Christmas wishes to all our communities and our NHS and care teams

Sadly it has been another challenging year for us all. Covid has hit us hard and we know that many people have struggled with losing loved ones and faced long waits for operations that have been postponed.

We also know that people have drawn on reserves of strength they never knew they had. The way that communities have continued to support each other has truly made a difference, as have the experiences you have told us about. We thank everyone for taking the time to do this.

Staying safe 

Unfortunately, the worries about the new variant does mean that the run up to Christmas and the rest of the winter is undoubtedly going to be challenging. Providing booster vaccinations to all adults in just a few weeks is huge ask of our local NHS and care teams.

We are therefore urging everyone to follow the guidance, stay safe, get vaccinated and please be patient and kind to everyone working in health and social care services. They are doing their utmost best.

Looking forward to 2022

As we look to another year, we are cautiously optimistic that life will get brighter and better in 2022.

We know that it will take time for the NHS and social care to rebuild after the devastation that Covid has wreaked but rest assured that all of us at Healthwatch will continue to champion your issues and concerns.

Most of all our thanks and hearts go out to our fabulous people working in hospitals, care homes, GP practices and the many other vital services. All working so very hard to keep us safe and well.