1. Healthwatch warns of dentistry crisis as public concerns continue

    News -

    New data gathered by Healthwatch England shows access to NHS dentistry remains a huge problem for the public amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

  2. CQC publishes report on Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust’s forensic inpatient and secure wards

    News -

    Following a recent inspection, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a report today on the forensic inpatient and secure wards at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust at its Fromeside site.

  3. Swindon Council offer symptom-free COVID testing to carers and those not able to work from home

    News -

    As of Monday 15 February, Swindon Borough Council has announced that symptom-free testing will be made available to carers and those unable to work from home.

  4. Healthwatch Swindon News Bites February 2021

    News -

    In this month's newsletter, we will be sharing news on shielding, accessing affordable counselling services, and a vaccine Q&A session with an expert panel.

  5. New Online Youth Club launches to encourage young people to interact

    News -

    A new online youth club has launched to combat social isolation by encouraging young people of all ages to interact, have fun, and care for their mental wellbeing.

  6. Invitation for COVID vaccine extended to unpaid carers between 18-64 years old

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    Across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, unpaid carers aged between 18 and 64 are now being invited for a Covid-19 Vaccination.

  7. NHS acknowledge delays on complaint responses in light of COVID pressures

    News -

    In February, NHS England and Improvement acknowledged that NHS providers may take longer to investigate and respond to complaints. This is to allow providers to concentrate on front-line duties and responsiveness to coronavirus (COVID-19).

  8. Transgender people asked to help improve the NHS Gender Identity Services in the South West

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    Transgender and gender-diverse individuals who are over 16 years old and live in the South West area are being encouraged to take part in an online survey to help improve NHS Gender Identity Services.

  9. Thames Valley Cancer Alliance calls for you to Know Your Cancer Risk

    News -

    The Thames Valley Cancer Alliance is calling on the public to know their lung cancer risk as they launch a localised campaign to increase awareness of symptoms and speed up diagnosis.

  10. COVID-19 - One year on from the declaration of a global pandemic

    News -

    Thursday 11th March marked a year since the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

  11. New Health Authority to be led by former Director of Public Health, Swindon, Dr. Jenny Harries

    News -

    A new health agency that will plan for, prevent, and respond to external health threats such as infectious diseases, will be led by former, Director of Public Health, NHS Swindon, and Swindon Borough Council, Dr. Jenny Harries.

  12. Government leads an action to improve nation's mental and physical health through a new office

    News -

    The new Office for Health Promotion is to lead a national effort to improve the health of the nation; by improving our mental health and promoting physical activity, which in turn is hoped will help the nation tackle the rise in obesity.

  13. Swindon Easter period opening hours - Pharmacies, Dentists and Opticians

    News -

    Some pharmacies and GP practices across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire will be closed over the Easter period.

  14. Healthwatch Swindon News Bites March 2021

    News -

    In this month's newsletter, we will be sharing the BSW CCG video - COVID-19 one year on, the Department of Health and Social Care's launch of a campaign to improve the health and wellbeing of women's health, and much more.

  15. Great Western Hospital looks to the future with land purchase

    News -

    Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has completed the purchase of 5.5 hectares of land, allowing it to take the next steps in its strategic development plans.

  16. Great Western Hospital Foundation Trust partners with Healthwatch Swindon to improve patient experience

    News -

    Great Western Hospital is passionate about turning feedback into real change and is always looking at how they can grow and improve their services.

  17. Which dentists are taking on NHS patients and offering appointments?

    News -

    Find out which dentists are taking on NHS patients in Swindon and who are offering appointments here.

  18. April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month

    News -

    This April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Do you know the five key symptoms to look out for? Bowel Cancer UK has launched a campaign to raise awareness and help you look out for the early signs.

  19. Participation opportunity - How inclusive is community based social care for older LGB people?

    News -

    Liz Wands-Murray, the Ph.D. researcher at the University of York, is asking for help with a research project on the accessibility of community-based social care services, groups, and activities for older (50+) lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons.

  20. Vaccine delivery motors forward with BSW CCG community vaccination bus initiative

    News -

    A new mobile vaccination clinic took to the Swindon streets on Friday 23 April in a bid to target those yet to take up the offer of a COVID vaccine.

  21. Abbey Meads Surgery and Moredon Medical Centre rated as Requires Improvement by Care Quality Commission

    News -

    An inspection of Abbey Meads Surgery, and Moredon Medical Centre by the Care Quality Commission in February 2021, has resulted in the rating of 'Requires Improvement' overall for both services after it found concerns over the quality of their care.

  22. GWH reroutes traffic as construction work begins on new Urgent Treatment Centre 

    News -

    Construction work has begun in preparation for Great Western Hospital's new Urgent Treatment Centre. For the next six months, there will be a road closure and a reroute of traffic on site while the work takes place. 

