Who we are and what we do?
Healthwatch are the independent national champion for people who use health and social care services. We’re here to make sure that those running services, and the government, put people at the heart of care.
Our sole purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf.
We focus on ensuring that people’s worries and concerns about current services are addressed.
We work to get services right for the future.
What will services in Swindon look like in the future?
By sharing your story you can actually help doctors, dentists, hospitals and care homes understand what’s working and what could be better for you and your community
If it matters to one person, it’s very likely that it matters to somebody else.
What people have told Healthwatch about Mental Health
Mental health care is a common health & care issue that the public talk to us about.
These are the six main issues that people spoke to us about their Mental Health.
What do you think? Get in touch and share your views.
Work projects update
- Age UK Wiltshire
We are working with Age UK Wiltshire who are surveying older people in Swindon and Wiltshire to better understand people’s experiences in later life. - First City Nursing
We are working with First City Nursing interviewing their domiciliary care clients to hear what they think about the care and support they are getting. - Quality Checkers
We have recently published a joint Quality Checkers report in partnership with Swindon Advocacy Movement focusing on Sanford House – Read the report here.
Three things you can do while waiting to see your Doctor
How do you spend your time waiting for the doctor?
Here are three suggestions on things you can do while you wait:
- Register for online services
- Prepare for your appointment
- Share your story with your local Healthwatch
Things of interest
Enter and View report focusing on Taw Hill Medical Centre published
Stop, look, think and have your say – Future of Adult Social Care
Radiotherapy Appeal hits £2.5m milestone…and it’s thanks to YOU
Swindon GP waiting times are up – according to you
Swindon therapy services achieving wait time targets
Scheme to tackle loneliness launches
Rehab 4 Addiction offers a free hotline dedicated to helping people suffering from drug, alcohol and mental health issues in Wiltshire. Rehab 4 Addiction was established in 2011 by people who overcame addiction themselves. You can contact Rehab 4 Addiction on 0800 140 4690.
Get involved
Beat the street is coming to Swindon!
Beat the Street is a game for all ages where players earn points as they walk, run & cycle around their area tapping cards on sensors called Beat Boxes. There are even great prizes up for grabs!
Running from 12 September until 24 October! Will you be playing?
Booked a GP appointment you can no longer attend?
How can Swindon GP surgeries reduce ‘Did Not Attends’ (DNAs)?
Our next Swindon Patient Participation Group forum (10 September) will look and discuss joint working on reducing DNAs.
Before the forum we are facilitating a first meeting of PPGs in the new Wyvern Health Partnership to give them an opportunity to discuss how they may want to work together in the future.
Please note – The information provided isn’t endorsed by the parish council in any way.