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  1. Registering with your GP: understanding your rights

    Advice and Information -

    People have told us they can have problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what do to if you are refused the right to register.

  2. Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

    Advice and Information -

    Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.

  3. Do you need help getting to hospital?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you travel to your hospital appointments.

  4. What should you expect when it comes to care for your teeth?

    Advice and Information -

    Four questions staff should ask you or a loved one about your oral health if you’re a care home resident, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence quick guide.

  5. Planning care at the end of life

    Advice and Information -

    We explain why it’s important to have a plan in place, should you or a loved one become critically ill.

  6. Accessibility checklist for GP practices

    Advice and Information -

    Help make sure that your practice meets people’s accessibility requirements using this checklist.

  7. Where can I go for support for my mental health as a parent?

    Advice and Information -

    We've pulled together a number of services for parents in need of support for their mental health. Read more to find out where you can go to get the help you need.

  8. Seven pieces of information that you should expect to receive after being diagnosed with dementia

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's (NICE) quick guide to discussing and planning support following a dementia diagnosis.

  9. Do you need help travelling to NHS services?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.

  10. Someone I love has died - where can I find support

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.

  11. Should I see a pharmacist instead of a doctor?

    Advice and Information -

    ​​​​​​​Avoid the wait at the GP and know when to visit your pharmacist instead. Look at how your pharmacist can help you.

  12. What's the difference between social distancing, self-isolation and shielding?

    Advice and Information -

    Self-isolation, social distancing and shielding have been introduced by the Government to help you and your loved ones stay safe from COVID-19. Find out what they mean in practice and what applies to you.

  13. What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?

    Advice and Information -

    If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help.

  14. Getting the most out of the virtual health and care experience

    Advice and Information -

    National Voices, Traverse, PPL and Healthwatch England put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals.

  15. How to communicate better with people with hearing loss

    Advice and Information -

    COVID-19 poses a unique challenge for health and social care professionals when talking to someone with hearing loss. Here are some important tips to help you communicate effectively.

  16. COVID-19 vaccine: what you need to know

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look about what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme including how you will know when it's your turn, where to go, and why it's important.

  17. Information on Coronavirus

    Advice and Information -

    Read the latest advice and information from NHS England and Public Health England about the Coronavirus.

  18. Think you need to go to A&E? Call NHS 111 first

    Advice and Information -

    The NHS is providing a new and more convenient way for you to access urgent care from the 1 December. Find out what this means for you and your loved ones.

  19. Looking after someone? Know your rights

    Advice and Information -

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it's been estimated that across the UK there are 13.5 million unpaid carers. Many people are unaware of their rights as a carer and, as a result, are not accessing the help and support they are entitled to.

  20. People urged to regularly ‘wash hands for 20 seconds’ as Government unveils coronavirus action plan

    News -

    The Government has urged people to regularly wash hands for at least 20 seconds, to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

  21. Help needed to improve specialist children and young people’s inpatient mental health, autism and learning disability services

    News -

    Help needed to improve children and young people’s inpatient mental health, autism and learning disability services

  22. Risk of predatory behaviour being ‘normalised’ in adult social care

    News -

    The CQC have identified a risk of sexually predatory behaviour being 'missed' or 'normalised' in adult social care

  23. North Yorkshire telephone health coaching service is highly commended

    News -

    A telephone-based health management service which aims to support patients at increased risk of unplanned hospital admissions in parts of North Yorkshire has been highly commended at a national awards ceremony.

  24. People detained under Mental Health Act “often not treated with dignity and respect”

    News -

    The CQC finds that people detained under Mental Health Act “often not treated with dignity and respect”

  25. Coronavirus: Drive-through swab service set up in Easingwold for patients referred by NHS 111

    News -

    A drive-through ‘see and swab’ testing service for coronavirus has been set up in Easingwold.

  26. People with cough or temperature told to self-isolate as first coronavirus cases confirmed in North Yorkshire

    News -

    People with cough or temperature told to self-isolate as first coronavirus cases confirmed in North Yorkshire

  27. Coronavirus and hospitals in North Yorkshire

    News -

    Hospitals in North Yorkshire are responding to the coronavirus pandemic by placing restrictions on visitors and suspending some operations.

  28. NHS works with independent hospitals to boost coronavirus treatment

    News -

    More beds, ventilators and thousands of extra healthcare staff are being made urgently available from this week to aid the NHS fight against coronavirus, thanks to a major deal agreed between NHS England and the nation’s independent hospitals.

