December

Though not much of a chill in the air, it certainly is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! Welcome to our December digital newsletter, packed full of articles, surveys, and our very own dose of Christmas cheer.

But firstly, congratulations Alice, who has just been promoted to be our Volunteer Co-ordinator and Team Support Officer.

As ever, we're keen to hear from you. You can email us, call the office on 01707 275 978, or use our online form. But don't forget, as it's Christmas, we'll be closed from midday Christmas Eve, and will reopen at 9am on the 2^nd of January.
In the case of a medical issue please call NHS 111
If it is an emergency, call 999.
Social care concerns for adult services call 0300 123 4042
Social care concerns for children's services call 0300 123 4043

Alice: Making a mental list. Checking it twice...

Messages from the Chair and Chief Exec

Every year we try and make sure we have a message from both our Chair and Chief Executive, giving you a flavour not only of the work we have been doing and what we hope

to do next year, but also of their individual approaches to the holiday season. This year we encourage you to compare and contrast.

Our Surveys...
Thanks to the amazing response from last newsletter, we've had some great feedback on home care. In order for us to really 'drill down', this time around we're asking for a little more information. Additionally, and something close to all our hearts, GP Services are changing accross the county. Have you heard of these changes, and are they having an impact on you? Let us know!

Talk to us about your NHS Home Care

Talk to us about GP Services

You are the backbone of the work we do. By answering our surveys and getting in touch, you are able to help us shape services in Hertfordshire. But to let us know who we're talking to, it would be great if you could let us know more about yourselves. Just click the picture or link to help!

It Starts With You

Winter Pressures

As we share an office with Age UK Hertfordshire, we asked them if they would like to write an article for our newsletter. Lucky us, they said YES!

Mental Health Project

As you may be aware, we have been scoping a piece of work on inpatient mental health discharge, and exploring the best way to add to knowledge already out there. This project forms part of our work under our strategic priority for mental health, and is based on some anecdotal feedback we collected through our representatives and partners.

At the moment we are still in the planning stages – working with partners to ensure the right focus – so will be in contact again once we are ready to engage more broadly.

Transgender Update

We've always been proud of our work with the transgender community, and so it's wonderful to see the launch of a brand new website aimed at giving help and support to young people and their families. Not just for people who have transitioned, but for those still waiting. Find out more about it here.

No matter how you celebrate, no matter what your traditions, the whole team at Healthwatch Hertfordshire wish you, your family, and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas, and a Fantastic New Year!