News
CQC: COVID-19 is magnifying inequalities and “risks turning fault lines into chasms” – focus now must be on shaping a health and care system that delivers for everyone
The Care Quality Commission's (CQC's) annual assessment of the state of health and social care in England looks at the quality of care over the past...
More flu vaccines are on their way, says leading GP
Local GP and leading health service commissioner, Dr Andy Brooks is reassuring people that more flu vaccinations will be available for those who need...
Quit smoking with new council service
Bracknell Forest Council is pleased to announce its new smoking cessation service ‘ Smoke Free Life Berkshire ’. Smoking is the leading cause of...
Were you shielding from COVID-19?
The Government has published updated guidance for everyone who has been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. Advice by Tier For Local Covid Alert Level - MEDIUM: Strictly observe social distancing Meet others outside where possible Limit unnecessary journeys on public...
Protect your loved ones - download the NHS COVID-19 app
The new NHS COVID-19 app, available to download for free in England and Wales, is the fastest way to see if you're at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and community. The app has a number of tools to protect you, including contact...
Royal Berkshire Hospital would love to hear your views on a new hospital
They have an opportunity to develop a masterplan, or blueprint, for an amazing hospital, designed and organised from the ground up. This is the opportunity to create a great hospital for local people, delivering great care and treatment, and they want their staff, patients, partners and local...
Important information regarding this year’s flu vaccination and how it will be delivered
This year it's more important than ever to get your flu jab. Flu brings misery to people who are in otherwise good health but for the elderly, the very young, and particularly those with some long-term health conditions, it can be much more dangerous. That's why GP surgeries across Slough, Windsor...
Wellbeing support line for health, social care workers and volunteers
Samaritans have launched confidential support lines for health and social care workers and volunteers based in England and Wales. The support lines are run by Samaritans and all calls are answered by trained Samaritans volunteers, who provide confidential, non-judgmental support. Find out more or...
COVID-19 Testing Availability
Call 119 if you would like to make an appointment or book a test online . The testing services are extremely busy at this time. We know this is frustrating for those struggling to get a COVID-19 test and we have shared your concerns. Please only try to book an appointment if you have symptoms.
COVID-19 Testing
We have been receiving an increase in the number of queries regarding COVID-19 testing. Based on your questions we have put together the following frequently asked questions. Who should get an NHS COVID-19 test? If you have symptoms, get a test as soon as possible. You need to get the test done in...
NHS Reset: COVID-19 – The good, the bad and the improvements
NHS Reset is an NHS Confederation campaign to help shape what the health and care system should look like in the aftermath of the pandemic. In this blog , Mark Sanders from Healthwatch Bracknell Forest highlights feedback from the local community on five key areas that need attention in the event...
Independent Living Survey
Shaping Our Lives are running an Independent Living Survey. The survey is part of their research to find out what longer term impacts on independent living have been caused for d/Deaf and Disabled people by Covid 19 emergency policies and lockdown. Please note, this survey is only for completion by...
PPE - What should a care worker visiting your home wear?
This Government resource outlines personal protective equipment (PPE) advice for health and social care workers working in the community. You can use this to check and be reassured that the support workers visiting your homes to help look after you or those you care for are wearing the correct PPE...
CQC adult inpatient survey results
Find the results for your local trust . CQC asked over 75,000 people who stayed in hospital for at least one night during July 2019 about their care. They found that the majority of people asked were happy with the care they received, had confidence in the doctors and nurses treating them and felt...
A right to Carer's Leave
The Government are running a consultation which seeks the views on a proposal to give employees a week of unpaid leave each year to provide care. You can share your views at: https://beisgovuk.citizenspace.com/lm/carersleave/ the deadline is 03 August 2020. Carers UK said "Millions of people in the...
A right to Carer's Leave
The Government are running a consultation which seeks the views on a proposal to give employees a week of unpaid leave each year to provide care. You can share your views at: https://beisgovuk.citizenspace.com/lm/carersleave/ the deadline is 03 August 2020. Carers UK said "Millions of people in the...
Have you left hospital during COVID-19? Tell us your experience
To respond to coronavirus, our hospitals had to quickly change. Tell us how this has affected the care you or your loved one has received. If you’ve been receiving care in hospital there can be lots to think about when you’re getting ready to leave, such as any support you will need to help you...
Dementia Adviser Newsletter July 2020
The Dementia Adviser Newsletter includes information about local support, advice and activities.
Over 60% of people in the South East eady to help improve health and social care after coronavirus
Received from the Care Quality Commission New research from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Healthwatch England shows that 65% of people in the South East say they are more likely to take steps to improve health and social care services since the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). In...
Cold Callers and Doorstep Rogue Traders
Received from Thames Valley Alert. Thames Valley police have received reports of "Cold Callers" in the area and this activity could increase due to further lockdown restrictions being lifted this weekend. Doorstep traders call at homes unexpectedly, offering services or goods that residents haven’t...
Annual Report 2019-2020
Do you want to know what we did last year? Our annual report is one of the ways you can find out more about us and our activities.
Beat the Heat: Coping with heat and COVID-19
Although most of us welcome the summer sun, high temperatures can be harmful to your health. The heat can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm. Many of those who are at risk of harm from heat are also at greater risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 and may need to...
Accessibility resources to help you communicate about COVID-19
The CQC have put together a list of resources to help people communicate with others about COVID-19. Beyond Words is providing free picture stories and illustrated guides to support people with learning disabilities and autism through the coronavirus pandemic Imperial College London, in partnership...
Safeguarding is everyone's business
No child or adult should be made to feel unsafe. Everyone has a right to be safe from harm and abuse. All of us have a role to play in safeguarding, never more so than during COVID-19. You have a major role to play in protecting children and adults at risk of harm and abuse – now more than ever...
All those in United Kingdom with symptoms now eligible for coronavirus tests
Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus is now eligible to book a test, ahead of the rollout of the test and trace service. Anyone experiencing a new, continuous cough; high temperature; and now also a loss or change in your normal sense of smell or taste can book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/...
Talking Therapies
NHS Talking Therapies are still there and able to provide support to those who need it. They help people who might be struggling with feeling stressed, anxious and overwhelmed. They support those aged 17+ registered with a GP in Berkshire. Those in need of support can contact their friendly and...
The Care Workers Charity
Covid-19 Emergency Fund The Care Workers' Charity Covid-19 Grant Fund aims to provide emergency funding for currently employed care workers who must take time off work due to Covid-19 for either illness or self-isolation or for funeral costs. Applicants must work in role that is involved in or...
Coronavirus (COVID-19: What you need to do
Stay alert The government has set out its plan to return life to as near normal as we can, but in a way that continues to protect our communities and our NHS. Find out more about what you can and can't do including information about travel restrictions, who you're allowed to meet with and what...
