We want to hear what the people of North Lincolnshire have to say about the COVID-19 vaccine!

Whether you've already had it, you're waiting to have it, or you're uncertain if you'll accept your invitation; we want to hear your thoughts, feelings and experiences.

Unpaid carers in North Lincolnshire are asked to share feedback on care following a year of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Unpaid carers have played a greater role than ever before in supporting people with their care needs, an incredible contribution in the fight against COVID-19. In addition to the direct support they provide, carers can play a vital role in sharing feedback about the care their family and friends receive.

Now the Because We All Care campaign is asking carers to share their experiences of the care their loved ones receive, positive or negative, across care homes, GP services, hospitals or in the home.

People can share their views on-line:

With Healthwatch https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/because-we-all-care 

With the CQC https://www.cqc.org.uk/give-feedback-on-care 

You can also contact Healthwatch North Lincolnshire directly to share and experience or get advice and information by sending an email to enquiries@healthwatchnorthlincolnshire.co.uk

Last year during Cervical Cancer Prevention Weel we launched a research project where we looked at the barriers that women face when accessing cervical screening in North Lincolnshire.

We received over 250 responses to our survey and our results highlighted that many individuals with learning and/or physical disabilities had more difficulty with understanding, booking, and attending their cervical screening appointments.

In response, we submitted our report to the service providers and gave them a number of recommendations to help improve the service across North Lincolnshire.

These recommendations have since been reviewed and actions have been put in place to ensure accessibility to cervical screening is increased.

If you would like to view our report, please click here.

Alternatively, if you'd like a postal copy, please send us an email and we will get one sent out to you!

People are being urged to download the new NHS COVID-19 App in order to help contribute towards the national Test and Trace programme.

Downloading the app helps you to:

• Be alerted if you've been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
• Check your symptoms and book a test if you need one
• Easily check into local venues using the QR scanner

Download the app now for you android or Apple smartphone through your usual app store

Healthwatch gives people a powerful voice locally and nationally.

The more that people share their ideas, experiences and concerns about NHS and social care, the more services can understand when improvements are needed.

Right now, we need to hear your opinion more than ever.

Whether you've had an appointment with your local GP, at Scunthorpe hospital, with a dentist, visited a pharmacy or have been in a residential home: we want to hear about your experiences -the good, the bad, and the in-between too! 

Please let us know about your experiences by clicking on the 'Share your COVID-19 Experience' button on the right hand side, and filling out our short questionnaire. 

Thank you!!

Local group Starlight Arts have kindly created a wonderful video in Makaton for us to share.

In this video, they explain a little a bit about the new COVID-19 vaccine, including information on:

• The process of being vaccinated
• Who will get the vaccine first
• Possible side effects
• How to continue being safe after receiving the vaccination

To View the video, please click here

To find out more about Starlight Arts and their work, please visit their website at: http://www.starlightarts.co.uk/  or alternatively, follow them on Facebook at: @StarlightArts86