  29. Schools remain open in North Yorkshire for children of workers who are key to fighting the coronavirus outbreak

    News -

    Many schools in North Yorkshire remain open today (Monday, March 23) to children of critical workers and those identified as vulnerable, to enable parents to continue in jobs which are vital in responding to the coronavirus outbreak.

  30. Early-morning restrictions on bus passes relaxed in North Yorkshire to allow older people to go shopping

    News -

    Restrictions on the use of bus passes have been relaxed to help pass holders with early-morning shopping opportunities and appointments.

  31. People using GP practices are told face-to-face appointments will be minimised and non-urgent work stopped

    News -

    People using GP practices in North Yorkshire have been told most consultations will be done via phone, online or by video to minimise face-to-face contact.

  32. Hospitals in North Yorkshire tighten restrictions on visitors

    News -

    Last week hospitals announced they were placing restrictions on visitors and suspending some operations to fight the spread of coronavirus and aid the response to the pandemic.

  33. 23 community organisations helping to coordinate coronavirus response in North Yorkshire

    News -

    North Yorkshire is beginning the huge logistical challenge of coordinating the county’s community response to help those isolated by the coronavirus pandemic.

  34. North Yorkshire domestic abuse charity sees increase in demand for live chats during coronavirus pandemic

    News -

    Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS) is extending its online Live Chat service following an increase in demand attributed to concerns about people being isolated with an abusive partner or family member as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

  35. New recruits urgently needed by North Yorkshire’s care and support workforce

    News -

    An urgent call has been made for people to join North Yorkshire’s care and support workforce at this critical period during the coronavirus pandemic.

  36. Coronavirus ‘Nightingale’ hospital to be built in Harrogate

    News -

    A new NHS ‘Nightingale’ hospital will be built in Harrogate with up to 500 beds during the peak of the coronavirus outbreak.

  37. Hubs set up across North Yorkshire to look after children of key workers at weekends and bank holidays

    News -

    A series of hubs have been set up in schools and nurseries across North Yorkshire to make sure critical workers have childcare throughout bank holidays, weekends and other times where there is no other local provision.

  38. New clinical commissioning groups for North Yorkshire after mergers

    News -

    A new era has dawned for primary care in North Yorkshire with changes being made to some of the organisations responsible for buying health services for their areas.

  39. North Yorkshire’s front-line social care teams helping to free up hospital beds for coronavirus patients

    News -

    North Yorkshire is moving its front-line social care teams into a new way of working this week to support local residents better and to help the NHS, as everyone responds to Covid-19.

  40. Coronavirus: Share your experiences in North Yorkshire

    News -

    Healthwatch North Yorkshire is here to help during these challenging times – and whether you need information about using local health or care services or have an experience to share that could help NHS and social care services improve care.

  41. GPs and hospitals still available to North Yorkshire parents worried about children’s health

    News -

    Parents and carers are in North Yorkshire are being asked to continue accessing health services during the Covid-19 pandemic if they are worried about their child’s health.

  42. People in Craven asked for their views on accessing children and young people’s mental health services

    News -

    There are concerns that some children, young people and their families have been unable to access timely and appropriate support for their mental health and wellbeing.

  43. NHS Nightingale hospital up and running in Harrogate

    News -

    The new coronavirus hospital is up and running in Harrogate – a “vital insurance policy” that the NHS hopes will not be needed.

  44. Don’t delay if you need urgent care, says NHS

    News -

    The head of the NHS has launched a major new drive to persuade the public to seek the urgent care and treatment they need.

  45. Friarage A&E to be replaced by 24/7 urgent treatment centre

    News -

    The accident and emergency department at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton will be replaced by a 24-hour urgent treatment centre following a public consultation.

  46. Access to Mental Health Services: A Conversation with Service Users and Carers

    Report -

    Healthwatch North Yorkshire conducted an hour-long focus group about the experiences of individuals accessing mental health services in the Harrogate district area.

  47. New website is first stop for children and young people’s mental health support in North Yorkshire

    News -

    A new website has been launched dedicated to helping children and young people find mental health support in North Yorkshire.

  48. ‘Don’t delay cancer checks because of coronavirus’

    News -

    England’s top cancer doctor has urged people not to hesitate to get checked as new research revealed that nearly half of the public have concerns about seeking help during the coronavirus pandemic.

  49. Volunteering with Healthwatch North Yorkshire

    News -

    At Healthwatch North Yorkshire we have an amazing team of volunteers who play a key role in our work as the independent champion for people using health and social care services in North Yorkshire.

  50. County council knocking on doors of vulnerable residents

    News -

    North Yorkshire residents are receiving a door-knock welfare check as part of a coordinated joint effort involving county council staff and volunteers.