News and reports

The latest update from Healthwatch Bedford Borough

On 1st February each year, Healthwatch Bedford Borough publishes a Priority Listening Survey. This survey helps to inform our key strategic priority areas of focus for the year ahead and ensures that local residents and key stakeholders are fully involved in decision-making.

‘Share for Better Care’, a new campaign launched by Healthwatch, aims to help address health inequalities across England.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is an independent organisation that provides guidance on health and social care in England and Wales.

Healthwatch Bedford Borough is on the lookout for a new Chair to lead its Independent Strategic Advisory Board (ISAB). This pivotal role involves guiding the organisation in its mission to amplify the voices of local residents regarding health and social care services.

The NHS in the East of England is developing a Secure Data Environment (SDE) to support health and care research using NHS patient data. This is your chance to have your say on what matters to you. This report shows all findings from the SDE Focus groups held in July 2024

In 2023, NICE were commissioned by NHS England to develop a range of Patient Decision Aids (also called Decision Support Tools) on a range of topics.

Every three years, a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is completed. The next one for the Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes City Council is due to be published by the 1st October 2025.

This will look at what pharmacy services each area has, where they are located and what pharmacy services might be needed in the future. It is important to gather views of residents living in this area to understand how residents access pharmacy services.

Although most NHS treatment is free, there are still some costs you might need to pay.

A senior doctor has reminded local residents that the NHS is on hand to support those who aspire to a healthier lifestyle in 2025.

Most NHS services in the community will close for at least some of the Christmas period, but a senior local doctor has issued guidance on how patients can access care during this time.

A senior local nurse has urged parents to prepare for common illnesses which children often experience during the winter months.