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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