Healthwatch Kingston

If you have had issues with the administration of cancelled appointments, please get in touch.

We want to know if you were given limited or no notice of a cancelled appointment.

Email: info@healthwatchkingston.org.uk

Global supply chain issues are disrupting hip, knee and other orthopaedic surgeries.

Patients should assume their surgery is proceeding unless they are contacted directly. www.healthwatchkingston.org.uk/news/2026-02...

Want to get in touch another way?

You can email: info@healthwatchkingston.org.uk

Or visit our website to complete a short form and share your views: www.healthwatchkingston.org.uk/share-your-v...

If your call goes to voicemail, please leave a message with your name, the reason for your call after the tone and we will aim to get back to you within 36 hours.

ℹ️ The way you can contact us by phone is changing.
You can speak to members of our team through the following work mobile numbers.

Call Scott on: 07421 071820 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am - 5pm)

Call Hen on: 07300 893531 (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am - 5pm)

A UK Health Security Agency infographic titled ‘Norovirus lab reports, in England by week.’ It shows a bar chart of positive norovirus laboratory reports from 30 June 2025 to 25 January 2026, with weekly green bars compared against a dotted 5‑season average. Source noted as the Second-Generation Surveillance System (SGSS).

🆕 Norovirus data: activity for the winter vomiting bug has increased in recent weeks, particularly in adults aged 65 years and over
🔗 Full report: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-norovirus-and-rotavirus-surveillance-reports-2025-to-2026-season

For support accessing or completing the survey, contact the Healthwatch Kingston office by calling 0203 326 1255 or emailing info@healthwatchkingston.org.uk

Kingston adult safeguarding journey Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

We want to hear your experience - what worked well, what could be improved, and whether you felt listened to.

Your anonymous feedback will help shape a more person-centred and effective safeguarding service. 🔹Take the short survey here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/K32STNL

Healthwatch Kingston is working with Kingston Council to ensure that safeguarding is done with people, not to them.

This means putting individuals at the centre of the process, focusing on the outcomes they want, and working together to improve or resolve their circumstances.

A photo of an older woman in a wheelchair. Another woman crouches down to hold her. Overlaid text reads ‘Have you or someone you care for been through the safeguarding journey in Kingston? Your voice matters.’

Have you or someone you care for been through the safeguarding process in Kingston? Your voice matters.

Keeping warm and well: staying safe in cold weather | Healthwatch Kingston Anyone can become unwell if they get too cold. Be prepared for cold weather and take action to keep yourself warm.

❄️🌨️➡️ www.healthwatchkingston.org.uk/blog/2026-01...

A photo of a woman looking unwell as she huddles under blankets.

Anyone can become unwell if they get too cold.

Visit the Healthwatch Kingston website for information and guidance about staying safe in cold weather, accessing financial support to manage costs, and the importance of looking after one another as the temperature drops.

Have your say 💬https://www.kingstonletstalk.co.uk/public-health/shaping-the-future-of-drug-and-alcohol-services-in/

Your feedback is essential. By taking part, you can help service commissioners understand what is working, what could be improved and what you would like to see from local support services.

Kingston Council are currently inviting residents to share their views on the future of Kingston’s adult drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services.

Services and support over the festive period 2025/2026 | Healthwatch Kingston Ahead of the holiday period the NHS is reminding people not to wait if they have an urgent care need and that they can get help by contacting NHS 111.

For more information about accessing local pharmacy services, what you should do if you need medical advice or have a safeguarding concern visit the Healthwatch Kingston website: www.healthwatchkingston.org.uk/news/2025-12...

If you have an urgent care need over the holiday period, don't wait.

Go to 111.nhs.uk for medical advice and information if you feel unwell, unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999.

An illustration of a snowman in a wintery scene. Text repeats the information in caption

Make sure you're prepared this Christmas!
⭐️ Order repeat prescriptions early to give your pharmacy time to deal with the request
⭐️ Speak to your pharmacist or doctor so you know which of your medicines interact with festive food or drink.

Homeless in winter: How to help people stuck in cold weather

Being out in cold weather can be dangerous, especially if you have nowhere else to go. Here’s how to help people who are homeless in winter,

Benedict Knox, our Head of Communications, explains that our latest research shows that 98% patient satisfaction with a GP referral is possible when four steps are followed.

https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2025-12-04/one-seven-patients-stuck-gp-referrals-black-hole

A photo of a group of people sat in a circle. Text reads 'Advice and information: know where to turn for mental health support'

Mental health crises can be frightening and isolating, but you are never alone. 

Know where to turn for mental health support: https://www.healthwatchkingston.org.uk/advice-and-information/2025-10-31/do-you-know-where-turn-mental-health-support-winter

Grief is a normal reaction to bereavement but often awareness and understanding is lacking. This #NationalGriefAwareness week let's open up the conversation and help each other to grow with our grief.

We have heard how different backgrounds, cultures and philosophies shape experiences of grief, and how important it is to be able access the right support, at the right time. 🧵

Growing with Grief: National Grief Awareness Week | Healthwatch Kingston For National Grief Awareness Week we want to reflect on what local people have told us about their experiences of bereavement, grief, and loss.

Over the last few years we have been speaking to local people across the borough about their experiences of grief, bereavement and loss. 🧵 #GrowingWithGrief

www.healthwatchkingston.org.uk/blog/2025-12...

Promotional image for Healthwatch encouraging feedback on NHS services, featuring text that asks 'Good care? Bad care?' and explains how to share feedback confidentially.

Do you want better NHS services in your area? Whether you want to see improvements to the food in hospitals or a change opening hours, your feedback can improve care in your local services. Share your experience today. https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

Here's what to do if you see a homeless person

With homelessness still a big issue in Britain, here's exactly how you can help when you see someone rough sleeping or otherwise in need.

Every loss is a very personal experience.  Find the services and support that are right for you on the Healthwatch Kingston website:
https://www.healthwatchkingston.org.uk/advice-and-information/2021-11-19/all-about-bereavement-grief-faith-and-spirituality-services-and 

#NationalGriefAwarenessWeek

A photo of Kingston Quaker Center with overlaid text that reads 'Healthwatch Kingston Public Meeting: Kingston Quaker Centre, Tuesday 9th December, 12:30 pm -3:30pm'

Join us next week for a festive get together at our Public Meeting: https://www.healthwatchkingston.org.uk/event/2025-12-09/healthwatch-kingston-public-meeting-tuesday-9th-december

Looking for support to manage the cost of living? Visit the Healthwatch Kingston website to learn about services available in Kingston: https://www.healthwatchkingston.org.uk/advice-and-information/2025-11-07/kingston-cost-living-support-winter

A photo of two people sat outside wearing thick winter coats. They are smiling at the camera.

Do you know where to turn for support to keep well this winter?

Visit our the Healthwatch Kingston website for advice and information: https://www.healthwatchkingston.org.uk/advice-and-information/2025-10-31/keeping-well-winter