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Take a look at our meeting notes and presentation slides from our Patient Participation Group Forum held at Sanford House on 9 February 2017. -
Report -
In 2017 we visited Eldene and West Health Centres to find out more about the range of services provided, to compare the experience of users, patients and staff with that at other practices and to make practical recommendations about physical aspects. -
Report -
Take a look at our meeting notes and presentation slides from our Patient Participation Group Forum held at Sanford House on 5 April 2017. -
Report -
Take a look at our meeting notes and presentation slides from our Patient Participation Group Forum held at Sanford House on 12 June 2017. -
Report -
Read our annual report for 2017/18 to find out about the work we've done and our plans for the year ahead. -
Advice and Information -
A year ago the Accessible Information Standard came into force. It requires any organisation providing NHS or social care to communicate in a way that everybody can understand. Here's a reminder of what you should expect. -
Advice and Information -
The number of people being cared for in their own homes is increasing but what should you expect from home care services? -
Report -
We wanted to find out if the dental system works for all who use it, as well as speaking to those who are not having their needs met. -
Report -
In 2017 we visited Wroughton and Swindon NHS Health Centres to find out about the services provided, to compare the experience of users, patients and staff with that at other practices and to make practical recommendations about physical aspects. -
Report -
Take a look at our meeting notes from our Patient Participation Group Forum held at Sanford House on 27 October 2017.
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Advice and Information -
You can save money with your prescriptions with a prepayment certificate. -
Advice and Information -
Two GP practices in Swindon are under new management following a successful transition from their previous provider. -
News -
Please find your Health & Care Digest welcoming you in to the New Year, with a look ahead to Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, opportunities to help improve doctor - patient communication and where to meet us this month. -
News -
With the NHS under extra pressure this winter, we need to hear your experiences of care to help services understand what is working and spot issues affecting support for you and your loved ones. -
News -
The local pharmacies are now able to give out medicine for five common health conditions that would have previously needed a prescription from a GP. -
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Please find this months Health & Care Digest. From Time To Talk to how you can help improve doctor - patient communication and where to meet us this month.
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Advice and Information -
Cervical cancer screenings save at least 2,000 lives every year in the UK. Here's what you should expect from your smear test and why these screenings are important. -
News -
Your March News brings you latest ways to share your experiences along with where to meet us this month. -
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Working with deaf people and people affected by hearing loss, Healthwatch Norfolk created a step-by-step guide on how GP practices can improve communication and make care accessible. -
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We have written a letter to NHS England to express our disappointment at the lack of progress in reviewing the legally-binding Accessible Information Standard.
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Healthwatch Swindon are inviting you to join an online feedback session, providing you with an opportunity to share your experiences regarding accessing your GP surgery. -
Report -
NHS and social care services only make the best decisions if they listen to the people they care for. Read Healthwatch England's Annual Report to Parliament to see how your feedback has helped decision-makers prioritise what matters most. -
News -
Deep-dive analysis of experiences of 2,693 new mothers and birthing parents shows that six-week postnatal checks – required of GPs in England - are failing many new mothers. We call for action. -
Report -
In this report, we listen to what adults with a substance use disorder felt is important to them regarding a Day Recovery Programme in Swindon. -
Report -
My Voice Matters is ensuring the voice of people with diverse lived experiences & backgrounds are heard.
We are proud to be able to give the opportunity for seldom heard voices to be heard by providers & wider organisations in their own words -
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Your April News brings you latest ways to share your experiences, health and care news along with where to meet us this month. -
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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. -
Advice and Information -
The continuing cost of living crisis is adversely affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on lower incomes hit the hardest. -
News -
Your May News brings you latest ways to share your experiences, health and care news along with where to meet us this month. -
News -
Your experiences of maternal mental health care continue to shape NHS services, with NHS England recently announcing improvements to maternity and neo-natal services. -
Report -
My Voice Matters is ensuring the voice of people with diverse lived experiences & backgrounds are heard.
We are proud to be able to give the opportunity for seldom heard voices to be heard by providers & wider organisations in their own words -
Advice and Information -
Looking for mental health or wellbeing support in Swindon? -
Advice and Information -
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a life-changing event, but knowing what support is available to you and what steps to take next can help you or a loved one process the diagnosis and plan for the future. -
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. -
Advice and Information -
A new scheme could see women across England save hundreds of pounds yearly on their Hormone Replacement Therapy with a prepayment certificate. -
Advice and Information -
We make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care. -
Report -
Earlier this year we held our first Spotlight On meeting, focussing on your experiences of GP access. In this report we share what we've heard. -
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Your June News brings you latest ways to share your experiences, health and care news along with where to meet us this month. -
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The cost of living is having a detrimental impact on people's decisions about their healthcare. But if you are disabled, on means-tested benefits or aged 18-24, you're more likely to avoid vital health services due to the fear of extra costs. -
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The cost of living crisis is putting people under a lot of pressure and affecting their ability to access the care they need. Read our evidence on the problems people are facing and how we believe these can be reduced to ensure cost is not a barrier. -
Advice and Information -
The continuing cost of living crisis is adversely affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on lower incomes hit the hardest. -
News -
All change ! -
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Your July News brings you the latest health and care updates and details on how to share your experiences. -
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Read our annual report for 2022/2023 and find out about how our dedicated staff and volunteers have made a difference to care throughout the year.
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We were joined recently by a Year 10 Student from The Commonweal School, read about her experiences here -
Advice and Information -
Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to. -
Advice and Information -
Mental health problems are more common among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people. If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need. -
Advice and Information -
From 1 July 2022, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists can legally certify and issue a statement of fitness for work, or informally known as a ‘fit note’. Find out what a ‘fit note’ is, when you might need one and how to go about getting one. Previously only GPs or hospital doctors could issue fit notes. -
Advice and Information -
The wait for planned medical care or surgery can be frustrating. That’s why you must get regular, clear and accessible updates to help you plan your next steps while you wait.