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Blog -
One of our longest-standing volunteers, Norma Thompson, talks about the reasons why she chose to become a volunteer. -
Blog -
Our latest research follows people's experiences of getting a GP referral. The process for many is long and often confusing. We need to address issues around people's GP referral journey so that it works for everyone. -
Blog -
NHS England has recently published its "Delivery plan for recovering access to primary care". We outline what the planned changes will mean for you. -
Blog -
The commitment to personalised care has been a cornerstone of NHS policy on maternity care for many years. A crucial part of personalised care is good communication, listening and agreeing on actions together. In this blog, we share new mothers' stories highlighting the role of communication and choice. -
Blog -
Our research on GP referrals highlighted the frustration patients experience due to long waits and a lack of support. This latest analysis looks at people’s experience of getting a cancer referral. -
Blog -
Neurodiversity is a word used to describe the different thinking styles that affect how people communicate with the world around them. It includes dyslexia, autism, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette's Syndrome and more. Neurodivergent people encounter challenges accessing services which meet their needs. -
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Healthwatch Swindon who exist to be the voice of the patient are currently undertaking a joint project with Macmillian Cancer looking at the best places in Swindon to share cancer information and support. -
Advice and Information -
People have told us they can have problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what do to if you are refused the right to register. -
Advice and Information -
Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed. -
Advice and Information -
Find out what support is available to help you travel to your hospital appointments. -
Advice and Information -
Four questions staff should ask you or a loved one about your oral health if you’re a care home resident, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence quick guide. -
Advice and Information -
End of life care is support for people who are in the last months or years of their life. The guidance on the NHS website helps you know what to expect, how to plan ahead and how to manage your day to day decisions. -
Advice and Information -
Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services. -
Advice and Information -
It’s vital that when it’s time for you to leave hospital, you have all the medication, information and support in place to help you keep getting better. -
Advice and Information -
If you are struggling with addiction there is a free helpline available to offer support. Find out more. -
Advice and Information -
If you would like to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle there is lots of support available to help you with this in Swindon. Find out more. -
Advice and Information -
Feeling unwell? Read on for advice about where you can go for help with your health during the winter months. -
Advice and Information -
Swindon Borough Council has put a number of measures in places to support people during the COVID-19 lockdown. Read more to find out what these are. -
Advice and Information -
Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving. -
Advice and Information -
The current Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic may cause you to feel worried, anxious, or scared. Read our seven steps to looking after your wellbeing while staying informed. -
Advice and Information -
From 1 August, the Government advice for those shielding in England changed. We look at what these changes mean for you if you have been told to shield. -
Advice and Information -
If you need additional support during the COVID-19 outbreak Swindon Borough Council have put together a resources page for local residents. Read more. -
Advice and Information -
With a surge in cases of domestic violence because of the Covid-19 lockdown we have put together some information about where you can get information and support. Read more. -
Advice and Information -
We explain why it’s important to have a plan in place, should you or a loved one become critically ill with coronavirus. -
Advice and Information -
FROM TODAY, HOSPITAL VISITORS AND OUTPATIENTS NEED TO WEAR FACE COVERINGS -
Advice and Information -
As of today everyone must wear face masks when using public transport. Read more about what Swindon's bus company is doing and read the latest Government guidance on making your own face covering. -
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. -
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. -
Advice and Information -
As of Monday 8 of March, the government's roadmap out of lockdown begun, and with it, the introduction of a single named nominated visitor to residents in care homes. New guidance has been issued increasing the number of visitors. Find out more here. -
Advice and Information -
Working with National Voices, Traverse, and PPL, we've put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals. -
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. -
Advice and Information -
The NHS Covid-19 has launched, and to date over 10 million people in England and Wales have downloaded it to protect others and save lives. -
Advice and Information -
Read the latest advice and information from NHS England and Public Health England about the Coronavirus. -
Advice and Information -
Read about how coronavirus could affect you, your baby and your pregnancy care. -
Advice and Information -
To date, over 30 million people in the UK have received their first dose of the vaccine. But as this is a phased rollout - what does that mean for you and your loved ones in light of new variants of COVID? -
Advice and Information -
Are you or someone you know looking for Easy Read information to explain our current situation with COVID, vaccines, and Lockdown? If so, we have collated the latest documents, films, and audio to help explain and reassure you and your loved ones. -
Advice and Information -
Vaccine misinformation and delay among ethnic minority communities is fast becoming an issue in the fight against COVID-19. Here, we share downloadable leaflets and multimedia materials to help share the message that vaccines are safe. -
Advice and Information -
As of the 8th March, all primary school and secondary school students in England began to return to school. In support, safety measures have been put in place; from lateral flow testing to wearing masks in class. Here, we share some resources. -
Advice and Information -
As of 1 April 2021, VoiceAbility has been awarded the advocacy contract to support people in Swindon to make complaints about care or treatment they have received from the NHS. -
Advice and Information -
The last year has seen a great deal of change in the provision of health and social care services. Both patients and health care professionals have had to adapt how we communicate. Here, we provide a quick guide to one-way - video consultations. -
Advice and Information -
Mouth cancer is otherwise known as oral cancer and is where a tumour forms in the mouth. Regular self-checks and awareness of symptoms are key to early detection and resolution. We explore what to look out for and how to keep your mouth healthy. -
Advice and Information -
As the COVID vaccination efforts continue at STEAM, we look at what reasonable adjustments have been made to help patients with physical and neurodiverse disabilities. -
Advice and Information -
The flu virus kills almost 11,000 people and hospitalises tens of thousands more in England in an average year. It’s more important than ever to get your flu jab this year.
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Advice and Information -
COVID-19 testing rules have now changed across England. Find out the latest information on where to go to get tested, which test is most suitable for you, and what to do if you get a positive COVID-19 test result. -
Advice and Information -
For new arrivals to the UK it can be confusing where to go if you need medical assistance. Here we outline your rights as a refugee, where you can access emergency help and how to register for a GP. -
Advice and Information -
This month we share details about what's on in Swindon for Mental Health week, Stroke Associations 'Here For You' and much more.