1. Registering with your GP: understanding your rights

    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.

  2. Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

    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.

  3. Do you need help getting to hospital?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you travel to your hospital appointments.

  4. What should you expect when it comes to care for your teeth?

    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.

  5. Thinking about end of life care for you and your family

    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.

  6. Do you need help travelling to NHS services?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.

  7. What can you expect when you’re discharged from hospital?

    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.

  8. Addiction Resource

    Advice and Information -

    If you are struggling with addiction there is a free helpline available to offer support. Find out more.

  9. Healthy Lifestyle Services in Swindon

    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.

  10. Where can I go for help when I’m ill in winter?

    Advice and Information -

    Feeling unwell? Read on for advice about where you can go for help with your health during the winter months.

  11. Council measures to support residents and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak

    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.

  12. Someone I love has died - where can I find support

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.

  13. Coronavirus is affecting my mental health – what can I do?

    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.

  14. Coronavirus: What does shielding mean?

    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.

  15. Organisations to help you during COVID-19

    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.

  16. I'm experiencing domestic abuse - where can I go for support?

    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.

  17. Planning care at the end of life

    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.

  18. New guidance: Preventing infection in hospitals

    Advice and Information -

    FROM TODAY, HOSPITAL VISITORS AND OUTPATIENTS NEED TO WEAR FACE COVERINGS

  19. Using Public Transport

    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.

  20. How to get an NHS dentist appointment during COVID-19

    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.

  21. What's the difference between social distancing, self-isolation and shielding?

    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.

  22. What you need to know when visiting a care home (new guidance for COVID-19)

    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.

  23. Getting the most out of the virtual health and care experience

    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.

  24. What can you expect when you’re discharged from hospital?

    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.

  25. Introducing the NHS COVID-19 app

    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. 

  26. Information on coronavirus

    Advice and Information -

    Read the latest advice and information from NHS England and Public Health England about the Coronavirus.

  27. Maternity support during COVID-19

    Advice and Information -

    Read about how coronavirus could affect you, your baby and your pregnancy care.

  28. Your questions answered on COVID vaccines

    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?

  29. Explaining COVID and the Vaccine to those with Learning Disabilities and Autism

    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.

  30. COVID-19 vaccine information in various community languages

    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.

  31. Back to School resources for parents and students

    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.

  32. VoiceAbility launches new NHS complaints advocacy service in Swindon

    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.

  33. A guide to Video Consultation with the NHS in various languages

    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.

  34. Mouth Cancer prevention and spotting the symptoms

    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.

  35. STEAM vaccination - what to expect for patients with physical and neurodiverse disabilities

    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.

  36. Flu Vaccination

    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.

  37. What do the new government guidelines mean for COVID-19 testing?

    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.

  38. What medical support are you entitled to if you’re new to the UK?

    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.

  39. Healthwatch Swindon News Bites May 2022

    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.

  40. Healthwatch Swindon News June 2022

    Advice and Information -

    Your Health & Care Digest. Sharing local resources and much more.

  41. What is Long Covid?

    Advice and Information -

    Not sure what Long Covid is? Find out the common symptoms and when to get support.

  42. Local Offer

    Advice and Information -

    The Local Offer is the “go to” website for residents in Swindon with a support need, enabling adults, children, young people and families to access information and advice on education, health and care services to help empower them.

  43. VoiceAbility

    Advice and Information -

    Do you need support complaining about a NHS service? VoiceAbility provide free advocacy for Swindon residents who wish to make a complaint about a NHS service.

  44. What is monkeypox and who can get a vaccine?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out the signs and symptoms of monkeypox, what to do if you think you have it and who is eligible for a vaccine.

  45. Six-week postnatal check for new mums – Q&A

    Advice and Information -

    What is the six-week postnatal check for new mothers and why it’s important that you attend it? In this advice piece, we cover all the basic questions you may have about it.

  46. How to stay well this winter

    Advice and Information -

    Tips to help you stay well this winter and get the care you need.

  47. Looking after your mental health this winter

    Advice and Information -

    In a post-pandemic world where the cost-of-living crisis is beginning to hit home for many of us, prioritising our mental health and wellbeing is necessary.