuity of care
- Alongside dental reforms which prioritise those with the greatest need, and pioneering supervised toothbrushing programme
From April 2026, high street dentists will be required to offer a minimum number of urgent or unscheduled appointments, which could include patients who are new to the practice.
This comes alongside the government’s national supervised toothbrushing programme for 3 to 5 year olds, which will support up to 600,000 children this year, with over 4 million toothbrushes and toothpastes delivered already as well as community water fluoridation schemes proven to reduce decay.
Find out more about the dentistry plans
Eating Disorder Awareness 2026
Details from BEAT charity
Right now, at least 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder, and millions more who support them feel the impact too.
This Eating Disorders Awareness Week, you can help to raise awareness of eating disorders and the importance of community. Eating disorders can be isolating, making people feel alone whether someone has an eating disorder themselves or whether they are supporting someone.
The theme this year, is the power of community and the vital role family, friends, and other support networks play in helping someone feel supported, understood, and never alone on their journey from seeking help, undergoing treatment and beyond.
If you’re worried about your eating, your weight, or your relationship with food—or about someone you care about—BEAT's GP practice is there to help.
Learn more about eating disorders
Tips to help someone with an eating disorder
Watch this video created by BEAT on Eating Disorder Awareness:
www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
BEAT Helplines are open from 3pm– 8pm, Monday to Friday. Support on the Helpline is available by phone, email, webchat via their social media and by letter. Calls to the helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills. 0808 801 0677
Reminder: NHS Greater Manchester’s New Operating Model
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
NHS Greater Manchester is evolving how they work together. They want to deliver the ambitions of the NHS 10 Year Plan and build a healthier, more sustainable future for Greater Manchester. Their new operating model outlines how they will do this.
The 10 year health plan focuses on three strategic shifts:
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Treatment to prevention: keeping people well, not jus treating illness
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Hospital to community: moving care closer to home through joined – up services
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Analogue to digital: using technology and data to make healthcare smarter and faster
Late 2025, they asked for feedback on the draft operating model for NHS GM, which outlines how they hope to deliver the Plan as a strategic commissioner. This is available in their feedback report.
This feedback has helped shape the final operating model. It will be implemented from 1 April 2026 onwards and sets out how NHS GM will function as a strategic commissioner.
Visit the ‘Our Plans and Reports’ page for more information.
Norovirus Outbreak – Restrictions on Visiting Stepping Hill Continued
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
The hospital has been experiencing a very high number of cases of Norovirus on their wards. Because of the increasing risk to vulnerable patients, and pressures on services, visiting restrictions are in place.
This means suspending all visiting to patients, with limited exceptions including those at the end of their life, with learning disabilities or dementia but contact the ward staff in advance. This restriction takes place with immediate effect, and the decision will be reviewed daily.
Find out more about this announcement
Know Your High Cholesterol Risk
Details from NHS England
This resource, co-produced by Heart UK and NHS England, outlines who is most at risk of high cholesterol and supports people to take an active role in lowering their risk.
It is helpful for those who have just been diagnosed with high cholesterol, or those who want to learn more about managing their cholesterol.
Child Immunisations Campaign
Details from NHS England
Last week, the Department of Health & Social Care, UKHSA & NHS England launched their ‘Stay Strong. Get Vaccinated’ childhood immunisations campaign.
This childhood vaccines campaign will run until the end of March 2026, encouraging parents to check that their child has received their routine vaccinations. The campaign can be seen across video on demand, radio, outdoor advertising and socials.
Advice:To have full protection, children sometimes need to have booster vaccines. Check their red book or speak to your GP surgery to see if they are missing any vaccines.
Visit www.nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations to find out more and see if you should book an appointment for your child.
Calling Stockport Men! Book Your AAA Screening
To find out more about AAA screening, the team here at Healthwatch Stockport produced a handy screening fact sheet last year to help you find the information you need.
