Healthwatch Reading

02/07/2026

You may have noticed we've been a little quieter on social media recently. That's because we are a small, part-time team that has been focused on listening to local people and turning your feedback into action.

We've been completing our project work, analysing what you've told us, reviewing findings from our NHS App project and using this evidence to help improve health and care services across Reading and Berkshire West, alongside writing our Annual Report which has just been published!

Our Annual Report shows how your experiences have helped influence health and care services over the past year, and the action we've taken to make sure your voice is heard by local decision-makers.

Read the full report on our website 👉 https://www.healthwatchreading.co.uk/post/healthwatch-reading-annual-report-2025-26

Thank you to everyone across Reading who shared their experiences with us; through surveys, community events, phone calls, emails or online forms. Your feedback helps us understand what matters most.

We’d also like to thank local organisations and community groups who supported our work and helped us reach more people. Together, you’ve helped shape better health and care services for everyone.

23/03/2026

Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming so it’s important to know that support is available if you’re struggling with your mental health.
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In this advice and information page, we explore where you can go to find help and how to access it.

You’re not alone; find out more below 👇t

It's so important that you feel supported as a new parent. Read the article below to find out where you can go to get the help you need.Your mental health is important, both for your wellbeing and your child’s. It’s important that you feel supported throughout your journey of becoming a parent a...

18/03/2026

Following the recent meningitis outbreak in Kent (which is rare), we understand that this news may be worrying for many people and families across Reading and beyond.

It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and to seek urgent medical help if someone is unwell and their condition is getting worse.

We have put together an information and advice page to help you know the signs in babies, young people and adults.

We also recommend these trusted information and advice sources for more information and the latest information on the outbreak: Meningitis Now UK Health Security Agency Meningitis Research Foundation

Kent, England has recently experienced a meningitis outbreak, with two young people tragically losing their lives and 13 others falling ill in just three days. Most of those affected are sixth-form and university students.Meningitis outbreaks like this are rare, but the infection can develop very qu...

17/03/2026

Today is the last day you can submit your experiences with the Independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation.

This investigation aims to understand and fix ongoing problems in maternity and neonatal care across England, including safety, staffing, discrimination and fairness.

Your experiences can help shape improvements for families in the future.

You can contribute if you are:
• A woman or pregnant person sharing your own experience
• A supporter (partner, family member, friend, or other support person)

Don’t miss the chance to be heard! Submissions close today.

Read the interim report and find out how to share your experience below ⬇️

On 26 February 2026, the Independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation published an interim report showing the urgent need to improve care for mothers and babies in England.BackgroundThe investigation was launched in June 2025 by Health Secretary Wes Streeting to review NHS maternity ser...

16/03/2026

We’re pleased to share this update from Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality - Acre to help encourage Reading communities, networks and residents to access these valuable vaccine videos.

Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality - Acre has created vaccine information videos in Arabic, Nepali and Urdu covering MMR (for adults and children), flu, RSV and COVID-19. The videos feature Community Health Champions and aim to make trusted health information easier to understand.

Please watch, share and pass on to your networks so more people can access this important information and make informed choices about their health. 💙

Reading Council NHS Digital BOB ICB

12/03/2026

Updates to the NHS App are coming at the end of March...

From the end of March, updates to the NHS App will start being introduced. According to NHS Digital some users will receive the update automatically, while others may be asked to update their app manually.

What’s new?
✳️A new ‘App Help’ button to provide quick access to support.
✳️ A profile section where you can manage your personal details, health preferences and access services for family members or people you care for.
✳️ Simpler access to appointments, prescriptions, and test results directly from the homepage.

Read all about the changes and watch the video below ⬇️

From the end of March, people will start to notice some changes to the NHS App.According to NHS Digital, the app will begin to look different as updates are rolled out over the coming weeks. For some people, the update will happen automatically, and others may see a message asking them to update the...

26/01/2026

✨We’re delighted to share that our report on children’s oral health in Reading has been referenced in the British Dental Journal.

This recognition highlights the impact of our work to reduce oral health inequalities for children in Reading and to help improve local services and care.

A big thank you to our volunteer community connectors and the families who shared their experiences. Your contributions have helped us drive change in Reading.

To read the article and our report, click below ⬇️
https://qrgo.is/4263553a

We are delighted to share that our report (Core20Plus5: Exploring the oral health of children aged under ten years in Reading; Norcot, Church and Southcote Wards) has been referenced in the British Dental Journal* (9th January edition), showcasing the positive impact of our work to reduce oral healt...

23/01/2026

It's Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 💙

Cervical screening saves lives. It helps detect changes early, before they can develop into cervical cancer.

If you’ve received an NHS invite letter, please book your smear test. Taking a few minutes for screening could make a life-saving difference.

We've put together an information and advice page to tell you what to expect at a screening appointment. For more information , click on the link ⬇

https://www.healthwatchreading.co.uk/post/all-you-need-to-know-about-smear-tests

21/01/2026

Jess’s Rule is now being displayed in GP surgeries across England. It encourages doctors to take a fresh look if a patient has been seen three times without a clear diagnosis – “Three strikes and we rethink.”

The rule is named in memory of Jessica Brady, who tragically died aged 27 where her symptoms were not fully investigated. She had visited her doctor 20 times. Her parents’ campaigning has helped turn this tragedy into change that could save lives.

📣 If you feel Jess’s Rule hasn’t been followed in your care, or you’ve experienced repeated appointments without answers, please contact us and share your experience.

Your feedback helps us work with the NHS locally to improve services and patient safety.

For more information ⬇️

Jess’s Rule is a new patient safety initiative being displayed in every GP surgery in England from this week onwards. It is designed to help doctors spot serious illnesses earlier by encouraging them to take a "fresh eyes" approach when symptoms continue.How it works • Strike One: A patient visi...

14/01/2026

People in Reading told us about being wrongly billed for NHS care at Royal Berks Hospital, including bills sent to children and UK residents.

We listened, gathered evidence, and worked with the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, alongside community leaders and local voluntary organisations, in a community conversation to fix the issues. As a result, billing processes, staff training, and patient information are improving, helping to reduce stress and confusion for patients.

Read more about what happened and the difference our work has made in our impact statement below 👇

Most NHS care is free at the point of use, however, in some situations, people may be asked to pay for certain types of treatment. This is known as NHS overseas billing. The rules can be complicated, so any charges must be handled carefully and clearly explained. When there are billing errors, it ca...