1. Having Covid-19 booster vaccine in autumn will help people stay safe through cold winter months

    News -

    More people living across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire will be able to receive a Covid-19 booster vaccine this autumn.

  2. What people think of GP access - Wiltshire report

    Report -

    Local Healthwatch teams from across the south of England worked together on a project looking at access to GP practices during the Covid-19 pandemic. Here's what we found in Wiltshire.

  3. Get your self-care essentials ready for a summer-safe holiday

    News -

    Holidaymakers are being encouraged to pack self-care essentials to help them enjoy the summer season safely, whether at home or further afield.

  4. 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.

  5. Stay hydrated during hot weather spell

    News -

    With high temperatures forecast this week, staying hydrated can reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

  6. Parents advised to put Covid-19 vaccine on kids’ back-to-school to-do list

    News -

    Along with new shoes, pencil cases and PE kits, parents across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are being advised to put the Covid-19 vaccine at the top of their children’s back-to-school to-do list.

  7. What you told us about the NHS Continuing Healthcare process

    Report -

    Our report looks at the experiences of people who have been through the CHC process, a package of care for people who have significant care needs.

  8. Feedback on NHS funded care is focus of new report

    News -

    The experiences of people who have applied for NHS continuing healthcare (CHC), a package of care for adults with significant needs, is the focus of a new report from Healthwatch Wiltshire.

  9. Quarterly Report April-June 2022

    Report -

    Insights and highlights of our work from April to June 2022.

  10. Catch up with our news

    News -

    Our latest round-up of news and information for August and September 2022.

  11. People urged to take up Covid and flu vaccines ahead of winter 'twindemic'

    News -

    Experts are predicting an early wave of flu and a rise in Covid cases this winter.

  12. What you need to know about flu

    Advice and Information -

    Know the signs and symptoms of seasonal influenza (flu) and who is eligible for a free vaccine.

  13. How did people living with mental ill health access services during the pandemic?

    Report -

    This report focuses on the findings of a survey and engagement looking at the experiences of people with mental ill health in accessing health and social care services across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) region.

  14. Limit spread of winter bugs by adopting good personal hygiene regime now

    News -

    People in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are being encouraged to remember the personal hygiene measures that were common during the pandemic and use them to keep seasonal illnesses at bay this winter.

  15. GP Websites Review

    Report -

    This report is an observational assessment of information provided on GP practice websites in Wiltshire, carried out by our team of volunteer researchers.

  16. People who use equipment service invited to new forum

    News -

    Healthwatch Wiltshire is hosting a new forum to hear what local people think of a service which helps them to live more independently at home.

  17. Region’s new integrated care partnership to meet in public for first time

    News -

    The newly-formed integrated care partnership for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire will meet in public for the first time next week.

  18. Winter vaccinations now locally available for all adults over the age of 50

    News -

    Adults over the age of 50 in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire can give themselves the best possible chance of staying fit and healthy this winter by arranging to have a Covid-19 autumn booster and the flu jab.

  19. Catch up on our news

    News -

    Our latest round-up of news and information for October 2022.

  20. Your chance to tour new Devizes Health Centre

    News -

    People in Devizes will have the chance to tour the town’s new health centre ahead of its official opening later this year.

  21. New Interim Chair of Healthwatch England appointed

    News -

    Belinda Black has been appointed as the interim Chair of the Healthwatch England Committee, following the recent departure of Sir Robert Francis KC. 

  22. How to stay well this winter

    Advice and Information -

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

  23. Libraries to provide a warm and friendly welcome this winter

    News -

    Wiltshire Council libraries have officially become warm spaces for people this winter, providing a warm and friendly welcome to support anyone who needs help through the cost of living crisis.

  24. Where to get cost of living support in Wiltshire

    Advice and Information -

    Local organisations that can give you practical help and support.

  25. Quarterly Report July-September 2022

    Report -

    Insights and highlights of our work from July to September 2022.

  26. New urgent and emergency care entrance at Great Western Hospital

    News -

    A new entrance is now in place for all patients arriving at the GWH in Swindon for urgent or emergency care.

