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Get Your Flu Vaccine, and stay healthy. Why it matters: Flu (influenza) isn’t just a “bad cold” — it can lead to serious illness, hospitalisation or even be life-threatening, especially for people with underlying health issues or who are older. The flu vaccine helps to protect you and those around you. Who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine? You’re eligible if you: Are aged 65 or over (or will turn 65 by 31 March 2026). Have certain long-term health conditions (e.g., res

Are you a carer?, do you know your rights as a carer?, pop in to the Carers Rights Day Event at Thatcham Rugby Club on Thursday 20th November to find out more. If you would like to find out more, contact Stephen.Hammond@Ageukberkshire.org.uk , or call 0118 959 4242

What do they mean for West Berkshire Residents? Earlier this month, NHS leaders in the Thames Valley region released their Commissioning Intentions for 2026–2030. This strategic plan outlines how healthcare services will be delivered across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, including West Berkshire. Key Priorities for West Berkshire Integrated Care Transformation : The plan focuses on shifting care from hospitals to local communities. This means more services will

The 2025 Youth Survey   held by West Berkshire Council gave over 5,000 children and teenagers the chance to have their say.. The results show some positive things, that most young people feel safe in their local area , which is good news, but they also highlight some real challenges and worries: Mental health and wellbeing is top of mind for 44% of young people. Bullying, including online, affects 42%. Vaping and substance use came up for 41%. Body image and self-esteem worry

Great news for women across the UK! In a significant move towards better women's health care, the government has announced that menopause will now be included in routine NHS Health Checks for the first time. This change is set to benefit nearly 5 million women aged 40–74, helping to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and ensure timely support for those experiencing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Major NHS update brings menopause into routine health checks - GOV.UK W

West Berkshire Council will soon be launching a supervised toothbrushing programme for children aged 3–5 years across 15 preschool and school settings. Supported by national government funding announced in March 2025, the initiative aims to tackle oral health inequalities and help young children build lifelong healthy habits. Currently, in West Berkshire, around 17% of 5-year-olds experience tooth decay, which is a preventable issue that can affect eating, sleeping, and ove

The NHS Patient Charter is a simple, practical guide to your rights when using NHS services, and to what you can reasonably expect from the care you receive. It sets out clear standards to help ensure everyone gets safe, high-quality care, and encourages a partnership built on respect, trust, and communication between patients and healthcare professionals. Under the Charter, you can expect: Timely access to care and treatment Clear information about your health, treatment opt

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...