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From October 2025 , the NHS is adding a new test to the routine newborn blood-spot (heel-prick) screening: Hereditary Tyrosinaemia Type 1 (HT1)  — a rare but serious condition that can harm a baby’s liver, kidneys, and overall health if not caught early. Why This Matters HT1 is a genetic condition where the body can’t properly break down an amino acid called tyrosine. Without treatment, harmful substances build up and can lead to serious health problems. The tricky part? Symp

The NHS has introduced updates to the GP contract for 2025/26 ,  designed to make general practice more patient-focused and efficient. One of the key changes is the introduction of new advice and guidance services, helping more care to be delivered in the community instead of hospitals. A big emphasis is being placed on cutting back on unnecessary red tape. Outdated performance measures have been removed, and resources shifted towards prevention work, especially around tackli

The West Berkshire Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) has now been published. Healthwatch West Berkshire was invited to have an input into the PNA, which looks at the provision of pharmacy services across the district. The report shows that most residents can reach a pharmacy within their local vicinity within 20 minutes, and overall provision meets current needs.  However, the PNA does highlight that certain groups may face barriers, including the homeless, victims o

The NHS is launching a new 'Online Hospital' allowing patients to access specialist care, tests, and monitoring via the NHS App. Patients can book virtual consultations and attend community diagnostic centres for scans and tests closer to home. NHS England hopes this will reduce waiting times, give patients more control, and make specialist expertise available across the country. While this approach offers faster access and greater flexibility, challenges remain. Not everyone

From April 2026, the way NHS services are organised across our region will change as a new Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB) is created. This will bring together the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB ICB) and Frimley ICB areas into one larger body covering much of the Thames Valley. What’s Changing? The new Thames Valley ICB will replace BOB and Frimley ICBs, and East Berkshire (currently under Frimley) will join the Thames Valley area. Surrey

At Healthwatch West Berkshire, we want to make sure local people have the right information to stay healthy and to help our NHS run more...

When we talk about “the NHS in West Berkshire”, most of us think of our local GP, Royal Berkshire Hospital, or West Berkshire Community...

NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (NHS BOB ICB) has teamed up with the charity Sue Ryder  to improve how palliative and...

Register with West Berkshire Council to receive support. If you look after a family member, friend, or neighbour who couldn’t manage...

A new national poll by Healthwatch England  has found that most men would take up the offer of prostate cancer screening if it were...

Are you or someone you know dissatisfied with care received from an NHS service?  Did you know The Advocacy People’s independent Health...

Autumn is here and Flu season is coming. As winter approaches, it's time to get protected against flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory...

The NHS’s confidential home testing service for hepatitis C has now been used by more than 100,000 people across England, marking a major...

Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in England – not just among men, but overall. The latest figures show the scale of the...

Are you a carer — or could you be one without realising it? If you regularly care for or support someone with a disability, long-term...

Measles cases are rising in the UK. Confirmed cases of measles in England by month, age, region and upper-tier local authority: 2025 -...

The government has recently announced new measures to improve access and inclusion for Deaf and disabled people, with a strong focus on...

Finding an NHS dentist can feel frustrating at times, but there is support available in West Berkshire. You don’t need to register with a...

Healthwatch West Berkshire have expressed serious concern over the Government’s decision as part of the NHS 10-year plan and following...

You may have become aware over the weekend that the Government intends to close Healthwatch England (and therefore your local...