News and reports

Innovative ‘virtual visiting’ live links at Kettering and Northampton General Hospital are supporting hundreds of local families who can’t visit their loved ones in hospital.

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a highly infectious viral illness. For most healthy people, the seasonal flu is mostly unpleasant. However, those who are pregnant are at particular risk from the more serious effects of flu.

Two of our dedicated volunteers who made an amazing 43 trips to inspect 36 wards and departments in a year at Kettering General Hospital have won Healthwatch Northamptonshire a national award.

Although tighter national restrictions came into force on 5 November, in response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, dental practices will continue to remain open.

Our annual meeting was held virtually via Zoom on 29 October 2020 at 11am and was a success; streaming to viewers Live on YouTube

Public Health Northamptonshire and Northamptonshire Clinical Commissioning Group are calling on carers to get their free flu vaccine. Having the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and anyone that you care for from flu.

The countywide Community Resilience hub was set up at the start of April to help those needing support or assistance during periods of isolation or for those who are vulnerable.

Find out how to better communicate with people with hearing loss during the pandemic

Healthwatch Northamptonshire volunteers Sheila White and Wendy Patel have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award for undertaking 43 visits to 50 wards and departments at Kettering General Hospital (KGH) between April 2019 and March 2020.

Two of our volunteers visited wards and departments at Kettering General Hospital 43 times between April 2019 to March 2020 to provide the hospital with feedback using the 15 Steps Challenge tool. Their findings have been summarised into a report.

The Prime Minister announced on 12 October that Northamptonshire will be placed in Tier 1 of the new three-tiered COVID-19 alert system. Lucy Wightman, Director of Public Health at Northamptonshire County Council, gave the following statement:

For World Mental Health Day (Saturday 10 October), we are reflecting on this year and how difficult it has been on people's mental health. You can find services here if you need support.