News and reports

While some headlines talk about “Blue Monday,” there’s no scientific basis for a single ‘most depressing day.’ What matters is recognising winter can be hard and knowing support is available all season.

Public are invited to learn more about plans to transform local hospital services at a series of information drop-in sessions taking place across libraries this winter.

Healthwatch Shropshire has launched a new campaign to understand more about people’s experiences of spinal injury services across the county. The initiative follows a recent visit by Healthwatch Shropshire volunteers to The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital’s Spinal Injuries Inpatient Ward in Oswestry, where staff and patients shared valuable insights into local health and social care services.

Health leaders in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are urging people aged 18 to 64 who live with long-term health conditions to come forward for their free NHS flu vaccination, as the NHS prepares for a challenging winter flu season.

This Self-Care Week (17 to 23 November 2025), health and care leaders across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are encouraging residents to ‘Think Self-Care’, as part of the wider ‘Think Which Service’ Campaign, and take control of their own health and wellbeing this winter.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced strike action by resident doctors across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin from 7am on Friday 14 November until 7am on Wednesday 19 November. Residents are being reassured that urgent care will remain available, but disruption to routine appointments and planned treatments is likely.

Healthwatch Shropshire is calling on the public to urgently sign a petition to protect the only independent and impartial voice the public has in health and social care

Healthwatch Shropshire is calling on local people to share their recent experiences of getting medication on prescription – whether through their GP, local pharmacy, or using online services like the NHS App.

Three Healthwatch representatives visited Ward 28 - Frailty at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on Tuesday, 25th February 2025. The visit was semi-announced, meaning that the Ward Manager was informed of the visit but not the specific date or time

Two Healthwatch Authorised Representatives visited Swan Hill House Residential Home in Shrewsbury on 11th March 2025. The visit was semi-announced, meaning that the Head of Care was informed of the visit, but not the specific date or time.

A new video has been launched to help patients and families better understand the role of the Care Transfer Hub in supporting people to leave hospital safely and confidently, whether they return home or to another care setting.

Healthwatch Shropshire is urging people to take action and sign a petition to stop the government’s plans to scrap independent local Healthwatch services. These services have been the only statutory, impartial mechanism for the public to hold the NHS and social care systems to account, and they must remain independent.