1. COVID concerns stop 1 in 3 women from attending cervical screening invitations

    News -

    A survey conducted by the Eve Appeal charity has found that nearly 1 in 3 women who didn't attend their cervical screening test when invited in the last twelve months did so because of coronavirus concerns.

  2. "Don't call us, we will call you," plea health leaders as COVID vaccination rollout ramps up

    News -

    Health leaders call for patience as all GP-led, community-based coronavirus vaccination sites in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire open meaning everyone in the area aged 80 or over will be invited to for their Covid-19 vaccine.

  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. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. Locked out: Digitally excluded people’s experiences of remote GP appointments

    Report -

    The move to more digitally-led healthcare has worked well for some but excluded others over the past year. Our report explores how people have been excluded and what needs to happen to get the care they need.

  14. 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.

  15. Annual Report 2020/21

    Report -

    Read our annual report for 2020/21 and find out about all the hard work carried out by our team and our wonderful volunteers throughout the year.

  16. 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.

  17. Merger of two Swindon GP practices from 1st April 2022

    News -

    Kingwood Surgery and Carfax Medical Centre will merge from the beginning of next month.

  18. You Said We Did: Changes at Great Western Hospital

    News -

    Improvements made at Swindon's Great Western Hospital based on your feedback.

  19. 15 pharmacies across Swindon now offer enhanced services for minor illnesses

    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.

  20. Your February News

    News -

    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.