http://www.swindonlink.org Swindon LINk news CGFeedMaker 1.0.14 on CMS Made Simple matt@reasondigital.com ( ) http://swindonlink.org/news/577/27/NHS-Equality-Diversity-and-Human-Rights-Week/ The NHS Employers organisation is coordinating the first ever NHS Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Week from 21–25 May 2012. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:32:39 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/577/27/NHS-Equality-Diversity-and-Human-Rights-Week/ http://swindonlink.org/news/575/27/Great-Western-Ambulance-Service-NHS-Trust-GWAS-is-being-acquired-by-South-West-Ambulance-What-do-you-think-about-this/ Local Involvement Networks are being invited to comment on the plan for South West Ambulance to acquire Great Western Ambulance.  Comments are required by the end of May. Fri, 18 May 2012 10:54:40 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/575/27/Great-Western-Ambulance-Service-NHS-Trust-GWAS-is-being-acquired-by-South-West-Ambulance-What-do-you-think-about-this/ http://swindonlink.org/news/574/27/Terrence-Higgins-Trust-Drop-In-Sessions/ Terrence Higgins Trust hold weekly drop in sessions on a Monday afternoon between the hours of 2pm and 5pm. Thu, 17 May 2012 12:54:33 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/574/27/Terrence-Higgins-Trust-Drop-In-Sessions/ http://swindonlink.org/news/573/27/CQC-report-on-standards-at-Bluebells-Care-Home/ The Care Quality Commission (CQC) publishes reports each week on inspections of health and social care services all over England where CQC inspectors look at whether government standards are being met. Thu, 17 May 2012 12:50:07 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/573/27/CQC-report-on-standards-at-Bluebells-Care-Home/ http://swindonlink.org/news/571/27/What-we-know-so-far-about-the-NHS-briefings/ The British Medical Association (BMA) has published 'What we know so far' briefings bringing together the available facts and drawing attention to gaps in knowledge following the government’s health reforms. Wed, 16 May 2012 12:55:13 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/571/27/What-we-know-so-far-about-the-NHS-briefings/ http://swindonlink.org/news/570/27/The-latest-LINk-e-bulletin/ Including responses from GWH to Swindon LINk reports and lots of other info besides... Wed, 16 May 2012 09:45:11 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/570/27/The-latest-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/569/27/Participants-wanted-for-cancer-users-group/ The Great Western Hospital (GWH) based Cancer Users Group involves people with experience of all kinds of cancer. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:23:01 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/569/27/Participants-wanted-for-cancer-users-group/ http://swindonlink.org/news/568/27/Mental-health-research-opportunity/ The West Hub mental health research network is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) which recognises the need for first class research within the NHS to improve care for patients and the public. Tue, 15 May 2012 12:56:19 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/568/27/Mental-health-research-opportunity/ http://swindonlink.org/news/567/27/Patient-Led-Inspection-programme---Survey-of-Patient-views/ Patient-led inspection regime will see members of the public invited to assess cleanliness, food, privacy and dignity on the wards, alongside official teams. Tue, 15 May 2012 12:46:41 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/567/27/Patient-Led-Inspection-programme---Survey-of-Patient-views/ http://swindonlink.org/news/566/27/Report-of-ambulance-services-at-GWH/ The joint LINk report about the use of ambulance handover screens at acute hospitals in the Great Western Ambulance Trust (GWAS) area was published on 23 April. Fri, 11 May 2012 12:48:02 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/566/27/Report-of-ambulance-services-at-GWH/ http://swindonlink.org/news/558/27/When-Swindon-borough-administrative-boundaries-don-t-mean-a-thing/ Most GP practices in Swindon will now have inner and outer catchment areas and it seems there is some flexibility to stay with your GP if you move outside the inner catchment.   Fri, 11 May 2012 12:24:58 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/558/27/When-Swindon-borough-administrative-boundaries-don-t-mean-a-thing/ http://swindonlink.org/news/565/27/Your-chance-to-quiz-the-GP-commissioning-group/ As part of the recent Health & Social Care Act,  clinical commissioners (or GP commissioners) will now be making decisions about how to spend local health care budgets.  Swindon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) shadow board will be meeting in public for the first time on Wednesday 16 May (9.30-12.30) so here is your opportunity to ask questions and listen to discussions. Fri, 11 May 2012 12:04:04 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/565/27/Your-chance-to-quiz-the-GP-commissioning-group/ http://swindonlink.org/news/564/27/Swindon-Locality-Leads/ To support Locality working the Council has recently appointed full-time Locality Leads for each of the seven clusters/localities to work with local people to build local solutions. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:33:27 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/564/27/Swindon-Locality-Leads/ http://swindonlink.org/news/563/27/Care-Quality-Commission-report-this-week/ Church View Nursing Home is a purpose built care home for up to 43 people in Rainer Close, Stratton St Margaret.  The Care Quality Commission has published its April 2012 compliance report . Thu, 10 May 2012 10:58:48 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/563/27/Care-Quality-Commission-report-this-week/ http://swindonlink.org/news/562/27/AWP-response-to-the-Swindon-LINk-Victoria-Centre-enter-and-view-visit-report/ Two authorised Swindon LINk visitors undertook an Enter and View visit to the Victoria Centre, 53 Downs Way, Swindon SN3 6BW (adjacent to Great Western Hospital) on 21 March 2012 and subsequently reported on the outcome . Thu, 10 May 2012 10:51:32 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/562/27/AWP-response-to-the-Swindon-LINk-Victoria-Centre-enter-and-view-visit-report/ http://swindonlink.org/news/561/27/Aiming-High-Newsletter---June-2012/ The Aiming High newsletter  is sent to all families who have registered with SADIE (the Swindon area Database and Information Exchange) or Aiming High (the short breaks for children team) and is also circulated through Swindon Parents and Carers Advisory Group . Wed, 09 May 2012 12:22:50 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/561/27/Aiming-High-Newsletter---June-2012/ http://swindonlink.org/news/560/27/Swindon-Festival-of-Walking-14---25-May/ Get outside and active this spring with these sociable, guided walks and events.  From wildlife strolls to fitness trails, find walks for different interests and abilities.   Wed, 09 May 2012 12:11:58 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/560/27/Swindon-Festival-of-Walking-14---25-May/ http://swindonlink.org/news/559/27/Dying-Matters-Awareness-Week/ Dying Matters is national coalition of more than 15,000 members of which Prospect Hospice is one.  The coalition aims to change public knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards death, dying and bereavement.  It encourages people to talk about what matters to them about how they live and how they die. Wed, 09 May 2012 11:57:59 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/559/27/Dying-Matters-Awareness-Week/ http://swindonlink.org/news/557/27/Patient-Participation-Groups-How-are-Swindon-GP-practices-doing/ Last year GP practices in Swindon were offered £241,000 by NHS Swindon to develop some basic engagement with their patients.  Tue, 08 May 2012 16:50:45 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/557/27/Patient-Participation-Groups-How-are-Swindon-GP-practices-doing/ http://swindonlink.org/news/556/27/Non-exec-posts-at-RUH-Bath/ The Appointments Commission is advertising non-executive and associate non-executive director posts at Royal United Hospital in Bath . Tue, 08 May 2012 13:45:18 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/556/27/Non-exec-posts-at-RUH-Bath/ http://swindonlink.org/news/555/27/Your-invitation-to-the-Swindon-Local-Involvement-Network-open-meetings-on-30-May/ Where would you begin if you need social care services?  Unless you are already in the system it is difficult to know where you go.  This is an invitation to our open meetings all about social care services on Wednesday 30 May at the Pilgrim Centre, Regent Circus. Tue, 08 May 2012 11:10:08 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/555/27/Your-invitation-to-the-Swindon-Local-Involvement-Network-open-meetings-on-30-May/ http://swindonlink.org/news/554/27/GWH-waiting-times-Swindon-GP-engagement-and-more-latest-Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ For all your local health and social care news and views. Fri, 04 May 2012 14:20:50 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/554/27/GWH-waiting-times-Swindon-GP-engagement-and-more-latest-Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/551/27/Does-your-GP-practice-open-in-the-evenings-Would-you-know-Does-anyone-go/ "Back in 2008, at the height of the battle with the Government over extended opening hours, GPs frequently made the point that in many areas, patients simply weren’t interested in evening and weekend surgeries. Thu, 03 May 2012 12:44:55 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/551/27/Does-your-GP-practice-open-in-the-evenings-Would-you-know-Does-anyone-go/ http://swindonlink.org/news/550/27/AWP-Changes-at-the-top/ The Chair of the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust , Felicity Longshaw, resigned and Deputy Chair, Anthony Gallagher, assumed the role of acting Chair on 25 April pending a formal appointments process led by the Appointments Commission. The Chief Executive, Laura McMurtrie, is also taking a period of leave from the Trust.  Thu, 03 May 2012 12:35:37 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/550/27/AWP-Changes-at-the-top/ http://swindonlink.org/news/549/27/Remember-the-person-behind-dementia/ Dementia Awareness Week will take place from 20-26 May 2012.  'Remember the person' is the annual flagship awareness-raising campaign of the Alzheimer's Society.  It's an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of dementia. Wed, 02 May 2012 13:10:25 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/549/27/Remember-the-person-behind-dementia/ http://swindonlink.org/news/548/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ The latest e-bulletin from Swindon Carers Centre includes details of activities taking place during Carers Week in June, information about their forthcoming AGM and much more besides. Wed, 02 May 2012 10:55:36 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/548/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/547/27/CQC-inspect-three-Swindon-care-services/ The Care Quality Commission publishes compliance reports following its inspections.  Three Swindon services are on the list this week. Tue, 01 May 2012 13:38:19 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/547/27/CQC-inspect-three-Swindon-care-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/546/27/NHS-Specialised-Commissioning/ The latest edition of the newsletter for Safe and Sustainable Children’s Neurosurgical NHS Services has been published. Tue, 01 May 2012 13:16:25 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/546/27/NHS-Specialised-Commissioning/ http://swindonlink.org/news/545/27/Cancer-and-the-Asian-community/ This health supplement is aimed at providing accurate information to the Asian community on the issues associated with cancer.  Tue, 01 May 2012 12:53:12 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/545/27/Cancer-and-the-Asian-community/ http://swindonlink.org/news/544/27/MS-Health-and-Wellbeing-Open-Days/ In recognition of National MS Awareness Week (30 April - 6 May 2012), Swindon Therapy Centre for MS and Swindon Yoga and Massage Centre will be holding two Health and Wellbeing open days on 4 May and 5 May . Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:41:00 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/544/27/MS-Health-and-Wellbeing-Open-Days/ http://swindonlink.org/news/543/27/What-are-your-views-on-AWP-services/ Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) has sent Swindon LINk copies of the leaflets people can use if they have any comments, complaints, concerns or compliments about AWP services. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:38:24 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/543/27/What-are-your-views-on-AWP-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/542/27/Engagement-on-the-issues-around-the-regulations-for-local-Healthwatch/ The DH team is currently running a period of engagement on the issues around the regulations for local Healthwatch. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:49:34 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/542/27/Engagement-on-the-issues-around-the-regulations-for-local-Healthwatch/ http://swindonlink.org/news/541/27/Swindon-LINk-discuss-future-commissioning-of-local-health-services/ Four LINk steering group members met with Dr Peter Crouch, chair of Swindon’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), on 20 April. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:07:35 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/541/27/Swindon-LINk-discuss-future-commissioning-of-local-health-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/540/27/Think-Local-Act-Personal/ The April bulletin from Think Local, Act Personal has been published. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:10:11 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/540/27/Think-Local-Act-Personal/ http://swindonlink.org/news/539/27/AWP-Board-meeting/ Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) board next meets in public at 10am on Friday 27 April at Jenner House, Avon Way, Chippenham SN15 1GG. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:54:42 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/539/27/AWP-Board-meeting/ http://swindonlink.org/news/538/27/How-well-are-the-new-ambulance-handover-screens-at-GWH-working/ Swindon LINk participants visited the emergency department at Great Western Hospital to see how well the new ambulance handover screens were working. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:13:47 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/538/27/How-well-are-the-new-ambulance-handover-screens-at-GWH-working/ http://swindonlink.org/news/537/27/Engage-well-go-further-practical-advice-about-the-value-of-patient-and-public-engagement/ Some new Smart Guides to Engagement have been co-produced by patient & public engagement (PPE) experts from several organisations with support from the Department of Health.  They are of general interest though aimed at Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) – the GP led groups which will take on health service commissioning from primary care trusts over the next year. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:36:57 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/537/27/Engage-well-go-further-practical-advice-about-the-value-of-patient-and-public-engagement/ http://swindonlink.org/news/536/27/Self-harm-knowledge-and-experience-wanted/ NICE, the national institute for health & clinical excellence is currently recruiting service user and carer members to the Expert Group relating to Self Harm . Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:11:16 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/536/27/Self-harm-knowledge-and-experience-wanted/ http://swindonlink.org/news/535/27/Swindon-LINk-letter-in-Adver/ Swindon Local Involvement Network steering group chair, Derek Benfield, has written to the Swindon Advertiser to follow up a story about care home inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).  In his letter, published in the Adver on 19 April he said: Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:28:36 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/535/27/Swindon-LINk-letter-in-Adver/ http://swindonlink.org/news/534/27/NHS-Swindon-response-to-drug-debate/ Last week we reported on the debate surrounding the drug ezetimibe, that has been rumbling in the local press.  We also asked NHS Swindon (PCT) for a comment which we have now received. Read on for more. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:22:54 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/534/27/NHS-Swindon-response-to-drug-debate/ http://swindonlink.org/news/533/27/Waiting-times-at-Great-Western-Hospital/ The Patient Association published a report today about both the increase in waiting times and the reduction in numbers of elective operations undertaken by hospital trusts throughout the country, which has been picked up by the media.   We asked GWH how they measured up and received these statistics . Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:40:21 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/533/27/Waiting-times-at-Great-Western-Hospital/ http://swindonlink.org/news/531/27/Mental-health-chief-gives-her-views/ LINk participant Kathleen Aitken (retiring shortly as manager of Swindon Mind) has written a critique of the Avon & Wiltshire mental health trust draft Quality Account drawing on her long experience of working with the mental health service and with service users in Swindon.  Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:54:06 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/531/27/Mental-health-chief-gives-her-views/ http://swindonlink.org/news/530/27/A-vintage-Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ The next Swindon LINk event, some fine photos, a report of a local mental health service, some answers from GWH about how patients are discharged, and lots more besides. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:11:51 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/530/27/A-vintage-Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/529/27/Care-Quality-Commission-reports-on-local-care-home-and-dentist/ The Care Quality Commission (CQC) continues to let Swindon LINk know when compliance reports are published about local services they have inspected.  We aim to describe very briefly whether the service meets the standards you can expect and CQC expectations.  Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:51:19 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/529/27/Care-Quality-Commission-reports-on-local-care-home-and-dentist/ http://swindonlink.org/news/528/27/Long-term-conditions-steering-group-and-commissioning-intentions-for-2012-13/ Several LINk participants have joined the NHS Swindon initiated Long Term Conditions steering group which has now met twice. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:10:19 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/528/27/Long-term-conditions-steering-group-and-commissioning-intentions-for-2012-13/ http://swindonlink.org/news/527/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-s-Relief-Care-Service-to-be-transferred-to-Bluebird-Care/ The relief care team provide a domiciliary care service to around 40 clients, as well as a sitting service for a further 26 clients. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:53:02 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/527/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-s-Relief-Care-Service-to-be-transferred-to-Bluebird-Care/ http://swindonlink.org/news/526/27/How-well-do-social-services-perform-in-Swindon-and-how-do-we-know/ Social care watchers will want to be aware of The 2012/13 Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) and accompanying documentation published by the department of health on 30 March. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:45:05 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/526/27/How-well-do-social-services-perform-in-Swindon-and-how-do-we-know/ http://swindonlink.org/news/525/27/Latest-news-and-updates-from-GWH/ Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (GWH) has recently published its latest Stakeholder update  and Horizon magazine.  Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:05:39 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/525/27/Latest-news-and-updates-from-GWH/ http://swindonlink.org/news/524/27/Where-do-I-begin-with-social-services/ Unless you are already involved with social care services it’s difficult to know where to start.  The LINk open meeting with four expert speakers on Wednesday 30 May at the Pilgrim Centre, Regent Circus, aims to answer the questions. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:17:07 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/524/27/Where-do-I-begin-with-social-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/523/27/AWP-redesign-good-progress-made-towards-improving-mental-health-services/ Avon & Wilts mental health trust (AWP) says “substantial progress has been made over the past three months towards implementing a new model of mental health services .” Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:37:50 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/523/27/AWP-redesign-good-progress-made-towards-improving-mental-health-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/522/27/Draft-Quality-Account-QA-from-Avon-and-Wiltshire-mental-health-partnership-NHS-trust-AWP-Your-comments-are-invited/ Local Involvement Networks are invited to comment each year on the content/accuracy/improvement/quality programmes etc. in draft Quality Accounts produced by each NHS trust. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:03:29 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/522/27/Draft-Quality-Account-QA-from-Avon-and-Wiltshire-mental-health-partnership-NHS-trust-AWP-Your-comments-are-invited/ http://swindonlink.org/news/521/27/Swindon-dentists-accepting-NHS-patients-April-s-list/ Have you been meaning to get to the dentist but didn't know where to find one? Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:51:50 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/521/27/Swindon-dentists-accepting-NHS-patients-April-s-list/ http://swindonlink.org/news/520/27/Specialised-health-services-for-children/ Commissioning in the NHS is the process of ensuring that health services meet the needs of the population.  Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:47:08 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/520/27/Specialised-health-services-for-children/ http://swindonlink.org/news/519/27/Reasonable-adjustments-made-by-mental-health-services-What-s-your-view/ The NHS Confederation have recently commissioned the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) to look at the reasonable adjustments that mental health services are making to respond positively to people with learning disabilities and to people with autism.  NDTi would like to hear about your experience. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:07:01 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/519/27/Reasonable-adjustments-made-by-mental-health-services-What-s-your-view/ http://swindonlink.org/news/518/27/Overnight-hospital-discharges-good-news-for-Swindon/ In the wake of today's media stories about the high numbers of overnight hospital patient discharges, Swindon LINk requested the local stats from GWH who obliged immediately. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:00:53 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/518/27/Overnight-hospital-discharges-good-news-for-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/517/27/Drug-debate/ NHS Swindon are responsible for deciding what drugs are prescribed on the NHS locally. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:56:24 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/517/27/Drug-debate/ http://swindonlink.org/news/516/27/Do-you-use-Kingswood-surgery-in-Parks/ Kingswood GP surgery, just off Queens Drive, Swindon, are holding a meeting of their patient group and are keen for any patients of the surgery to come along and be involved. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:41:00 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/516/27/Do-you-use-Kingswood-surgery-in-Parks/ http://swindonlink.org/news/515/27/Swindon-LINk-participants-report-on-Enter-View-visit-to-Victoria-Centre/ Two authorised representatives of Swindon LINk undertook an announced Enter and View visit to the Victoria Centre, Swindon in March 2012.  