AAA screening fact sheet and advice
Taking Pride in Practice
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership (GMICP)
Have you heard of Pride in Practice, a scheme to improve the experiences of LGBTQ+ people accessing primary care services?
Run by the LGBT Foundation, it provides training and accreditation to healthcare professionals in GP practices, dentists, pharmacies and opticians. It ensures that practices effectively and confidently meet the needs of LGBT patients, and that they feel safe, accepted, seen and supported.
Primary care services in Greater Manchester account for more than half of all practices benefiting from the Pride in Practice programme.
Pride in Practice was established in 2010 and you can find out more about it on the LGBT foundation website. There is also a map to find an accredited practice near you.
Stockport Pain Cafe Celebrates One Year Anniversary
Details from Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
The Stockport Pain Café recently celebrated its first anniversary – one year of providing a fantastic lifeline for people with fibromyalgia & chronic pain. Having these conditions can be extremely isolating, which can lead to poorer mental and physical health.
This peer support group, led by volunteers with the conditions, has meant those who use them feel listened to, seen, understood, and most importantly for many, giving them the knowledge that they aren't alone.
The Stockport Pain Café runs on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month:
MickerBrook pub in Cheadle (SK8 5NU) from 10.30am-12pm (next session – Monday 2 March)
To get in touch:
email fibrocommunitycafe@outlook.com
0161 804 4416
Free Lung Checks Are Returning to Stockport
Details from Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance
The NHS will soon be offering free lung health checks to current and former smokers aged 55-74 who are registered with a GP in Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme.
Checks are free and they could save your life by finding lung cancer at an early stage before any symptoms. Most visitors to these checks will get reassurance that everything is OK.
The checks are available to people registered at the following practices:
Cheadle Hulme Medical Group SK8 6LU
Bramhall Health Centre, SK7 2DY,
Bramhall and Shaw Heath Medical Group SK7 3EP,
Hulme Hall Medical Group SK8 6LU,
The Village Surgery SK7 2DN.
Look out for an invite in the post or via text message.
Received your invitation but missed your appointment? Contact the bookings team on 0161 529 0900.
Support for Parents
Details from Stockport Council
Whether you're parenting a baby, a teen, or a child with SEND, there’s free online help available for you anytime, anywhere:
- Family Hubs app: Your go-to library of videos, tips, and resources - from potty training to teenage behaviour.
- SEND Stockport Local Offer: For all questions about support for children and young people with SEND, from EHCPs and school admissions to preparing for adulthood
- Togetherness online courses offer step-by-step learning designed to boost confidence, emotional wellbeing, and resilience for parents and children.
- Live Well directory: Discover local services, support groups, and things to do in your community.
- What’s On in Stockport: Find family-friendly events and activities happening near you.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Try the Family Hubs online enquiry form.
Have Your Say: Experiences of the NHS
Details from the Patients Association
The Patients Association works directly with patients to inform recommendations that influence health and care policy, hold decision-makers to account, and improve how services partner with patients. Therefore they're asking patients to share their experiences of the NHS.
They want to hear about patients’ experiences with NHS services over the last six months: what’s working well, what isn’t, and what needs to change.
These responses will be used in a report to support their campaigning and advocacy work and to make the strongest case to government, the NHS, and policymakers for improvements patients need and deserve.
More information can be found at: www.patients-association.org.uk/share-your-experience-in-our-patient-experience-survey
Have Your Say: Family Hubs App
Details from Stockport Council
Stockport Council want your feedback on the Family Hubs App – and you could win a £20n voucher for getting involved!
Since launching the One Stockport Family Hubs app in May 2025, they've been working to make it even better, adding local updates and notifications. Your experience matters - so they'd love to hear from families who’ve downloaded the app.
You’ll be entered into a prize draw for a £20 shopping voucher!
Have Your Say: Alcohol Use
Have Your Say: Improving Neonatal Care Services
Details from Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
The NHS is reviewing how neonatal care can be improved for babies and families across the North West. This work is being led by NHS England alongside the region’s three Integrated Care Boards: NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, NHS Greater Manchester, and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria.
