1. Reflections of being a Carer (Anon)

    Blog -

    Take the time to read this moving reflection written by a husband who cares for his wife with dementia, his reflection focuses on the rewards and challenges that comes from caring for someone you love.

  2. COVID-19 - When and how to use masks

    Advice and Information -

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently issued updated guidance for the use of masks for the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article we have summarised their key recommendations for wearing face masks.

  3. Coronavirus: changes to shielding

    Advice and Information -

    In July, Government advice for those shielding in England will change. We look at what these changes mean for you if you have been told to shield.

  4. Our Annual Report 2019-2020

    Report -

    Throughout 2019-2020, we engaged with 1,295 people across the Wigan Borough regarding their experiences with health and social care. This report highlights our activities within 2019-2020.

  5. Because We All Care

    News -

    Give feedback on health and social care services to support the NHS #BecauseWeAllCare

  6. Ask My GP - Information & Guidance

    Advice and Information -

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of GP practices across Wigan Borough have started to use Ask My GP to help them deliver their services.

  7. Have you left hospital during COVID-19? Tell us your experience

    News -

    To respond to coronavirus, hospitals in Wigan & Leigh had to quickly change. Tell us how this has affected the care you or your loved one has received.

  8. How to get an NHS dentist appointment during COVID-19

    Advice and Information -

    Routine dental care has had to change because of COVID-19, with social distancing rules making it difficult to access services. Here’s some information on how to access an NHS dentist during the pandemic.

  9. New COVID-19 restrictions affecting Wigan & Leigh

    News -

    An outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified in parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, and West Yorkshire. The government and relevant local authorities are acting together to control the spread of the virus.

  10. Tackle obesity and stay active during COVID-19 for Better Health

    Blog -

    The new Better Health campaign, unveiled by the government as part of their Obesity Strategy, is encouraging adults to adopt healthy lifestyle changes.

  11. Support for Parents and Carers of Children & Young People with Mental Health Issues

    Advice and Information -

    If you're a parent or a carer of a young person with a mental health problem, it can be difficult to know what to do. You may also need help and support, and there are resources out there providing advice and information.

  12. What can you expect when you’re discharged from hospital?

    Advice and Information -

    The usual processes the NHS follows to discharge you from hospital have changed during the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you can expect when it’s time to leave hospital.

  13. Supporting a young person's mental health during COVID-19

    Advice and Information -

    The coronavirus and lockdown may be distressing for many people, but children and young people may need additional support.

  14. Living with a long term condition during the coronavirus - Report

    Report -

    In response to COVID-19, we are aware that health and social care services have had to drastically change the support they offer the public.

  15. Our response to the coronavirus outbreak - Report

    Report -

    As the COVID-19 cases climbed, our number one priority was to protect our people: our staff and our volunteers. In line with guidance from Healthwatch England, this meant postponing all our planned public events and engagement activities.

  16. Coronavirus - Changes to shielding

    Advice and Information -

    From 1 August, the government will pause shielding unless the transmission of COVID-19 in the community starts to rise significantly.

  17. Children's Mental Health - Parents & Carers Survey

    News -

    Is your child waiting to see, currently seeing, or has recently finished seeing a professional in the last 12 months to help them with their emotional and mental health?

  18. Discharge from hospital project - Patients & carers

    News -

    Have you or someone you care for recently been discharged from hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic?

  19. New look for GP practices

    News -

    Here's what your GP practice will now look like due to COVID-19 safety measures

  20. Guide for using NHS 111

    Advice and Information -

    NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do.

  21. Support for students receiving exam results - Kooth

    Advice and Information -

    If you or your child has received or are waiting to receive exam results this week, you may feel excited as well as anxious, confused, or upset.

  22. What you need to know when visiting a care home (new guidance for COVID-19)

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at what the guidance around visiting your loved ones in care homes means in practice.

  23. How the new NHS COVID-19 app offers better data privacy

    Blog -

    The NHS has just released a revamped COVID-19 contact-tracing app for testing. We look at how it addresses many of the concerns people have when it comes to their data privacy and security.

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

    Advice and Information -

    Want to know how to get the most out of virtual health and care appointments for both patients and health care professionals? We've put together some tips.

  25. Local lockdown restriction update & COVID-19 bulletin

    News -

    After Greater Manchester leaders urged the government to review the regional Covid-19 restrictions, on 20th August, Wigan Borough was removed from the local lockdown and residents will now need to follow national rules.

  26. 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.

  27. Organ Donation Week

    Blog -

    This week (7th - 13th September) is the NHS's Organ Donation Week - find out more about organ donation and new changes to laws in England.

  28. Guidance for managing funerals during COVID-19

    Advice and Information -

    While funerals with physical attendance from mourners can still continue, it's important that those attending following the government rules and guidelines.

  29. Hospital discharge project

    News -

    Find out how you can get involved with our work on hospital discharge experiences during COVID-19.

  30. Hidden disabilities: what do the sunflower lanyards mean?

    Advice and Information -

    You may have noticed someone wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, which is commonly displayed using a green lanyard patterned with sunflowers. This article will give you more information on the sunflowers and let you know who's entitled to one.

  31. Coronavirus Factsheet - Getting Tested

    Advice and Information -

    If you have symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19) or have been asked to get tested in Wigan & Leigh, here's what you need to do.

  32. Type 2 Diabetes - Risk & Prevention

    Advice and Information -

    Find out more about Type 2 Diabetes,what the risks are, and how you can prevent it.

  33. Coronavirus Testing Project - Test & Trace

    News -

    Take part in our latest COVID-19 project and share your experiences of coronavirus testing, being asked to self isolate, and more.

  34. Get your flu jab this winter

    Blog -

    This year it’s particularly important to get your Flu Jab. If you’re one of 100,000 people in an at-risk group, you are entitled to a free flu vaccination.

  35. Care home experiences during COVID-19 project

    News -

    Have you or a loved one been living in a Wigan Borough care home during the COVID-19 pandemic? We'd like to hear your experiences.

  36. 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.

  37. Have you used Attend Anywhere?

    Blog -

    If you've used North West Borough's video consultation system, Attend Anywhere, you can share your experiences.

  38. How to find an NHS dentist in the Borough

    Advice and Information -

    Find out how to access an NHS dentist within the Wigan Borough.

  39. New COVID alert levels: Greater Manchester moves to 'VERY HIGH'

    News -

    The government introduced a new set of local COVID alert levels last week, bringing localised restrictions - but what does 'Very High' mean for Wigan & Leigh?

  40. Public services: lessons from coronavirus

    Blog -

    We're delighted to share this amazing story about the experiences of one of our brilliant volunteers, Debra Baxter.

  41. New national COVID lockdown: information

    Advice and Information -

    From Thursday 5th November, there will be new COVID-19 restrictions affecting England. Find out more.

  42. 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.

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

    News -

    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.

  44. Season's greetings from Healthwatch Wigan & Leigh!

    Blog -

    A quick update to let you know our holiday plans.

  45. COVID-19 Christmas Bubble

    Advice and Information -

    On 25th December, you can create a Christmas bubble with another two households, creating a bubble of three households overall.

  46. COVID-19 Vaccination Information

    Advice and Information -

    Find out more about getting the coronavirus vaccine in the Borough.

  47. Frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine

    News -

    Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are now available. Both vaccines have been shown to be safe and offer high levels of protection. Here are some answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the vaccine:

  48. Think NHS 111 First

    News -

    A message from Dr. Tim Dalton, local GP and chair of the NHS Wigan Borough CCG, on the NHS First 111 service.