The centre is a modern, purpose built unit which provides ground floor in-patient care to older people with mental illness. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:52:50 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/515/27/Swindon-LINk-participants-report-on-Enter-View-visit-to-Victoria-Centre/ http://swindonlink.org/news/514/27/In-audio-Swindon-LINk-newsletter/ Check out our latest track: a spoken version of the latest Swindon LINk newsletter! Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:47:41 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/514/27/In-audio-Swindon-LINk-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/513/27/Mental-health-trust-wants-to-involve-more-service-users-and-carers-at-board-level-in-its-decision-making/ Avon and Wiltshire mental health partnership NHS trust (AWP) provides acute and community mental health services in Swindon.  Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:04:55 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/513/27/Mental-health-trust-wants-to-involve-more-service-users-and-carers-at-board-level-in-its-decision-making/ http://swindonlink.org/news/512/27/NHS-reforms-what-do-they-mean-for-patients/ “It is difficult to gauge what effects the Health and Social Care Act will have, and potential gains are mostly unreliable” according to Don Redding, director of policy for National Voices in his Guardian health care network article .  Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:20:47 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/512/27/NHS-reforms-what-do-they-mean-for-patients/ http://swindonlink.org/news/511/27/Social-care-service-users-feel-excluded-from-reform-debate/ "As the government finalises the social care white paper it plans to publish this spring, service users in a national consultation commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation have expressed major concerns both about the present state of social care and government proposals for the future” says Peter Beresford in his article for the Guardian social care network . Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:03:08 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/511/27/Social-care-service-users-feel-excluded-from-reform-debate/ http://swindonlink.org/news/510/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ This week’s Swindon Local Involvement Network e-bulletin is now out.  Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:32:00 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/510/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/509/27/The-GWH-cancer-service-user-involvement-group-wants-to-involve-more-people/ The next meeting of the cancer service users group, meeting with clinical staff at Great Western Hospital, is on Tuesday 24 April from 3pm to 5pm in seminar room 1 at the GWH Academy. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:36:17 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/509/27/The-GWH-cancer-service-user-involvement-group-wants-to-involve-more-people/ http://swindonlink.org/news/507/27/NHS-Gloucestershire-Swindon-board-papers/ NHS Swindon & Gloucestershire (the two primary care trusts) now operate with a single management and board.  The remaining NHS Swindon employees are mostly now based in the David Murray John Tower in the middle of Swindon.  Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:24:23 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/507/27/NHS-Gloucestershire-Swindon-board-papers/ http://swindonlink.org/news/506/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ Swindon Carers Centre are running a basic first aid course for all carers who are registered with them. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:57:51 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/506/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/505/27/Our-Health-New-website-for-stroke-and-dementia/ Our Health is a new website, launched by NHS South, which opens the door to a wealth of information on stroke and dementia. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:39:26 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/505/27/Our-Health-New-website-for-stroke-and-dementia/ http://swindonlink.org/news/504/27/Swindon-LINk-participant-reports-on-PEAT-visit-to-Sandalwood-Court/ Patient Environment Action Team ( PEAT ) is an annual assessment of inpatient healthcare sites in England with 10 or more inpatient beds.  Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:37:54 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/504/27/Swindon-LINk-participant-reports-on-PEAT-visit-to-Sandalwood-Court/ http://swindonlink.org/news/503/27/Care-homes-and-hospitals-still-not-meeting-their-obligations-on-liberty-safeguards-says-CQC/ The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a report about the use of the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:51:23 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/503/27/Care-homes-and-hospitals-still-not-meeting-their-obligations-on-liberty-safeguards-says-CQC/ http://swindonlink.org/news/502/27/Dementia-sitting-service-to-continue/ Swindon Borough Council have announced they are to extend funding of a sitting service for people with dementia until December 2012.  In the meantime all users of the service will be offered a full carers assessment. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:19:58 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/502/27/Dementia-sitting-service-to-continue/ http://swindonlink.org/news/501/27/Care-Quality-Commission-reports-on-Swindon-services/ Each week the Care Quality Commission (CQC) publishes compliance reports about the inspections it has carried out at care homes and other local facilities.  Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:20:22 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/501/27/Care-Quality-Commission-reports-on-Swindon-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/500/27/Board-meeting-tomorrow/ Great Western Hospital board meets in public tomorrow (Thursday 29 March) at 2.30 in Seminar Room 1, The Academy at GWH, Marlborough Road, Swindon, SN3 6BB. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:36:54 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/500/27/Board-meeting-tomorrow/ http://swindonlink.org/news/499/27/Views-wanted-on-children-s-health/ The Children and Young People’s Health Outcomes Forum is gathering views on the health outcomes that matter most for children and young people and how the different parts of the health system will work together to deliver them.  Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:32:29 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/499/27/Views-wanted-on-children-s-health/ http://swindonlink.org/news/498/27/The-spring-Swindon-LINk-newsletter-making-sense-of-it-all/ With a very clear explanation of what the Health Care Act means for you, views on dignity in care homes, LINk participant activity, as well as a good amount of local news the latest Swindon LINk newsletter is a must read!  Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:40:04 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/498/27/The-spring-Swindon-LINk-newsletter-making-sense-of-it-all/ http://swindonlink.org/news/497/27/Swindon-Cancer-Service-User-Group/ People who have had experience of a wide range of cancer services meet regularly with clinicians to influence improvements and developments.  New participants are welcome to attend the Swindon Cancer Service User Group. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:29:56 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/497/27/Swindon-Cancer-Service-User-Group/ http://swindonlink.org/news/496/27/Swindon-Osteoporosis-Support-Group/ The Swindon Osteoporosis Support Group is a community self-help group which was set up with the aim of improving the quality of life for people with osteoporosis living in the Swindon area.  Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:53:49 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/496/27/Swindon-Osteoporosis-Support-Group/ http://swindonlink.org/news/486/27/Health-Bill-now-an-Act/ Changes are already well underway as the Health Bill becomes an Act . Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:30:17 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/486/27/Health-Bill-now-an-Act/ http://swindonlink.org/news/495/27/Sustainable-social-care-and-personalisation-a-guide-for-community-engagement/ Personalisation continues to be a challenging concept for many, despite the benefits it offers. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:15:00 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/495/27/Sustainable-social-care-and-personalisation-a-guide-for-community-engagement/ http://swindonlink.org/news/494/27/Consultation-on-the-UK-Plan-for-Rare-Diseases/ The Department of Health in England has launched a consultation document on behalf of the four UK Health Departments.   The consultation is on the UK Plan for Rare Diseases.   Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:28:17 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/494/27/Consultation-on-the-UK-Plan-for-Rare-Diseases/ http://swindonlink.org/news/493/27/Age-discrimination-legislation-delayed/ The government consulted in 2011 on Equality Act 2010 provisions banning age discrimination in general in the provision of goods, services, facilities or public functions, while still allowing age-based treatment when it is justified or beneficial. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:07:39 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/493/27/Age-discrimination-legislation-delayed/ http://swindonlink.org/news/492/27/What-was-it-like-when-you-were-discharged-from-hospital/ The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is conducting a review about NHS hospital discharge.  The purpose of the review is to help their local inspection teams identify risks within services relating to discharge. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:51:03 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/492/27/What-was-it-like-when-you-were-discharged-from-hospital/ http://swindonlink.org/news/491/27/CQC-gives-three-Swindon-services-the-thumbs-up/ The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published three compliance reports on Swindon services this week and all received five ticks for meeting overall standards. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:27:23 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/491/27/CQC-gives-three-Swindon-services-the-thumbs-up/ http://swindonlink.org/news/490/27/Now-the-Health-Bill-is-an-Act-Get-stuck-in/ There is real patient and public influence to be had at local grass roots level.  That is where implementation of the NHS Bill will have the biggest impact on patients, carers, the public and local communities.   Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:22:32 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/490/27/Now-the-Health-Bill-is-an-Act-Get-stuck-in/ http://swindonlink.org/news/489/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ Our latest e-bulletin is here .  An interesting read packed full of health & social care news and opportunities for you to get involved. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:02:51 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/489/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/488/27/Swindon-Older-People-s-Forum-newsletter/ Swindon Older People’s Forum (SOPF) have published their latest newsletter which includes details about the next forum open meeting on Tuesday 24 April. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:27:56 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/488/27/Swindon-Older-People-s-Forum-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/487/27/Vision-services-still-concern-LINk-participants/ Swindon LINk participants Rosemarie Phillips and Val Vaughan have been taking up issues in connection with vision services at Great Western Hospital . Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:21:24 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/487/27/Vision-services-still-concern-LINk-participants/ http://swindonlink.org/news/485/27/Complementary-and-alternative-medicine-and-therapy-update-on-correspondence-with-NHS-Swindon/ A reply has been received in response to the letter sent to NHS Swindon following the LINk open meeting in January about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and therapies. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:59:01 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/485/27/Complementary-and-alternative-medicine-and-therapy-update-on-correspondence-with-NHS-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/484/27/More-Choices---Louder-Voices-Information-Day/ Swindon Local Involvement Network will be amongst dozens of groups and organisations at the Information Day for parents and carers of disabled children  this Wednesday 21 March at STEAM. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:44:41 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/484/27/More-Choices---Louder-Voices-Information-Day/ http://swindonlink.org/news/481/27/Care-home-residents-lack-access-to-healthcare/ Care home residents are struggling to get access to GPs and routine medicines, and more than half of primary care trusts do not offer access to the full range of health services residents may need.  Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:33:01 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/481/27/Care-home-residents-lack-access-to-healthcare/ http://swindonlink.org/news/476/27/Epilepsy-Society-Information-service-volunteers-needed/ Can you spare a few hours a week to help provide information to people with epilepsy, their families and carers, and to raise awareness of epilepsy in your local community. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:20:44 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/476/27/Epilepsy-Society-Information-service-volunteers-needed/ http://swindonlink.org/news/483/27/Health-and-Wellbeing-Board/ Swindon borough council and local NHS bodies are producing a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) setting out, broadly, the health and care needs of the local population.    Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:08:09 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/483/27/Health-and-Wellbeing-Board/ http://swindonlink.org/news/482/27/Clinical-Commissioning-Group-Shadow-Board/ A Swindon Clinical Commissioning Group Shadow Board has been established as a sub-committee of the NHS Swindon Board to provide the vision, leadership and expertise in overseeing the delivery of the transition from primary care trust to clinical commissioning groups. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:35:02 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/482/27/Clinical-Commissioning-Group-Shadow-Board/ http://swindonlink.org/news/480/27/Are-sick-care-home-residents-getting-good-care/ Care homes are struggling to provide high quality care for residents with complex medical conditions, a report by the Royal College of Nursing has warned. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:08:01 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/480/27/Are-sick-care-home-residents-getting-good-care/ http://swindonlink.org/news/479/27/Kingswood-Surgery-newsletter/ The latest newsletter from Kingswood Surgery has information about improvements to the building, feedback from their recent patient survey and an invitation to get involved with the patient participation group which will be meeting again shortly. Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:07:59 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/479/27/Kingswood-Surgery-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/478/27/Local-HealthWatch-The-policy-explained/ The Department of Health has published a document to clarify and restate the Government’s vision for local Healthwatch . Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:12:21 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/478/27/Local-HealthWatch-The-policy-explained/ http://swindonlink.org/news/477/27/GWH-Governor-s-blog/ Harry Dale, a Swindon elected governor of Great Western Hospital NHS Trust, has launched a blog on the GWH website . Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:06:23 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/477/27/GWH-Governor-s-blog/ http://swindonlink.org/news/475/27/NHS-Constitution-2012/ The department of health published an updated version of the NHS constitution on 8 March along with a handbook which is primarily aimed at health and social care professionals. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:16:58 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/475/27/NHS-Constitution-2012/ http://swindonlink.org/news/474/27/Spring-edition-of-Caring-Matters-Newsletter/ The latest edition of 'Caring Matters', the quarterly newsletter from Swindon Carers Centre, has lots of interesting news and information as well as your chance to WIN a £10 voucher in their competition about Swindon LINk. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:26:42 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/474/27/Spring-edition-of-Caring-Matters-Newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/473/27/AWP-Our-Voice-magazine-published/ Our Voice is Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health NHS Trust's magazine.  It is primarily for staff but they hope other people will also find it interesting, informative and enjoyable. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:12:19 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/473/27/AWP-Our-Voice-magazine-published/ http://swindonlink.org/news/472/27/300-young-people-to-help-shape-health-services/ The department of health has announced that “three hundred young people have offered to help shape the way school nurses care for young people". Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:33:34 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/472/27/300-young-people-to-help-shape-health-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/471/27/New-project-for-anyone-living-with-cancer-in-their-20s-30s-or-40s/ The small c is a project being developed by Shine Cancer Support looking at the possibility of hosting a national multi-day retreat to give people in their 20s, 30s and 40s who have experienced a cancer diagnosis, a fun way to kick back, relax and chat about issues with people who understand what living with cancer is like. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:14:52 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/471/27/New-project-for-anyone-living-with-cancer-in-their-20s-30s-or-40s/ http://swindonlink.org/news/470/27/Optimise-referral-management-system/ In his interview with BBC Wiltshire, Dr Peter Crouch, chair of Swindon’s clinical commissioning group, explains the background to the new referral management system Optimise. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:18:46 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/470/27/Optimise-referral-management-system/ http://swindonlink.org/news/469/27/Care-home-in-Swindon-given-thumbs-up/ Good news from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:00:15 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/469/27/Care-home-in-Swindon-given-thumbs-up/ http://swindonlink.org/news/468/27/March-2012-list-of-dentists-accepting-NHS-patients-in-Swindon/ The latest list is ready. Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:12:01 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/468/27/March-2012-list-of-dentists-accepting-NHS-patients-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/467/27/New-website-for-Kingswood-surgery/ Kingswood Surgery, Park North, Swindon, has updated its website and is interested to hear what people think about it. Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:59:11 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/467/27/New-website-for-Kingswood-surgery/ http://swindonlink.org/news/466/27/Community-research-in-Swindon/ Over the past year, Connected Care have been using community researchers to gather information and opinion from people in Penhill, Central & Taw Hill. Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:28:39 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/466/27/Community-research-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/465/27/Ashington-House-Surgery-newsletter/ The latest newsletter from Ashington House Surgery gives details of opening times, repeat prescriptions and much more besides. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:05:15 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/465/27/Ashington-House-Surgery-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/464/27/Ridgeway-Partnership-s-preferred-partner-announced/ Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust has been selected as the preferred acquisition partner for Ridgeway Partnership (Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust). Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:12:33 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/464/27/Ridgeway-Partnership-s-preferred-partner-announced/ http://swindonlink.org/news/463/27/NHS-South-update/ NHS Strategic Health Authorities in the south west, south central and south east coast areas have now joined to form NHS South. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:02:04 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/463/27/NHS-South-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/462/27/Quality-care-Everywhere/ This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, help make quality care a reality for all men with prostate cancer. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:48:33 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/462/27/Quality-care-Everywhere/ http://swindonlink.org/news/461/27/Summary-Care-Records-Your-questions-answered/ NHS Swindon have produced a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet about the introduction of summary care records. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:34:20 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/461/27/Summary-Care-Records-Your-questions-answered/ http://swindonlink.org/news/460/27/Great-Western-Ambulance-Service/ Last year the Great Western Ambulance (GWAS) Board decided not to continue to become a stand-alone NHS Foundation Trust (FT) but to join instead with a trust that was already an FT or on its way to becoming one. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:29:01 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/460/27/Great-Western-Ambulance-Service/ http://swindonlink.org/news/459/27/New-referral-management-system-launches-next-month/ According to ehealth INSIDER (ehi) “a new referral management system created by GPs and hospital clinicians will be launched in Swindon next month. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:44:01 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/459/27/New-referral-management-system-launches-next-month/ http://swindonlink.org/news/458/27/Mental-Health-Trust-wants-to-hear-your-views/ Swindon Advertiser reports that Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Trust is inviting some of its recent users to take part in a survey to find out what they thought about the service they received.  Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:53:46 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/458/27/Mental-Health-Trust-wants-to-hear-your-views/ http://swindonlink.org/news/457/27/Aiming-High-newsletter/ The latest Aiming High newsletter includes information about activities for disabled children and young people during the April school holiday. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:25:31 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/457/27/Aiming-High-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/456/27/Teenage-pregnancy-down/ Teenage pregnancies in Swindon have fallen by almost a third during the last five years.  Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:51:06 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/456/27/Teenage-pregnancy-down/ http://swindonlink.org/news/455/27/Swindon-Racial-Equality-Council-to-close/ It has been announced that Swindon Racial Equality Council will close on 31 March. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:52:03 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/455/27/Swindon-Racial-Equality-Council-to-close/ http://swindonlink.org/news/453/27/CQC-report-on-Great-Western-Ambulance-Service/ The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has recently published a report on Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) following a review of compliance by CQC inspectors in December 2011. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:06:51 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/453/27/CQC-report-on-Great-Western-Ambulance-Service/ http://swindonlink.org/news/454/27/Diabetes-care-progress-welcomed---but-more-needed/ The accuracy of a task group report to Swindon’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) in January was challenged by Steve McMahon, committee member of the Swindon Diabetes UK group and LINk participant. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:02:42 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/454/27/Diabetes-care-progress-welcomed---but-more-needed/ http://swindonlink.org/news/452/27/CQC-inspect-two-local-care-homes/ The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published new reports about compliance inspections at two local care homes Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:58:01 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/452/27/CQC-inspect-two-local-care-homes/ http://swindonlink.org/news/451/27/Dignity-report/ Reported extensively on 29 February, including in Community Care magazine, the Delivering Dignity report published by a commission set up by Age UK, the NHS Confederation and Local Government Association, sets out a range of recommendations designed to act as “a call to arms to the whole health and social care system”. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:51:57 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/451/27/Dignity-report/ http://swindonlink.org/news/450/27/The-phantom-Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin-29-February-special/ With an extra day in February this year, why not take time out to read our latest e-bulletin ....you won’t see an edition like this for at least another four years! Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:07:20 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/450/27/The-phantom-Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin-29-February-special/ http://swindonlink.org/news/449/27/Experience-of-PALS/ Have you used PALS at GWH in Swindon? Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:46:33 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/449/27/Experience-of-PALS/ http://swindonlink.org/news/448/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ All the latest updates from the Swindon Carers Centre are here in their February e-bulletin. Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:20:42 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/448/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/447/27/Taxi-Driver-Health-MOT-Day/ NHS Swindon and Swindon Borough Council are inviting all taxi drivers to attend a FREE Health Day specifically tailored for taxi drivers. Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:17:49 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/447/27/Taxi-Driver-Health-MOT-Day/ http://swindonlink.org/news/446/27/Gorse-Hill-Together-Community-Fair/ Are you interested in what happens locally?  Would you or your family like to do something in your spare time? Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:47:02 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/446/27/Gorse-Hill-Together-Community-Fair/ http://swindonlink.org/news/445/27/Unit-will-aid-people-with-brain-injuries/ The Swindon Advertiser has reported that a NEW facility that will help victims recover from serious brain injuries is coming to the town. Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:59:38 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/445/27/Unit-will-aid-people-with-brain-injuries/ http://swindonlink.org/news/444/27/CQC-chief-resigns/ Cynthia Bower, Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) today announced her resignation.  This comes amidst recent criticism of the work of CQC. Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:05:58 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/444/27/CQC-chief-resigns/ http://swindonlink.org/news/443/27/Safe-Warm---Health-and-Wellbeing-Event/ A FREE Health and Wellbeing event is being held on Friday 2 March to enable Swindon residents to access a range of advice and support services that can help to improve their quality of life. Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:45:48 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/443/27/Safe-Warm---Health-and-Wellbeing-Event/ http://swindonlink.org/news/442/27/New-NICE-guidance-about-epilepsy/ NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) have developed new guidance for what care and treatment should be available on the NHS. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:17:59 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/442/27/New-NICE-guidance-about-epilepsy/ http://swindonlink.org/news/441/27/Disability-Awareness-Initiative/ A new initiative to encourage more staff & volunteers to take up Disability Awareness is now available in Swindon. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:01:55 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/441/27/Disability-Awareness-Initiative/ http://swindonlink.org/news/440/27/CQC-report-on-Swindon-care-services/ The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its latest compliance reports about three care services in Swindon.  Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:48:35 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/440/27/CQC-report-on-Swindon-care-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/439/27/Health-and-Social-Care-Bill-explained/ The Health and Social Care Bill is now in its Report Stage in the House of Lords.  The Bill is part of the Government’s vision to modernise the NHS. Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:41:36 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/439/27/Health-and-Social-Care-Bill-explained/ http://swindonlink.org/news/438/27/All-I-wanted-was-an-appointment-with-the-doctor/ Will the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment make sure you get one?  We hope so. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:12:00 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/438/27/All-I-wanted-was-an-appointment-with-the-doctor/ http://swindonlink.org/news/437/27/Update-from-GWH-regarding-Carillion-strike-action/ Great Western Hospital have been in touch to tell us the background and plans for the current strike action of some Carillion staff members. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:03:09 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/437/27/Update-from-GWH-regarding-Carillion-strike-action/ http://swindonlink.org/news/436/27/Latest-LINk-e-bulletin/ Lots of interesting develoments have taken place over the past few weeks. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:58:00 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/436/27/Latest-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/435/27/Nutrition-at-GWH-LINk-participant-views-on-latest-plan/ Having made several visits to Great Western Hospital as part of the Patient Experience Action Team ( PEAT ), LINk participant Ean Coates knows the hospital quite well. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:23:41 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/435/27/Nutrition-at-GWH-LINk-participant-views-on-latest-plan/ http://swindonlink.org/news/434/27/Patient-satisfaction-at-GWH/ Have you been an outpatient at Great Western Hospital? Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:10:52 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/434/27/Patient-satisfaction-at-GWH/ http://swindonlink.org/news/433/27/Swindon-Older-Peoples-Forum/ Newly constituted Swindon Older Peoples Forum has published its second newsletter . Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:25:56 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/433/27/Swindon-Older-Peoples-Forum/ http://swindonlink.org/news/432/27/Swindon-Mobility-Club-coffee-morning/ The Swindon Mobility Club (formally the Wheelchair Focus Group) will be holding a coffee morning for anyone who has difficulties with mobility and their carers and relatives. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:16:51 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/432/27/Swindon-Mobility-Club-coffee-morning/ http://swindonlink.org/news/431/27/Summary-Care-Records-For-and-against/ An article in Pulse magazine describes the potential benefits and drawbacks of the Summary Care Records initiative, which includes a quote from Swindon GP Peter Swinyard. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:08:03 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/431/27/Summary-Care-Records-For-and-against/ http://swindonlink.org/news/430/27/BME-forum-to-discuss-Council-consultation/ The BME Forum have arranged a meeting at the Broadgreen Community Centre to discuss the Council’s Consultation document. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:42:53 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/430/27/BME-forum-to-discuss-Council-consultation/ http://swindonlink.org/news/429/27/Commissioners-have-a-safeguarding-role/ NHS and local authority commissioners have a role to play in safeguarding people in care homes and two new online guides aim to help. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:43:59 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/429/27/Commissioners-have-a-safeguarding-role/ http://swindonlink.org/news/428/27/Public-health-overview/ As the NHS and local councils prepare for the transfer of public health staff from primary care trusts to local authorities, the Guardian public health hub is a useful source of current information. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:01:28 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/428/27/Public-health-overview/ http://swindonlink.org/news/427/27/SEQOL-Address-and-NEW-telephone-number/ SEQOL, the new social enterprise organisation providing a wide range of community health and social care services, is now based in north Swindon. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:19:05 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/427/27/SEQOL-Address-and-NEW-telephone-number/ http://swindonlink.org/news/426/27/Council-Cabinet-recommended-to-change-some-charges-for-social-care/ Following consultation between September and the new year, the Council’s Cabinet is being recommended at its meeting on 15 February to make some changes to its “Fairer Charging” policy, fees and charges.    Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:16:30 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/426/27/Council-Cabinet-recommended-to-change-some-charges-for-social-care/ http://swindonlink.org/news/425/27/Health-and-social-care-bill-interactive-explainer/ Subject to the legislation, Local Involvement Networks will end in April 2013 to be replaced by local HealthWatch organisations as the consumer champions for health and adult social care.  But there’s much more to it than that. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:04:21 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/425/27/Health-and-social-care-bill-interactive-explainer/ http://swindonlink.org/news/424/27/Age-UK-is-recruiting-people-as-Experts-by-Experience/ Are you an older person?  Do you care for an older person?  Do you have experience of using social and/or health care services for older people? Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:21:15 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/424/27/Age-UK-is-recruiting-people-as-Experts-by-Experience/ http://swindonlink.org/news/423/27/Swindon-LINk-to-work-with-new-Locality-Leads/ Seven newly appointed Swindon borough council Locality Leads took up their posts in January.  They will be getting to know people in their areas in advance of the move to a new structure for the rest of the borough council in April 2012. