News
#WhatMattersMost halfway results: GP services are main focus for Healthwatch in East Berkshire
Our survey has had over 200 responses within the first few weeks, with people telling us about both positive and negative experiences of health and...
Autism Awareness Week
Support for World Autism week is needed now more than ever. The coronavirus pandemic has been particularly tough for many autistic people and their...
What Matters Most Survey
As we are a n ewly formed Healthwatch service ( covering Ascot, Bracknell Forest, Ma idenhead, Slough and Windsor ) we need your help to shape our...
National COVID Alert - Stay Home
Stay Home - 5th November to 2nd December 2020 National restrictions now apply to England: you cannot meet socially with anyone indoors unless they’re in your support bubble there are changes to how many people you can meet outside you must not travel in the UK or overseas, unless for a specific...
Become a community information champion
To help residents stay up-to-date with the latest factual information on COVID-19 and its impact on the borough, Bracknell Forest Council are launching a community information champion scheme. The scheme aims to get the right information direct to residents, so they can make informed choices to...
Covid-19 resources in alternative languages
If English is not your first language it might be difficult to keep up to date with the latest guidance on COVID-19. Bracknell Forest Council have links to and information transulated into alternative langauges and formats including British sign language, large print and easy read versions on a...
Bracknell Forest Dementia Action Alliance Online Event
Bracknell Forest Dementia Action Alliance are hosting an online community event. You can join all afternoon and evening or just dip in and out of the sessions that interest you. Friday 6th November 2020 2pm—8pm Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/93651135172?pwd=WS91ditxZWZKNFVYajQ5STR4MGFvUT09...
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 year. This includes the period before the full impact of COVID-19 began to be felt and CQC's routine inspections were suspended as a result of the...
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 them. This follows a huge, early demand for the vaccine both nationally and regionally with thousands of people having already been vaccinated in...
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 preventable illness and premature death, accounting for approximately 77,900 deaths a year in England. Locally, 11.9% of Bracknell residents are smokers...
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.