  27. Medics offer reassurance to parents after rise in the number of poorly children

    News -

    Parents in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire should remain vigilant to the signs and symptoms of strep A, but should not be overly worried by the risk it can pose to very young children, local medics have said.

  28. Our Christmas opening hours

    News -

    Our phone line will be closed over the festive period - but you can still share your views with us.

  29. Catch up on our news

    News -

    Our latest round-up for Christmas 2022.

  30. Wiltshire’s Wellbeing Hub can help you through the cost of living crisis

    News -

    With local people likely to be worried about the cost-of-living crisis and needing some information and advice, Wiltshire Council's Hub is there for anyone who requires it.

  31. Order your repeat prescriptions in time for Christmas

    News -

    Get your repeat prescription in by Friday 16 December to ensure you have medicines in time for Christmas.

  32. Heart-warming new video series shows budding investigator behind the scenes of local NHS services

    News -

    A six-year-old budding investigator is helping the people of BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire choose the right NHS service this winter with a series of heart-warming online films that go behind the scenes at local health and care facilities.

  33. 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, it's important for us to prioritise our mental health and wellbeing.

  34. Selected pharmacies to open on Christmas and New Year bank holidays

    News -

    Families in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire will be able to access healthcare from local pharmacies over the festive period.

  35. People avoiding appointments and prescriptions due to cost of living crisis, Healthwatch warns

    News -

    The number of people avoiding an NHS appointment because they can’t afford travel almost doubled between October and December as the cost of living crisis is forcing many to change how they use health and care services.

  36. Local mental health services ready to provide help to those in need

    News -

    Local support is available to people living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire who are struggling with their mental health.

  37. Your experiences of making a complaint at Salisbury District Hospital

    Report -

    This report highlights the findings from a survey that aimed to gather the views of people on the complaints handling process at Salisbury District Hospital, which is run by Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust (SFT).

  38. Patients' feedback sparks overhaul of hospital complaints process

    News -

    Feedback from patients who made a complaint about their care at Salisbury District Hospital is being used to overhaul its complaints handling process.

  39. GP Phone Messages Review

    Report -

    This report is an observational assessment of the automated phone messages of GP surgeries in Wiltshire.

  40. Reduce risk of cancer with simple changes and healthier lifestyle choices

    News -

    This Cancer Prevention Action Week, local doctors highlight how small changes to everyday habits, and healthier lifestyle choices, can reduce the chances of developing cancer.

  41. New health centre marks major milestone for Devizes and surrounding area

    News -

    A new state-of-the-art health centre has officially opened in Devizes, soon after the doors first opened to patients.

  42. Healthwatch Wiltshire calls on public to help set priorities

    News -

    We’re calling on the people of Wiltshire to tell us what you think we should be working on in the coming year.

  43. Quarterly Report October-December 2022

    Report -

    Highlights of our work and insights into what we heard from you during October-December 2022.

  44. Website and phone message reviews forge best practice guides for GP surgeries

    News -

    The websites and automated phone messages of GP practices across Wiltshire have been the focus of a two-part project led by Healthwatch Wiltshire volunteers.

  45. People to benefit from NHS@Home Virtual Wards service

    News -

    People living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are now able to receive acute clinical care from the comfort of their own home while helping to relieve pressures on local services.

  46. All the latest from us

    News -

    Our Spring 2023 ebulletin highlights our latest projects and how you can get involved.

  47. Rise in local norovirus cases prompts health experts to call for public support

    News -

    An increase in the number of norovirus cases across the region is adding extra pressure to an already-busy local health and care system.

  48. Young carer led support service to launch in April

    News -

    Carer Support Wiltshire will be taking their young carer service in a new direction from 1 April this year, offering more 1-2-1 support and life skill workshops.

  49. Celebrating our Healthwatch Heroes!

    News -

    We're celebrating our 10th birthday by thanking everyone who has shared their story with us over the last decade. With your help, we've been able to help improve health and social care services for everyone.