Proposals to change Level 3 critical care at Furness General have raised lots of questions. The #NHS is holding public sessions across #SouthCumbria in October (face-to-face and online) to hear your views. Find out more and see how to book a session here:

Last Wednesday we joined the Macmillan Coffee Morning with Drop Zone Youth ☕💚 There was a sea of amazing treats and it was a great chance to meet everyone, introduce ourselves and chat about our transport project 🚍 Big thanks to all who welcomed us!

For many adults, #autism diagnosis isn’t about a “cause” - it’s about recognition, understanding & the right support. In our Adult Autism Pathways report, people told us about long waits, unclear referrals & struggles navigating the system. 📖 Read the full report: http://bit.ly/46zxPiB

Did you know the #NHS Health Check can help prevent serious illness but many men are missing out? 🔵 Only 37% of eligible men say they’ve ever been invited 🔵 Most who attend value the experience & would go again 🔵 Awareness drives attendance Read more 👉 http://bit.ly/42IaCJW

Only 67.1% of patients in England started #cancer treatment within 2 months of an urgent referral. This is well below the 85% target. Delays in diagnosis & treatment can be devastating.

Living with #ChronicPain? You’re not alone 💛 Many face long waits and poor access to care but supportive, #HolisticTreatment can help. Read @healthwatchengland.bsky.social#ChronicPain?#HolisticTreatment latest blog on the challenges and how the #NHS can do better: http://bit.ly/41SAu5M #Healthwatch #HWWF

Have your say on the future of #EyeCare in England! 👀 #RNIB is running 2 online focus groups this autumn (2.5 hrs each, via Teams). Your feedback will shape conversations with #NHSEngland on long-term planning📝 👉 Register here: https://forms.office.com/e/uYJ5M2MEXP 📧 [email protected]

#UHMBT now offers specialist support for anyone 16+ affected by sexual violence 💙 The HISVA role provides emotional support, safety planning, guidance and signposting to long-term services. 📖 More info:

🌿 New Grief Café starting at #Penrith Library 🌿 A safe, welcoming space to chat & find support. 🕐 1–3pm | 📍 Penrith Library 📅 24 Sept, 29 Oct, 26 Nov, 17 Dec 2025 For more info: 📩 [email protected] ☎️ 0808 1961773 #GriefCafe #Bereavement

Buses that don’t connect. Trains that don’t run at the right times. Taxis that cost too much. This is the reality for many people trying to get to healthcare across Westmorland and Furness. 📝 Share your experience in our Transport Survey: https://bit.ly/3HoIzbd

How does #selfemployment affect health & care? Flexibility can help those with long-term conditions or caring responsibilities, but challenges include: ⏰ Hard-to-get #GP appointments 😷 Pressure to work when unwell 🧠 Stress & job insecurity Read more: https://bit.ly/4lOM20O #Healthwatch #NHS

We’ve been moved by your messages recognising the importance of an independent patient voice ❤️ A national #petition is calling on the government to: ✅ Protect local patient voices ✅ Co-design services with the public ✅ Invest in independent advocacy Sign & share: https://bit.ly/4nlttTl

🩺 If you run out of an essential medicine over this August bank holiday... 🌡 If it's not life threatening: Call NHS 111 or visit https://111.nhs.uk/emergency-prescription 👉 To find a pharmacies open on Bank Holiday Monday: http://bit.ly/45Kfxe8

Thanks for all your messages of support following the news about #Healthwatch being abolished.     A national petition calls on the government to keep patient voice independent and involve the public in what that looks like.     If this matters to you please sign & share: https://bit.ly/HWPetition25

Have your say! The NHS in the North East & North Cumbria is proposing to stop prescribing gluten-free bread, rolls & flour mixes. 🗓 Survey open until 25 Aug 2025 🔗 https://northeastnorthcumbria.nhs.uk/get-involved 📩 [email protected] #Coeliac #NHSSurvey #GlutenFree

Have your say! The NHS in the North East & North Cumbria is proposing to stop prescribing gluten-free bread, rolls & flour mixes. 🗓 Survey open until 25 Aug 2025 🔗 https://northeastnorthcumbria.nhs.uk/get-involved 📩 [email protected] #Coeliac #NHSSurvey #GlutenFree

Do you struggle to get to GP, hospital, or other health appointments? We’re collecting your experiences to push for better transport in Westmorland & Furness. 📝 Take our 5-min survey: https://bit.ly/3HoIzbd 💬 Your voice matters. #Cumbria #HealthcareAccess #PatientTransport #PublicTransport #UK

Help the NHS design a service to keep people in work when health issues strike. Join our #WorkWell focus group – 21 Aug, online, 2–3:30pm. To join:  📧 [email protected] | ☎ 0300 373 2820 💳 £10 shopping voucher for your time.