  23. Charity partnership offers a mentoring programme for young homeschoolers

    News -

    A programme aimed at 12 - 16-year-olds who are home-educated or not in education, employment or training (NEET), and missing out in general social interaction in has been launched in partnership with the Swindon Town community Football Foundation.

  24. Healthwatch Swindon News Bites April 2021

    News -

    In this month's newsletter, we will be sharing news on the new COVID-19 vaccination bus takes to the road, construction work beginning at GWH for the new Urgent Treatment Centre, and symptom-free testing being made available to everyone.

  25. Clinic takes to the water to ensure no crewmate is left behind on vaccination rollout

    News -

    A floating clinic has taken to the water in a bid to ensure that no one is left behind in the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. The launch was a joint initiative from local councils, GP's, housing charities, and Clinical Commissioning Groups.

  26. Focus on Mental Health - Connect With Nature

    News -

    The last year put a sharp focus on mental health as we have all been faced with challenges and change. This year's theme for Mental Health Awareness week is nature. We take a look at how nature can help well-being and tips to manage your wellbeing.

  27. Dementia Action Awareness Week - 17 - 21 May

    News -

    In the UK alone, more than 920,000 people are living with dementia. The Alzheimer's Society expects this to rise to over a million by 2024. Monday 17 May sees the launch of Dementia Action Week. We look at what's on offer and how you can help?


  28. Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showmen communities focus of new COVID vaccine film

    News -

    A new film featuring renowned Romany journalist, Jake Bowers, explores what traveling communities can do to help with the pandemic and encourages them to have the COVID vaccine.

  29. Foster Care Fortnight 2021 - putting fostering under the spotlight

    News -

    In recognition of Foster Care Fortnight, we are putting the spotlight on fostering a child, sharing foster care stories, and how you can get involved.

  30. COVID-19 Support Grant offered to families and financially vulnerable adults for May Half Term

    News -

    Swindon Borough Council is inviting applications for their COVID-19 Support Grant funding over the May Half Term. The funding will see that a £15 supermarket voucher is issued per eligible child (or adult) over the May Half Term period.

  31. More GP appointments to be offered face-to-face to those who need it

    News -

    NHS England has issued new guidance to GP practices across the country on facilitating more face-to-face appointments for patients.

  32. New Integrated Care System to hold their first public board meeting

    News -

    Health and care organisations from across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire will come together later this month for the first official board meeting in public as the region’s new integrated care system.

  33. Twin crisis of access and affordability calls for a radical rethink of NHS dentistry

    News -

    New data indicates the dental crisis shows no signs of slowing, with four in five people (80%) struggling to access timely care during the last COVID-19 lockdown.

  34. Let us know what you think about the COVID-19 vaccine

    News -

    As the vaccination programme continues we ask for your thoughts on the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines in Swindon. The NHS is doing everything they can but there might be things that can be improved.

  35. New Urgent and Emergency Care Services - GWH

    News -

    Following a successful bid of £30million of government funding, Great Western Hospital is working up plans to expand and improve its Urgent and Emergency Care services, to create a more streamlined and efficient service.

  36. Collecting GP data - advice for the public

    News -

    NHS Digital's collection of GP data will support vital health and care planning and research. Here we share how and why your data is being used, and what to do if you don't want your data shared.

  37. Can you help us prioritise the most important issues affecting GP consultations?

    News -

    We’re keen to hear from patients registered at an NHS GP practice.

  38. Five principles for post-COVID-19 digital healthcare

    News -

    Our new report explores people's experiences of digital and remote healthcare and sets out five principles for post-COVID19 care to ensure no one is left behind.

  39. Share your experience of care at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

    News -

    If you have used the Emergency Department or have been an inpatient at GWH since 1 March 2021 we want to hear from you.

  40. COVID-19 vaccine: common questions UPDATED FAQ FROM GOVERNMENT AVAILABLE

    News -

    The latest COVID-19 vaccines briefing is now available to help answer your questions.

  41. Are you or your loved ones waiting for hospital care? Share your views

    News -

    Millions of people have had their treatment delayed by the pandemic – are you one of them? We want to know if you’re getting the advice, information and support you need while you wait.

  42. Access to NHS Dental Treatment

    News -

    With so many NHS Dentists at capacity, find out how to access urgent Dental care here.

  43. Healthwatch Swindon News Bites November 2021

    News -

    In this month's newsletter we welcome our new team, hear what we have been up to and the latest advice on how GP practices are currently working along with NHS Dental services.

  44. Shaping a Healthier Future

    News -

    The NHS in England is changing, with plans in place to change the way that health and care services are managed.

  45. Louise Ansari appointed as our new National Director

    News -

    We're delighted to announce that Louise Ansari has been appointed as our new National Director at Healthwatch England.

  46. Opening Doors - a Conversation About Covid-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy

    News -

    Save the date in your diary!

  47. Healthwatch Swindon News Bites December 2021

    News -

    In this month's news you can hear what we have been up to and find out about some of the great resources currently available.

  48. Good News

    News -

    Help us spread a little Joy and share your Good News Story.