News and reports

On Thursday 19th June, we were part of Let's Talk "Preparation for Adulthood" event at The Willows School in Thurcroft.
Through networking over the last couple of years, we were able to signpost the school to some services that provide our Rotherham people with some excellent support and information.

Following a conversation recently with some people who access support from Headway Rotherham, we felt it necessary to look into the challenges that people with an Acquired Brain Injury face regarding their healthcare on a regular basis.

Our new research shows how important choice is to people when it comes to their care, and makes recommendations to help ensure they get those choices.
What choices do patients want when they book GP appointments? And are they getting those choices?

Our latest research aims to answer these questions. Our nationally representative polling and interviews with people who have used GP services show how much they value choice in their care. But it also shows evidence of a “choice gap”, where people are not always getting the choices they want and may even be entitled to.

Thanks to residents speaking up, patients across Sussex can access a new non-emergency patient transport service.

The Government has published its NHS 10-Year Health Plan for England. Read our response.

A year after the launch of Pharmacy First, the NHS scheme designed to speed up treatment for common conditions, we have published a new poll of over 7,000 adults’ experience of using pharmacies.

This month we were contacted by 45 people who either shared their experiences of health and social care services or asked for information and signposting help. Our report highlights some of the things we've heard and some of the actions we've taken.

“Protect the Independent Patient Voice,” says Healthwatch Rotherham
June 30, 2025

On 14th April and 13th May 2025, trained representatives from Healthwatch Rotherham visited Swallownest Court to carry out an Enter and View visit.

The purpose of the visit was to:
● collect the views from patients, families, volunteers and staff on services
● observe how the facility operates and provides its services
● identify ‘Best Practice’ and highlight any areas of concern

We spoke to staff and patients and you can find out about our observations, survey results and recommendations in our report below.

A second opinion is when you choose to request the expertise of another healthcare professional after you've been given a diagnosis or treatment plan. What are the new rules about second opinions and and how can you request one?

In our annual report we share the issues we've worked on over the last year and the impact we've had.

Your feedback and experiences help us make a difference to health and social care.

Find out about some of the ways in which we've worked together with the local community and organisations to help make health and social care better in Rotherham.

Our You said, we did' report for May 2025 is now available.

This month we were contacted by 60 people who either shared their experiences of health and social care services, or asked for information and signposting help. Our report highlights some of the things we heard and some of the actions we have taken, as well as some of the feedback given to us.