Parents, carers and family members who've used neonatal services will also be involved, to share their experiences of what works well and what could be improved.
Feedback will shape the next phase of planning, including the development of future service options.
For more information, visit the website.
Stockport Dad's Club
'Talk Health' Social & Learning Sessions
Details from Stockport County Community Trust
They are launching a new Community Session called 'Talk Health' as part of their new National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund.
Thursday 4 March, 10am-11:30am, which will run weekly.
This session is for individuals who may want to learn more about certain health conditions and how to manage them, as well as for those who are unsure what community programmes would be best their needs.
There will be a variety of topics such as nutrition and lifestyle, talks from external providers and more.
Email M.Partington@stockportcounty.com or visit health@stockportcounty.com
Picnic in the Park
Further Events & Community Activities across the Borough
Job Opportunity: Home Support Worker
Details from REACH
Home Support Worker Reablement
- Scale 4 (£26,403 - £28,142 pro rata) +2 increments for weekend working
- Part Time and Full Time Hours Available (28 Hours - 35 Hours), Permanent
- Community-based roles in Stockport
Process to find out more and apply:
Find out more and meet the team at their online presentation on 3 March, at 10am and 5pm! Sign up here:
Register your interest for the role here following the presentation.
Week commencing 16 March: First Stage Selection Interview (telephone)
31 March and 13 April: Welcome and Selection Workshop, Face to Face at Stopford House
Workshops: Eating Disorder Sessions for Parents and Carers
Details from Living Well Stockport
The Charlie Waller Trust offers online workshops to parents and carers based on the New Maudsley Approach, which recognises that family/carers are in a unique position to support their loved one to tackle the eating disorder.
The aim is to lower anxiety and distress in family members and to give carers communication tools, skills and techniques that help them to help their loved one to improve their self-esteem and develop the resilience to embark on change.
Courses are broken down into five, two-hour online workshops and are full of practical tips, real life scenarios and case studies.
Course Dates:
- Wednesday 4 March - 9:30 - 11:30
- Wednesday 11 March - 9:30 - 11:30
- Wednesday 18 March - 9:30 - 11:30
- Wednesday 25 March - 9:30 - 11:30
- Wednesday 22 April - 9:30 - 11:30
This is a series and ideally participants should attend all five sessions. To book on to this course, email Gemma Howard at gemma.howard@charliewaller.org and quote GH027 in the subject line.
For more information, visit Eating disorder workshops for parents and carers
Workshops: Makaton Level 4
Details from Stockport SEND
The Makaton Level 4 Workshop is designed to advance your skills in using signs and symbols, building on the knowledge gained in Levels 1, 2 and 3.
This workshop is ideal for family members, carers and practitioners who already use Makaton at home or in their work and have completed Levels 1–3. It is also an essential step toward entry for Makaton Tutor Training.
18 March 2026, from 9.25am–2.30pm
1st Floor, 1WR, 1 Wellington Road North, Stockport, SK4 1AF.
To request a place, email CTStraining@stockport.nhs.uk
Careers: Pathway to Employment
Courses: Digital Sessions for Parents
Courses: Expecting Your First Baby?
Training & Activities Courses Coming Up
There are a variety of training courses including those from from Skills For Life (SFL) and others. Please see the attachments below:
Answer Cancer
Diabetes UK
For Men to Talk
Greater Manchester Live Well
King's Trust
Upcoming courses from The King's Trust
National Autistic Society
Sector 3
Starting Point
Stockport Council
Information and Advice
For up to date health and social care information, signposting and guidance, call Healthwatch Stockport on
0161 974 0753 10am - 2pm
info@healthwatchstockport.co.uk
Visit our Information and Signposting directory
Do you have a health or social care experience you want to share – how did your last appointment with your GP or dentist go? Are you happy or frustrated with the service you received – let us know so we can work with local services to influence better commissioners and better outcomes for you and your family.
