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News -
Your June News brings you latest ways to share your experiences, health and care news along with where to meet us this month. -
News -
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. -
News -
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. -
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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. -
Report -
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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Report -
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. -
Advice and Information -
Many of you have told us that you have experienced problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what do to if you are refused the right to register. -
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. -
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A new report by MPs into dental care, which draws upon the experiences people have shared with us, has called for urgent reform so more people can access an NHS dentist. -
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Thank you to everyone who helped contribute towards a busy April - June 2023. Here are some key facts we would like to share. -
Advice and Information -
People are often in need of out-of-hours medical assistance. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed. -
News -
Interested in volunteering with us and want to find out more take a look at our new easy read guide.
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Whether you are home or away this month we hope you find plenty of interest and use in our August news update. -
News -
Our new research highlights that pressures in the NHS have serious consequences on people's lives and widen health inequalities. -
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. -
Advice and Information -
Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below to find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it. -
Advice and Information -
Living with autism affects people in different ways. It can bring strengths and challenges that can affect how comfortable, healthy, and happy you feel. Here's what you should expect from an autism assessment, diagnosis and getting the proper support. -
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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New figures published today in the annual report on NHS Dental Statistics for England in 2022-23, show that NHS dentists still see fewer people than pre-pandemic. Read our response. -
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As the summer draws to a close, this month we bring you: -
News -
NHS England is moving forward the timetable for the autumn COVID-19 and flu vaccine rollouts. -
Response -
We're backing calls to introduce 'Martha's Rule' in NHS hospitals. Find out what it is and why we are supporting it.
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Advice and Information -
The cost-of-living crisis is putting many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some people can afford to pay. Find out what help is available to help you cover the cost of your medication. -
Advice and Information -
Each cancer support group is different, but many people find it helpful to have support during and after diagnosis. Some also offer advice and support to family and friends of people going through cancer care and beyond.
Listed below are some local and national support groups that people might find helpful. The ones listed are mostly for adult support groups. -
Report -
A review was undertaken by one of our Healthwatch Volunteers with lived experience of cancer asking five questions to understand what online support is offered via the GP surgeries locally. Our findings have been published in a report. -
Report -
We worked with the NIHR (Clinical Research Network West of England) to understand current perceptions of Health and care research, and what the barriers are. -
News -
Our new research shows worryingly low public confidence in being able to access NHS services. A third of adults in England lack confidence that they can access timely care, including GP services, mental health support and hospital care. Read the findings and our calls to action. -
News -
As we embrace autumn's colder days and longer nights, this month we bring you: -
Report -
My Voice Matters is ensuring the voice of people with diverse lived experiences and backgrounds are heard.
We are proud to be able to give the opportunity for seldom heard voices to be heard by providers and wider organisations in their own words, this report has been researched and written by a T-Level student at New College Swindon.
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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. -
News -
In this November issue you can find out about Movember and how you can share your views about cancer and information support in Swindon plus much more. -
Report -
My Voice Matters is ensuring the voice of people with diverse lived experiences and backgrounds are heard.
We are proud to be able to give the opportunity for seldom heard voices to be heard by providers and wider organisations in their own words.
This report was written by Dr Aanchal Rana as a practice track report for the degree of MSc Global and Public Health Policy at the University of Bath.
We offered her access to our team and engagement pathways to support her delivering this piece of work. All opinions and findings are her own. -
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Ever wondered how you can make a difference and ensure people's views are heard about health and social care?
Volunteer with us and you can -
Advice and Information -
Around one in five GP visits are for non-medical problems. Many things that affect our health can’t be treated by doctors or medicine alone. This includes loneliness, money problems, housing, education or employment status. NHS social prescribing link workers can connect you to the right community groups and services to help support you.
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Advice and Information -
Did you know you can choose which hospital you go to when referred for a test, diagnosis, or treatment? Find out how. -
News -
From how to have your say, to events and new services in Swindon. We have it all covered in Your December News. -
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This month we share how to have your say along with details about Trauma Breakthrough and how they are supporting trauma survivors. All this and more in Your January News. -
Advice and Information -
Measles vaccination rates are at a ten-year low as cases rise nationwide. Find out about measles, who can get the vaccine, and what you can do to stay safe. -
News -
This month we're asking about your views on digital access and eating disorders along with a review of the past few months. All this and more in Your February News. -
Report -
Swindon Healthwatch and First City have worked together to understand what the people of Swindon think about the future of community care, now, next year and next decade. -
News -
‘Share for Better Care’, a new campaign launched by Healthwatch to help address health inequalities across England. -
Advice and Information -
The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. Find out everything you need to know.