1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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).

  4. 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.

  5. GP Phone Messages Review

    Report -

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

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Quarterly Report October-December 2022

    Report -

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

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. All the latest from us

    News -

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

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. Get repeat prescriptions in early before the Easter weekend

    News -

    People are being reminded to get any repeat prescriptions in early to avoid running short over the long Easter weekend.

  17. Local NHS needs public support ahead of unprecedented Easter weekend

    News -

    The long Easter weekend, coupled with four days of planned industrial action by junior doctors immediately afterwards, has prompted an urgent call to the public to support their NHS in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

  18. Hearing the views of patients, families and staff on pilot rehabilitation scheme

    Report -

    This report highlights the findings from a survey that aimed to gather the views of patients, staff, families and carers on a pilot scheme for hospital discharge and accelerated rehabilitation, known as the Pathway 2 pilot.

  19. You Said We Did: Make the application process for NHS Continuing Healthcare easier

    Report -

    How the findings of our survey, which focused on how people apply for the CHC package of care, has led to changes in the process and better support for applicants.

  20. People encouraged to spring into action and get boosted

    News -

    People are being encouraged to take up the offer of getting a Covid-19 booster this spring, to help protect themselves and those around them.

  21. Autistic people asked for their views on mental health services

    News -

    Healthwatch Wiltshire would like to find out what autistic people, and their families and carers, think about mental health services in the county.

  22. Quarterly Report January-March 2023

    Report -

    A round-up of our work from January-March 2023.

  23. How can you save money on your Hormone Replacement Therapy?

    Advice and Information -

    A new scheme could see women across England save hundreds of pounds yearly on their Hormone Replacement Therapy with a prepayment certificate.

  24. All the latest from us

    News -

    Our April/May 2023 ebulletin highlights our latest projects and how you can get involved.

  25. New approach to hospital discharge helps 500 patients recover at home

    News -

    A bold new initiative at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital has helped more than 500 people who no longer require care on a ward to safely continue their recovery at home.

  26. Professor David Croisdale-Appleby appointed as new Chair of Healthwatch England

    News -

    He replaces Interim Chair Belinda Black, to lead the independent champion for people who use health and social care services.

  27. Community Cash Fund: Sing and Breathe Academy

    Blog -

    Sounds Better CIC's pilot project in Salisbury for families living with childhood asthma. 

  28. Community Cash Fund: Wiltshire Hearing Voices Group

    Blog -

    Rethink Mental Illness used our grant to fund this group for a year, providing a safe space for its members and an opportunity to gather feedback on services.

  29. How we set our priorities

    Blog -

    Find out more about how we decide on our projects for the year ahead.

  30. Together We’re Making Health and Social Care Better - Annual Report 2022-23

    Report -

    Our annual report showcases how we’ve been using your feedback to improve health and care across the county.

  31. How your feedback helps improve health and care for everyone

    News -

    Healthwatch Wiltshire’s annual report showcases how we’ve been using your feedback to improve health and care across the county.

  32. All the latest from us

    News -

    Our June/July 2023 ebulletin highlights our latest projects and how you can get involved.

  33. What support can I get as a carer?

    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.

  34. Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

    Advice and Information -

    If you need support for your health outside of the standard opening hours of your local GP, there are places that you can go for support.

  35. Local NHS seeks views of patients and families on process of leaving hospital

    News -

    People in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire who have recently been in hospital are being asked to share their views on how their journey from ward to home was managed.

  36. Have your say - Easy Read

    Report -

    Download an Easy Read version of our Have your say form.

  37. Quarterly Report April-June 2023

    Report -

    Highlights of our work and insights into what we heard from you during April-June 2023.

  38. All the latest from us

    News -

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

  39. Flu and Covid autumn vaccine programmes brought forward

    News -

    This year’s autumn flu and Covid-19 vaccine programmes will start earlier than planned in England as a precautionary measure following the identification of a new Covid-19 variant.

  40. Vaccinations for flu and Covid-19 start for those most at risk

    News -

    Vaccinations against flu and Covid-19 are now under way for those in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire most at risk of falling seriously ill.

  41. New community diagnostic centres to offer X-rays, blood tests, MRIs and more

    News -

    Diagnostic services used to identify serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease will soon be available closer to home for people living across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

  42. What help can you get to pay for your prescriptions?

    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.

  43. Appeal for public support as consultants, junior doctors and radiographers take part in further industrial action

    News -

    Health leaders in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are once again calling for the public to support local health services during a forthcoming period of industrial action which will see junior doctors, consultants and radiographers all take part in strikes at the same time.

  44. What is SAD and how can you manage it?

    Advice and Information -

    Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes. One in 20 people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition, with men more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than women.

  45. Hearing from minority groups

    Blog -

    Highlights of our projects supporting ethnic minority families.

  46. What is menopause and what are the signs?

    Advice and Information -

    With more than 30 recognised symptoms of menopause and growing awareness of the impact on day-to-day life, knowing what to look out for and what support is available can help you.