A consultation on the NHS dental contract has now opened. Don’t miss your chance to get involved, share your views and ideas: https://bit.ly/457rc6A #NHSdentistry

Have your say on gluten-free prescriptions 📢 Do you receive gluten-free bread, rolls or flour mix on NHS prescription? 📝 The NHS in the North East and North Cumbria wants your views on a proposal to stop prescribing these items. 💬 Take the survey by 25 August: https://bit.ly/4lbPylE  #GlutenFree

The Government’s dental consultation to reform NHS Dentistry is now open. All those working in NHS dental services and commissioners are invited to give their views on the future of NHS dentistry. Follow the link for more information: https://bit.ly/3U1XzP0 #NHSdentistry

New plans to improve NHS dental access in the North East & North Cumbria: ✅ 109,000+ extra urgent appts/year ✅ 1,000+ out-of-hours appts ✅ New Urgent Dental Access Centres ✅ Support for vulnerable patients 📄 Read more: https://bit.ly/451cAXx #NHSDentistry

We're in Ulverston today! Leila, Sophie and Edi are at Cohen’s Chemist to hear about your experiences with health and care services. Whether it’s about GP appointments, prescriptions, pharmacies, hospitals or social care Pop by and have a chat!

Trans and non-binary people face hurdles at every stage of GP care 🏳️‍⚧️ Only 53% rate their GP as good. 💙 Lost records 🩷 Misgendering 🤍 Disrupted care 💙 Missed screenings Access to gender-affirming care is inconsistent & harmful. 📖 Read more: https://bit.ly/45jUUWc #TransRights #Nonbinary

Cancer patients at UHMBT rated their care 9.1/10 in the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2024! ✅ 92% said their care team worked well together ✅ 50% got emotional support at home (vs 34% nationally) 📖 Read more: https://bit.ly/4lcTy5w #CancerCare #UHMBT #NHSVoices

🆕 A £5.8m Community Diagnostic Centre is opening at Furness General Hospital! The Croslands CDC will offer faster access to vital tests like MRI scans, helping cut waits & support early diagnosis. 📍Opening Aug – GP referral needed 🔗 https://bit.ly/4mvKrOl

We’ll be at the Armed Forces Community Collaboration Event – come say hello! 👋 📍 Kendal Town Hall 📅 Thurs 7 Aug 2025 🕠 5:30–7:30pm All welcome: serving personnel, reservists, veterans, cadet volunteers, spouses & dependents. 🥪 Buffet | 🚗 Free parking | 🚌 Free coach (book ahead)

The Government has opened a consultation on changes to the NHS dental contract.  Anyone working in NHS dental services and commissioners are invited to take part.  The consultation will close on 19 August 2025. https://bit.ly/44YaZSk #NHSdentistry

How easy is it for you to get to your GP? Whether you walk, drive, rely on buses or get a lift, we want to know! Does transport make it harder to attend appointments? Share your experience and help us understand the barriers people are facing 🚗

Holistic therapies like massage, yoga & meditation can support both physical & emotional health 🌿 In Westmorland & Furness, we often hear calls for more whole-person, preventative care. Tried it? Want more of it? #HolisticTherapyDay #CommunityHealth #WestmorlandAndFurness #Healthwatch

National Schizophrenia Awareness Day 🧡 Too often, people with #schizophrenia face stigma and struggle to access the right support, especially in Westmorland & Furness. Have you or someone you love tried to access mental health care locally? 📣 Tell us anonymously: https://bit.ly/3QLoxZw

🧡 24/7 Samaritans Awareness Day 🧡 Since 1953, #Samaritans have been there day & night for anyone struggling or in crisis. Whether it’s 3pm or 3am, Samaritans are just a phone call away. 📞 Call 116 123 anytime, for free, confidential support.

