Healthwatch Swindon

03/06/2026

It's and we'd like to say a huge thank you to all of our volunteers!

You've helped us listen to people's health and social care experiences, so that we can make sure NHS and social care leaders hear our voices.

You've supported us with engagement, research, admin tasks, data entry - and so much more! We couldn't do what we do without you.

Want to get involved? Find out more about volunteering with us: https://www.healthwatchswindon.org.uk/volunteer

18/05/2026

Too many people who use drugs or alcohol leave hospital feeling unsupported, unheard and unsafe.

Hospital discharge is a critical point in a patient's care journey, but we heard about gaps in communication, stigma, and rigid clinical processes leading to harm.

Read a summary or download our latest report: https://www.healthwatchswindon.org.uk/report/2026-05-12/report-bridging-gap-substance-use-discharge

We are incredibly grateful to the people across Swindon who shared their experiences with us.

NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB
The Nelson Trust

Too many people who use drugs or alcohol leave hospital feeling unsupported, unheard and unsafe.

07/05/2026

Have you heard of Martha's Rule? Could it be better communicated to patients and families in Swindon? Please complete our short survey: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/MarthasRule/

Martha's Rule was developed by the NHS in response to the death of 13-year-old Martha Mills who died from sepsis.

It recognises that those who know the patient best may be the first to notice changes that could be an early sign of deterioration in their health, and ensures the concerns of patients, families, carers and staff are listened to and acted upon.

Find out more on our website: https://www.healthwatchswindon.org.uk/news/2026-05-06/share-your-views-marthas-rule

Martha's Rule was developed by the NHS in response to the death of Martha Mills and other cases related to the management of deterioration. It ensures the concerns of patients, families, carers and staff are listened to and acted upon.

05/05/2026

We're proud to publish our first Easy Read report!

The report looks at people's experiences of LGBTQIA+ healthcare in Swindon. Download it on our website: https://www.healthwatchswindon.org.uk/report/2025-10-31/report-healthcare-needs-and-experiences-lgbtqia-community

Easy Read is an accessible information format designed for people with a learning disability. Our Easy Read reports are part of our ongoing commitment to accessible communications.

LGBTQIA+ people have worse access to healthcare, outcomes and experiences than the general population.

24/04/2026

Complete our short survey and be in with a chance of winning a £100 high street shopping voucher!

The NHS in our area is considering new ways of using patient data to improve care and plan services. We want to know your views on their plans: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/patientdata

This is your opportunity to have your say!

09/04/2026

Did you know that health and care organisations may use an AI tool called 'ambient scribes' to capture speech or conversations during appointments?

The NHS has put together guidance for patients and service users around:
✔️ Being informed about ambient scribes
❌ Objecting to ambient scribes
✔️️ Using safe products
✔️ Making sure notes and summaries are accurate

https://www.healthwatchswindon.org.uk/advice-and-information/2026-04-08/using-ai-enabled-ambient-scribing-products-health-and-care

Guidance is also available for healthcare workers.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology, such as a computer program or a piece of software, that can learn and perform tasks that would normally need a human.

02/04/2026

Resident doctors are taking national strike action from Tuesday 7th April until Monday 13 April. Find out more: https://www.healthwatchswindon.org.uk/news/2026-04-02/nhs-industrial-action-7th-april-13th-april-2026

If you have an appointment during this time, please attend your appointment as normal unless you have been contacted.

Resident doctors (previously called junior doctors) are striking between 7am on Tuesday 7th April until 7am on Monday 13th April.

30/03/2026

Get your repeat prescription request in as soon as possible, to ensure you have enough medication to last over the Easter bank holiday weekend.💊

Getting requests in early will enable busy pharmacy teams to order what is needed and have the medicine ready well in advance of when some pharmacies will close for the weekend.

Missing medication could have potential consequences for people of all ages who are living with either a long or short-term condition, but the impact is often worse for those who are older or vulnerable.

25/03/2026

Complete our short survey and be in with a chance of winning a £100 high street shopping voucher!

The NHS in our area is considering new ways of using patient data to improve care and plan services. We want to know your views on their plans: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/patientdata

This is your opportunity to have your say!

18/03/2026