Healthwatch Bedford Borough

22/06/2026

With high temperatures set to last for the remainder of this week, all Outpatient appointments will continue as normal.

However, any elderly or vulnerable patients who are concerned about travelling to our hospital sites due to the extreme heat can contact our outpatient call centre to see whether it is clinically appropriate for them to have a video or phone consultation instead of attending the site.

For Bedford Outpatients, please call 01234 355122 between 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and then select the relevant extension:
Urology – 5853
ENT – 2632
Neurology – 5795
Rheumatology – 5380
Cardiology – 2148
Vascular – 2641
Gastro/Hep – 3101/2400
Trauma and Orthopaedics – 2035
Colorectal and General Surgery – 5523
Breast and Respiratory - 5128
Dermatology – 6509, 2503, 2611, 2420
Plastics – 2679

22/06/2026

18/06/2026

🟠⚠ Amber heat-health alerts have been issued to the health systems across southern England until Tuesday 23 June, with yellow alerts covering the Midlands.
Early warnings help those in health and social care, as well as anyone supporting more vulnerable individuals, such as older adults and young children, to prepare and take appropriate action. You can check the latest alerts and guidance through the early warning system here:
🔗 https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/weather-health-alerts/heat

18/06/2026

18/06/2026

🎤Empowering Young Voices in Bedford Borough🎤

A huge thank you to our fantastic new youth ambassadors for joining us at this evening’s introductory youth voice workshop and for sharing your ideas and passion for making a difference in Bedford borough. Your voices matter, and we’re so proud to work alongside such inspiring young people and clinicians of the future 🌟

We’d also like to extend our sincere thanks to the team at Project 229 in Kempston for providing the café space for the session and helping create a welcoming environment for meaningful conversations, and Tops Pizza for the great pizza 🍕😋

If you're under 25, living in Bedford and have accessed health and care services in the past 6mths, using the following link:
https://www.healthwatchbedfordborough.co.uk/have-your-say

Together, we can ensure young people’s voices are heard and valued.

18/06/2026

🎈Wixams Retirement Village's Wellbeing event - Thursday 25th June🎈

Healthwatch Bedford Borough will have a stand at Wixams Retirement Village’s Health and Wellbeing event on Thursday 25th June from 10.30am – 1pm, along with many other local organisations.

We’ll be there to provide information and advice about local health and care services as well as offer people the chance to have their say on their experiences.

Address: Wixams Retirement Village, Wixams, Bedford, MK42 6EA.

Pop by and see Dylan and Jag there!

17/06/2026

📅 A busy week ahead at BBPCF!

We've got lots happening next week, with opportunities to learn more about SEND, connect with other parent carers and share your experiences.

📍 Monday 22 June
When to Request an Assessment
10.00am – 11.30am
TEACCH Room, Child Development Centre, Bedford

This practical session will help parent carers understand when further assessment may be needed, how the assessment pathway works, and what information can support discussions with schools and professionals.

📍 Tuesday 23 June
Focus Group: Barriers to Inclusion for Children and Young People with Complex Needs
10.00am – 11.30am
TEACCH Room, Child Development Centre, Bedford

Your voice matters and will help shape future work.

💻 Tuesday 23 June
Navigating the World of SEND
7.00pm – 8.30pm
Online

A practical workshop designed to help parent carers better understand SEND processes, access support, and feel more confident navigating services.

📍 Wednesday 24 June
BBPCF Out & About – Bromham Mill
9.30am – 11.30am
Bromham Mill Shop, Bridge End, Bromham, Bedford, MK43 8LP

Join our Parent Representatives for an informal chat, meet other SEND families and find out about support available locally.

Whether you're looking for information, support, or simply a friendly conversation with people who understand, we'd love to see you.

🎟️ Book your place via the Membership Portal.

Not yet a member? Membership is free at http://www.bbpcf.co.uk/membership

16/06/2026

Did you know?

Around 1 in 4 fathers experience low mood in the first year after their baby is born.

This Men’s Health Week, we’re raising awareness of paternal mental health and the importance of speaking up and getting support.

Read more on the East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust website - https://www.eastofenglandcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk/news/2026/mens-mental-health-week/

If you have any questions or concerns about your mental health, a health professional in our team will be able to offer advice and support.

You can email [email protected]
You can call 0300 555 0606

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).

16/06/2026

This week is Cervical Screening Awareness Week!

In our blog, we look at key questions about cervical screening and the adjustments you can ask for to improve your appointment experience.
https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-09-25/how-make-cervical-screening-smear-test-work-you