News and reports

As we come towards the end of the year, on behalf of the Healthwatch Bedford Borough team, may we take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support.

The latest news and information from Healthwatch Bedford Borough

A community cafe which offers food, friendship, and fun for all the family, has been launched in Queens Park.

Bedford Borough Council is proud to announce the installation of a heartwarming initiative at Norse Road Crematorium, a ‘Post box to Heaven.’ Inspired by the touching story of a grieving nine-year-old in Nottingham who first conceived the idea, the council received a number of requests from residents for a similar post box locally. This special post box provides an opportunity for people to send letters or cards to a loved one they’ve lost.

The Government has published a report that there are national supply issues affecting medications for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There are a combination of reasons why this is happening, including: increase in demand, manufacturing issues, change in suppliers, change in what manufactures are making certain products. It is unclear when these issues will be resolved.

Please see details below of Healthwatch Bedford Borough visit to Holly Tree Lodge in July 2023

Healthwatch Bedford Borough are carrying out a project to look at public experience of accessing NHS dental care.

As of Monday 30th October 2023, the Phlebotomy GP service at Gilbert Hitchcock House will require ALL patients to book an appointment for a blood test. Please note, this also includes patients with urgent blood test forms.

People aged 65 years and over; people in a care home for older adults; children aged 6 months and over in a clinical risk group; frontline health and social care workers; young people aged 12 to 64 years who live with someone with a weakened immune system; carers aged 16 to 64 years.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, globally. If detected early, treatment is more successful and there's a good chance of recovery. Breast cancer screening can prevent an estimated 23%-37% cases of breast cancer.

October is World Menopause Month, and October 18th celebrated as World Menopause Awareness Day, with the focus this year on cardiovascular health.

The Bedford Borough Health and Wellbeing Board is launching a public consultation for the Joint Local Health & Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2027.