We'll be at the Community Collaboration event in Kendal! 🗓 Thurs 7 Aug | 🕠 5.30–7.30pm 📍 Kendal Town Hall Open to all in the Armed Forces community + support orgs. 🚍 Free coach from Barrow & Penrith 🅿️ Free parking RSVP: [email protected] 🔗

Seen something about a health event near you? Popped by a drop-in clinic or screening van lately? We’re always listening - your feedback helps shape better services for everyone in Westmorland and Furness💬🩺 #Healthwatch #YourVoiceMatters #HWWF #NHS #Healthcare

Yesterday, we joined forces with our Healthwatch Together colleagues at the Commissioning Intentions Workshop at Lancashire County Council💪  We shared information about our project work and about the issues in our communities📍 You can leave feedback on our website👉 https://bit.ly/HWWMFFeedback

The NHS has announced its intention on the future of Level 3 care at Furness General’s ICU — but say no final decision has been made. We want your views. 🩵 Have you used ICU at FGH? 🩵 Concerned about the changes? Share here 👉 https://bit.ly/3QLoxZw

“What makes a good safeguarding referral?” Whether you're on the frontline or in a strategic role, we want to hear your views. Your insight can help improve how safeguarding works across Cumbria. 🧷 Complete our short survey (5 mins): https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PES786/

Many women notice alcohol affects them differently during menopause 💭 Hormonal changes make its effects feel stronger but you don’t have to cut out alcohol completely to feel better. 🩵 Cut back gradually 💙 Take alcohol-free days 💜 Try low/no-alcohol options Need support? We can help 🤝 #Menopause

Struggling with addiction or supporting someone who is? Here are local services in Westmorland & Furness that can help 👇 #AlcoholAwarenessWeek

In the North West, alcohol-related hospital admissions are well above average with Barrow-in-Furness among the highest. This #AlcoholAwarenessWeek we're sharing: • Recovery stories • Local support • Women’s health info • Tips to help others Follow to keep updated! @alcoholchangeuk.bsky.social

Ulverston Pride is just around the corner – Sat 5 July! A brilliant celebration of love, identity & community in South Cumbria 💛 We won’t be there this year but we’re proud to support events that champion joy, inclusivity & safe spaces for all 🏳️‍🌈 Events on at the Coronation Hall & The Sun Inn!

Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness official statement on the future of Healthwatch. This statement is also live on our website: https://healthwatchwestfurn.co.uk/news/statement-on-the-future-of-healthwatch/

“They’ll do literally anything for anyone” Leila & Sophie spoke to patients on Ward 9 at Furness General. Staff were praised for kindness & care, despite some challenges with neurology & transport. Have experience at Furness? Share your feedback to help improve care! 💙

Last month we signposted 52 people - but what does that mean? Signposting is one of our main activities and it's the name for giving patients and members of the public the information and advice they need so they understand what's available. Get in touch with us or visit our website for more info.

🔴 Live from Barrow! Leila is at the “Thriving Communities Together” Women’s Health Workshop today, helping shape ideas for a new Women’s Health Hub in #Barrow We’re here to listen, learn and ensure that women’s voices are heard when it comes to health and care services in our area!

Struggling to get NHS care on a low income? You’re not alone. A new blog from @healthwatchengland.bsky.social reveals how things like travel costs, digital exclusion & postcode inequality are real barriers to care. 📖 Read real stories & solutions: https://bit.ly/4038xae #HealthInequality

Can you spare 2 mins to help change a mum’s life? 💛 The Happy Mums Foundation is expanding support groups across Cumbria & needs YOUR voice. Your feedback = better services & vital funding. 📝 Take the survey here: https://happymums.org.uk/research-impact/ #SupportForMums #Cumbria #PeerSupport

☎ If you would like us to come and speak to your community or group about your experiences of using health and social care locally, please get in touch with us on 0300373 2820 or email [email protected]

🏳️‍🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍⚧️ At Healthwatch Westmorland & Furness, your voice matters. LGBTQ+ experiences with health & care services help shape better support for all. Share yours (good or bad) confidentially: https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say #PrideMonth

🍅 Get outside and make green-fingered friends today at Barrow Park. 🌿 Friends of Barrow Park Group plant swap is 11am-2pm at the pavilion. Bring along spare vegetable, fruit or flower seedlings to swap and meet the volunteers. 🌍 #TheGreatBigGreenWeek #GreenSocialPrescribing #GoodMentalHealth