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:30:19 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/423/27/Swindon-LINk-to-work-with-new-Locality-Leads/ http://swindonlink.org/news/422/27/NHS-Constitution-Your-right-to-access-treatment-within-maximum-waiting-times/ The NHS Constitution provides patients with a right to access services within maximum waiting times, including the right to start consultant-led treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks from referral for non-emergency conditions. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:53:33 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/422/27/NHS-Constitution-Your-right-to-access-treatment-within-maximum-waiting-times/ http://swindonlink.org/news/421/27/GWH-stakeholder-update/ The latest update from the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GWH) provides information on the issues concerning the Great Western Hospital in Swindon and community health and maternity services across Wiltshire. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:14:43 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/421/27/GWH-stakeholder-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/420/27/Summary-Care-Record-project/ The NHS in England is introducing Summary Care Records and letters are being sent to patients about them – you may already have received one. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:01:05 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/420/27/Summary-Care-Record-project/ http://swindonlink.org/news/419/27/Personal-health-budgets-Update-Winter-2012/ A pilot programme involving around half the primary care trusts in England is underway to test out personal health budgets in the NHS. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:15:28 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/419/27/Personal-health-budgets-Update-Winter-2012/ http://swindonlink.org/news/418/27/Latest-CQC-update/ The Care Quality Commission have sent out their latest briefing to LINks around the country. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:24:08 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/418/27/Latest-CQC-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/417/27/Swindon-residents-call-upon-NHS-to-fund-complementary-and-alternative-therapies/ Swindon Local Involvement Network held an open meeting on 24 January about NHS funding of complementary and alternative therapies.  Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:07:02 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/417/27/Swindon-residents-call-upon-NHS-to-fund-complementary-and-alternative-therapies/ http://swindonlink.org/news/416/27/Swindon-dentists-accepting-NHS-patients/ We have the February list of dentists accepting NHS patients in Swindon. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:57:13 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/416/27/Swindon-dentists-accepting-NHS-patients/ http://swindonlink.org/news/415/27/Age-UK-report-that-social-care-funding-gap-has-widened/ Community Care magazine reports on a new Age UK publication saying “The gap between social care funding and need has grown by £500m for older people in England in 2011-12, compounding a situation in which 800,000 pensioners were already going without services.” Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:51:13 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/415/27/Age-UK-report-that-social-care-funding-gap-has-widened/ http://swindonlink.org/news/414/27/The-Review-of-Good-Medical-Practice/ The General Medical Council's (GMC) formal consultation is an opportunity for you to help shape good medical practice for the future. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:26:46 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/414/27/The-Review-of-Good-Medical-Practice/ http://swindonlink.org/news/413/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ Lots for you to enjoy in this week's e-bulletin. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:08:55 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/413/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/412/27/Quick-guide-to-health-and-care-reform/ Amidst all the bluster and controversy in the news, have you sometimes wondered exactly who is proposing what changes to the NHS and why?  Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:55:17 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/412/27/Quick-guide-to-health-and-care-reform/ http://swindonlink.org/news/411/27/HealthWatch-England-membership-consultation/ Stakeholders and the public are being asked to contribute to the development of the Healthwatch England membership regulations.  Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:48:34 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/411/27/HealthWatch-England-membership-consultation/ http://swindonlink.org/news/409/27/GWH-Staff-Excellence-Awards/ Nominate someone who has given you excellent care or a great service for the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Staff Excellence Awards 2012. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:53:38 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/409/27/GWH-Staff-Excellence-Awards/ http://swindonlink.org/news/408/27/Liverpool-Care-Pathway-LCP/ Care in hospital at or towards the end of life has had recent local media coverage.  Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:12:24 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/408/27/Liverpool-Care-Pathway-LCP/ http://swindonlink.org/news/407/27/CQC-inspection-report-on-Swindon-care-home/ The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has reported positively on its compliance visit to the care home for people with learning disabilities run by White Horse Care Trust. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:55:30 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/407/27/CQC-inspection-report-on-Swindon-care-home/ http://swindonlink.org/news/406/27/CQC-publishes-report-on-Great-Western-Hospital-Swindon/ The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has this week published a report on Great Western Hospital following a review of compliance by its inspectors.    Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:21:32 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/406/27/CQC-publishes-report-on-Great-Western-Hospital-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/405/27/CQC-to-visit-and-inspect-one-in-ten-GP-practices/ According to PULSE Magazine as many as 10% of GP practices will be inspected in person by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) because they are at ‘significant risk of non-compliance' the regulator has revealed . Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:58:57 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/405/27/CQC-to-visit-and-inspect-one-in-ten-GP-practices/ http://swindonlink.org/news/404/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-Latest-e-bulletin/ The latest e-bulletin from Swindon Carers Centre includes details of their joint information event with Swindon Parents and Carers Advisory Group (PAG). Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:32:49 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/404/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-Latest-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/403/27/Swindon-LINk-report-on-local-footcare-services/ Swindon Local Involvement Network presented its report on the local footcare service at the borough council’s health overview and scrutiny committee on 24 January. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:38:42 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/403/27/Swindon-LINk-report-on-local-footcare-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/400/27/Letter-from-GWH-chief-executive-about-latest-CQC-report/ Nerissa Vaughan, chief executive of Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GWH), has written to Swindon LINk about the Care Quality Commission (CQC) report into its recent inspection at the hospital which was published today (25 January).  Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:59 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/400/27/Letter-from-GWH-chief-executive-about-latest-CQC-report/ http://swindonlink.org/news/402/27/Latest-Aiming-High-newsletter/ Aiming High Newsletter is aimed at parents and carers of children and young people in Swindon with disabilities or addtional needs.  The latest newsletter includes information about activities during the February school holiday. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:35:01 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/402/27/Latest-Aiming-High-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/399/27/LINk-participant-vindicated-medicine-waste-campaign/ Hearing that unused prescription medicines cost the NHS in Swindon an estimated £1.2 million every year, Swindon LINk steering group is urging people to follow the guidelines in a new leaflet aimed at reducing medicine waste. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:32:47 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/399/27/LINk-participant-vindicated-medicine-waste-campaign/ http://swindonlink.org/news/398/27/Online-information-about-health-services-from-Citizens-Advice/ The Citizens Advice website has useful information about health services.  Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:50:48 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/398/27/Online-information-about-health-services-from-Citizens-Advice/ http://swindonlink.org/news/397/27/Open-meeting-Complementary-and-alternative-therapies/ Swindon LINk will be holding an open meeting TOMORROW Tuesday 24 January to discuss the NHS and complementary and alternative therapies.  Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:50:34 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/397/27/Open-meeting-Complementary-and-alternative-therapies/ http://swindonlink.org/news/396/27/Swindon-dentists-accepting-NHS-patients/ It's sometimes difficult to know where you can access an NHS dentist.  But thanks to the dental access team, in Swindon it is a bit easier. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:48:48 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/396/27/Swindon-dentists-accepting-NHS-patients/ http://swindonlink.org/news/395/27/First-ever-government-action-plan-to-advance-transgender-equality/ As part of the government’s work to improve the lives of transgendered people, in December the Home Office published the first ever cross government plan Advancing transgender equality - a plan for action . Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:58:34 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/395/27/First-ever-government-action-plan-to-advance-transgender-equality/ http://swindonlink.org/news/394/27/A-dignified-end-A-letter-from-Dr-Eric-Holliday-GP-Eldene-Surgery-Colingsmead-Swindon/ Originally published in the Swindon Advertiser on January 6 2012 "I’d like to offer your readers a bit of reassurance that care for people in their final few months of life and last illness is a subject of both national and local concern." Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:27:45 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/394/27/A-dignified-end-A-letter-from-Dr-Eric-Holliday-GP-Eldene-Surgery-Colingsmead-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/393/27/First-e-bulletin-of-2012/ Lots of interesting stuff to start the year with. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:39:04 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/393/27/First-e-bulletin-of-2012/ http://swindonlink.org/news/392/27/Social-care-overhaul-talks-to-go-ahead/ Talks about a revamp in care and support for older and disabled people in England are to begin this week with campaigners calling for major changes. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:47:08 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/392/27/Social-care-overhaul-talks-to-go-ahead/ http://swindonlink.org/news/391/27/Swindon-LINk-newsletter-in-audio/ Thanks to those wonderful people at  STAN (Swindon & District Talking Newspaper) the Swindon LINk newsletter is now in audio.  Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:27:49 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/391/27/Swindon-LINk-newsletter-in-audio/ http://swindonlink.org/news/390/27/Health-and-Well-being-day/ Swindon LINk will have a stand at the Health and Well-being day at Central Library on 21 January. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:25:17 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/390/27/Health-and-Well-being-day/ http://swindonlink.org/news/389/27/Great-Western-Hospital-Trust-is-one-of-best-when-it-comes-to-meals/ The Swindon Advertiser has reported that "patients at the Great Western Hospital (GWH) can rest assured that they will be given a balanced diet during their stay". Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:47:05 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/389/27/Great-Western-Hospital-Trust-is-one-of-best-when-it-comes-to-meals/ http://swindonlink.org/news/388/27/Future-Forum-report/ The NHS Future Forum has published its second report. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:25:29 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/388/27/Future-Forum-report/ http://swindonlink.org/news/387/27/Ashington-House-Surgery-looking-for-more-people-to-join-patient-group/ Are you are a patient at Ashington House Surgery who could you give about 1.5 hours per month to support their patient group? Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:55:53 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/387/27/Ashington-House-Surgery-looking-for-more-people-to-join-patient-group/ http://swindonlink.org/news/386/27/Learning-Disabilities-Partnership-Board/ The Swindon Learning Disabilities Partnership Board meets about four times a year to review services being provided and discuss improvements. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:47:04 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/386/27/Learning-Disabilities-Partnership-Board/ http://swindonlink.org/news/385/27/The-Limbless-Association-Latest-newsletter-and-website/ The Limbless Association is a charity who provide free and impartial information, advice and support to people of all ages, who are without one or more limbs, through a National Information Desk.   Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:42:49 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/385/27/The-Limbless-Association-Latest-newsletter-and-website/ http://swindonlink.org/news/384/27/Integration-is-notoriously-difficult-to-achieve/ “Integrating health and social care in England has long been an aspiration but tribal rivalry and budget issues have made it a rare achievement”, according to David Brindle in his 5 January 2012 Guardian Socialcare Network article. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:24:28 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/384/27/Integration-is-notoriously-difficult-to-achieve/ http://swindonlink.org/news/383/27/Care-Quality-Commission-will-struggle-to-regulate-GPs/ Swindon GP Peter Swinyard, who is also chair of the Family Doctor Association (FDA), has said that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will struggle to regulate GPs. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:50:20 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/383/27/Care-Quality-Commission-will-struggle-to-regulate-GPs/ http://swindonlink.org/news/382/27/Latest-update-from-NICE/ NICE, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, involves the public and patients in a variety of ways in its work.  Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:06:53 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/382/27/Latest-update-from-NICE/ http://swindonlink.org/news/381/27/Specialised-Neuromuscular-Services-Consultation/ The NHS Specialised Commissioning Groups (SCGs) presented the results of the work they have done so far towards the national plan for neuromuscular services at a workshop in December attended by over 50 patients and families from across England.  Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:52:14 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/381/27/Specialised-Neuromuscular-Services-Consultation/ http://swindonlink.org/news/380/27/NHS-Swindon-and-Gloucestershire-Single-board-meetings/ NHS Swindon and Gloucestershire now have a single board and executive.  Meetings of the board are open to the public. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:21:59 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/380/27/NHS-Swindon-and-Gloucestershire-Single-board-meetings/ http://swindonlink.org/news/379/27/AWP-advertise-for-non-executive-director/ Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) is advertising for a non-executive director.  The closing date is 25 January. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:58:52 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/379/27/AWP-advertise-for-non-executive-director/ http://swindonlink.org/news/378/27/Swindon-Equality-Coalition-Annual-General-Meeting/ Swindon Equality Coalition will be holding their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday 26 March.  They are also recruiting eight new Equality Advisory Forum Representatives (Committee Members) to help take the work of the Coalition forward throughout 2012. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:27:10 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/378/27/Swindon-Equality-Coalition-Annual-General-Meeting/ http://swindonlink.org/news/377/27/PM-tackles-patient-care-problem/ Nurses will be told to do regular ward rounds and patients encouraged to carry out inspections as part of a drive to improve hospital standards in England.   Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:51:59 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/377/27/PM-tackles-patient-care-problem/ http://swindonlink.org/news/376/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-Latest-e-bulletin-and-new-website/ Swindon Carers Centre has published its latest e-bulletin.  It reminds readers that the Carers Centre has given its website a new look.  Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:45:13 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/376/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-Latest-e-bulletin-and-new-website/ http://swindonlink.org/news/375/27/Connected-Care-Project-Update/ Turning Point Connected Care was commissioned by the Swindon Health and Wellbeing Partnership Board to undertake a programme of community engagement and service design work. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:40:46 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/375/27/Connected-Care-Project-Update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/374/27/Fairer-Charging-Policy-Consultation/ Swindon Borough Council has started a consultation on changes to fees and charges for some of its adult social care services, and amendments to its fairer charging policy. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:33:21 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/374/27/Fairer-Charging-Policy-Consultation/ http://swindonlink.org/news/373/27/Open-Meeting-Complementary-and-alternative-therapies/ Swindon LINk is holding an open meeting on Tuesday 24 January to discuss the NHS and complementary and alternative therapies.  Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:51:19 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/373/27/Open-Meeting-Complementary-and-alternative-therapies/ http://swindonlink.org/news/372/27/Put-the-Fair-into-Welfare-for-cancer-patients/ Macmillan is concerned that proposed benefits changes in the Welfare Reform Bill could leave thousands of people with cancer without vital financial support. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/372/27/Put-the-Fair-into-Welfare-for-cancer-patients/ http://swindonlink.org/news/371/27/New-start-date-and-funding-for-local-HealthWatch/ Health Minister Andrew Lansley has set out further details on the establishment of local HealthWatch bodies, including a new start date and extra funding. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:08:13 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/371/27/New-start-date-and-funding-for-local-HealthWatch/ http://swindonlink.org/news/370/27/New-whistleblowing-number-for-health-and-care-staff/ The Government-funded whistleblowing helpline changed to a free-phone service on 1 January 2012.  The new service opens up availability for the first time to staff and employers in the social care sector as well as NHS staff. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:52:00 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/370/27/New-whistleblowing-number-for-health-and-care-staff/ http://swindonlink.org/news/369/27/Swindon-LINk-NEWS-EXTRA/ Swindon LINk is now back in action after the Christmas and new year break and we have two important opportunities for you to get involved in.  Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:04:29 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/369/27/Swindon-LINk-NEWS-EXTRA/ http://swindonlink.org/news/368/27/Improving-mental-health-services-An-update-from-AWP/ AWP have published an update highlighting some changes they are making to improve their services to the community. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:39:15 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/368/27/Improving-mental-health-services-An-update-from-AWP/ http://swindonlink.org/news/367/27/Swindon-LINk-discuss-the-future-of-commissioning-health-services/ Swindon LINk steering group members met with Dr Peter Crouch in December to discuss progress on the emerging clinical commissioning group (CCG). Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:22:23 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/367/27/Swindon-LINk-discuss-the-future-of-commissioning-health-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/366/27/Horizon-Magazine/ A new year and some new reading matter from GWH.  The latest edition of Horizon, the Great Western Hospital's magazine, is now out and packed full of information and news. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:37:04 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/366/27/Horizon-Magazine/ http://swindonlink.org/news/365/27/Pharmacy-opening-hours-during-Christmas-and-New-Year/ At Swindon LINk we hope you have a healthy Christmas and New Year. However, if you should need to visit your Pharmacist during the feastive season, here is a list of pharmacy opening times. Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:30:22 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/365/27/Pharmacy-opening-hours-during-Christmas-and-New-Year/ http://swindonlink.org/news/364/27/Making-it-Happen-Achieving-Transgender-Equality-in-the-NHS/ Following the success of the Making it Happen workshops, the South of England Strategic Health Authority is hosting a free seminar Making it Happen: Achieving Transgender Equality in the NHS. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:51:44 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/364/27/Making-it-Happen-Achieving-Transgender-Equality-in-the-NHS/ http://swindonlink.org/news/363/27/It-s-Time-to-Change-and-end-mental-health-discrimination/ Time to Change is England's most ambitious programme to end mental health discrimination.  Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:56:01 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/363/27/It-s-Time-to-Change-and-end-mental-health-discrimination/ http://swindonlink.org/news/362/27/NHS-Swindon-launches-campaign-to-reduce-wasted-medicine/ NHS Swindon has launched a campaign to reduce an estimated £1.2m wasted on medicines. Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:18:31 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/362/27/NHS-Swindon-launches-campaign-to-reduce-wasted-medicine/ http://swindonlink.org/news/361/27/New-short-breaks-buildings-to-open-in-mid-January/ Two new short breaks buildings with a total of 14 bedrooms will open in mid-January in Gorse Hill. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:14:53 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/361/27/New-short-breaks-buildings-to-open-in-mid-January/ http://swindonlink.org/news/360/27/Veterans-World/ Veterans World is the full colour magazine that raises awareness of the help and advice available to ex-Service personnel and their families.  Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:32:31 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/360/27/Veterans-World/ http://swindonlink.org/news/359/27/Parents-shaping-health-services/ Contact a Family, a national organisation which campaigns for rights and justice for all families with disabled children has recently published a report "Parent carer forum involvement in shaping health services". Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:37:32 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/359/27/Parents-shaping-health-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/358/27/Contribute-to-new-disability-strategy/ On 1 December 2011, the government announced a discussion with disabled people to gather suggestions for a new cross-government disability strategy.  You can see more on the Office for Disabilities (ODI) website . Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:33:24 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/358/27/Contribute-to-new-disability-strategy/ http://swindonlink.org/news/357/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ Our festive e-bulletin has lots of opportunities for involvement as well as all the latest news and useful information from Swindon LINk.  Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:14:11 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/357/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/356/27/Extending-patient-choice-of-provider-in-the-NHS-Any-Qualified-Provider/ Primary Care Trusts (PCT) clusters, supported by pathfinder clinical commissioning groups, have selected three or more Any Qualified Provider (AQP) services for implementation in 2012/13.   Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:30:33 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/356/27/Extending-patient-choice-of-provider-in-the-NHS-Any-Qualified-Provider/ http://swindonlink.org/news/355/27/The-Victoria-Centre-meets-all-essential-standards-of-quality-and-safety/ The Victoria Centre is run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust ( AWP ) and is located on the Great Western Hospital (GWH) site in Swindon. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:29:54 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/355/27/The-Victoria-Centre-meets-all-essential-standards-of-quality-and-safety/ http://swindonlink.org/news/354/27/New-online-care-ratings-system/ Community Care magazine reports that “Users and carers' opinions on care services will be published alongside ratings of their quality on an online "good care guide" designed to replace the star ratings scrapped last year, Minister of State for Care Services, Paul Burstow MP has said. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:55:46 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/354/27/New-online-care-ratings-system/ http://swindonlink.org/news/353/27/Give-a-patient-perspective-to-new-information-sharing-project/ The NHS is changing how patient information is stored and shared in England, to provide better care for patients. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:34:25 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/353/27/Give-a-patient-perspective-to-new-information-sharing-project/ http://swindonlink.org/news/352/27/Swindon-LINk-visit-GWH-to-see-ambulance-handover-screens-in-action/ Swindon LINk participants visited the emergency department at GWH to see the ambulance handover screens in use and to find out more about handover times.  Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:11:55 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/352/27/Swindon-LINk-visit-GWH-to-see-ambulance-handover-screens-in-action/ http://swindonlink.org/news/348/27/Volunteers-wanted-to-investigate-public-views/ Swindon LINk will be gathering opinion of patients of SwICC, the Swindon Intermediate Care Centre next to Great Western Hospital, and want your help to interview them. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:07:52 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/348/27/Volunteers-wanted-to-investigate-public-views/ http://swindonlink.org/news/351/27/Swindon-LINk-Enter-View-mental-health-facility/ ‘Enter & View’ is a formal power that LINks have which allows trained representives to undertake visits of health and social care providers. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:50:48 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/351/27/Swindon-LINk-Enter-View-mental-health-facility/ http://swindonlink.org/news/349/27/Swindon-Masterchef-2011/ Four Swindon LINk participants were invited by Great Western Hospital to a food sampling session on 6 December. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:25:25 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/349/27/Swindon-Masterchef-2011/ http://swindonlink.org/news/347/27/Breast-Be-Clear-campaign/ NHS Swindon is recruiting volunteers to support an awareness campaign about breast cancer symptoms amongst older women.  Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:41:48 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/347/27/Breast-Be-Clear-campaign/ http://swindonlink.org/news/346/27/Swindon-LINk-newsletter/ Our latest newsletter is here!  Packed full of health and social care news and lots of opportunities for involvement, something to tide you over the festive season. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:05:05 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/346/27/Swindon-LINk-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/341/27/Living-with-Alzheimer-s-A-personal-account/ In the December 2011 issue of the Swindon LINk newsletter Dorinda Sherman tells readers about her experiences of caring for her mother who has Alzheimer's. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:50:00 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/341/27/Living-with-Alzheimer-s-A-personal-account/ http://swindonlink.org/news/345/27/Get-involved-in-finding-out-what-people-think-about-SwICC/ SEQOL, the social enterprise now running a lot of community health and social care services includes SwICC, the Swindon Intermediate Care Centre next to Great Western Hospital.  Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:23:21 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/345/27/Get-involved-in-finding-out-what-people-think-about-SwICC/ http://swindonlink.org/news/344/27/Choose-Well-campaign/ In a bid to help free-up the A&E department, NHS Swindon has launched the Choose Well campaign to help people make the right choice when deciding whether or not they need medical assistance.   Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:12:13 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/344/27/Choose-Well-campaign/ http://swindonlink.org/news/343/27/My-Care-Umbrella-A-new-care-management-website/ My Care Umbrella, the UK’s first and only complete care management website which will be formally launched in the new year, is conducting a survey of social care service users. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:19:28 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/343/27/My-Care-Umbrella-A-new-care-management-website/ http://swindonlink.org/news/342/27/Prostate-cancer-Is-your-care-up-to-standard/ The Prostate Cancer Charity would like your help to build a picture of what quality care looks like for men with prostate cancer. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:05:03 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/342/27/Prostate-cancer-Is-your-care-up-to-standard/ http://swindonlink.org/news/340/27/Pharmacy-meeting-notes/ In November LINk participant Thomas Jeffery attended the Swindon & Wilts Local Pharmaceutical meeting which among other things focussed its attention on improving communication between practitioners and pharmacists. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:31:21 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/340/27/Pharmacy-meeting-notes/ http://swindonlink.org/news/339/27/Changes-to-Blue-Badge-Scheme/ The Blue Badge scheme is for people with severe mobility problems. It allows Blue Badge holders (who can be a driver or passenger) to park close to where they need to go. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:20:40 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/339/27/Changes-to-Blue-Badge-Scheme/ http://swindonlink.org/news/338/27/Get-walking-in-Swindon/ The new website 'Get Walking Keep Walking' helps promote short local walking routes (less than 5 miles) that have all been developed and checked by trained community volunteers.   Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:47:51 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/338/27/Get-walking-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/337/27/New-parking-system-at-GWH/ A new pay on exit parking system is now in operation at the Great Western Hospital (GWH). Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:06:02 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/337/27/New-parking-system-at-GWH/ http://swindonlink.org/news/336/27/GWAS-committed-to-providing-safe-and-effective-999-service-throughout-day-of-action/ Patients suffering life-threatening injuries and serious medical emergencies during Wednesday’s day of action should still dial 999 for help. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:03:58 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/336/27/GWAS-committed-to-providing-safe-and-effective-999-service-throughout-day-of-action/ http://swindonlink.org/news/335/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ A pre-strike LINk e-bulletin ! Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:59:02 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/335/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/334/27/Acute-and-crisis-mental-health-report/ MIND have produced a report and recommendations around acute and crisis care in mental health. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:00:27 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/334/27/Acute-and-crisis-mental-health-report/ http://swindonlink.org/news/333/27/Dial-111/ For all your non-emergency medical needs (but not until 2013). Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:41:25 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/333/27/Dial-111/ http://swindonlink.org/news/332/27/Report-into-problems-with-care-at-home/ Yesterday's Equality & Human Rights Commission report echoes some of the concerns about care at home that LINk participants have brought to us. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:47:49 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/332/27/Report-into-problems-with-care-at-home/ http://swindonlink.org/news/331/27/CQC-to-inspect-home-care-services/ Yesterday the Care Quality Commission announced a round of inspections of care at home services , as well as changes to the current system of inspection that will now include input by 'experts by experience'. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:07:32 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/331/27/CQC-to-inspect-home-care-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/330/27/GWH-Board-meeting/ The Great Western Hospitals Foundation Trust’s Board meet in public tomorrow Thursday 24 November 2011 at 2pm. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:58:32 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/330/27/GWH-Board-meeting/ http://swindonlink.org/news/329/27/NHS-Swindon-to-discuss-radiotherapy-provision-in-Swindon/ Many people are interested in the idea that radiotherapy should be provided in Swindon to save people having to travel to Oxford.  Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:39:28 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/329/27/NHS-Swindon-to-discuss-radiotherapy-provision-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/328/27/Two-new-GP-surgeries-to-open-in-Sainsbury-s/ Pulse recently reported that Sainsbury's is opening two new in-store GP surgeries, as the supermarket giant presses on with plans to expand its network of in-store clinics. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:23:34 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/328/27/Two-new-GP-surgeries-to-open-in-Sainsbury-s/ http://swindonlink.org/news/327/27/Free-diabetes-course/ Next week a free Managing Type Two diabetes course begins in Old Town. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:57:36 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/327/27/Free-diabetes-course/ http://swindonlink.org/news/326/27/Acting-Together-Experts-by-Experience/ Living Options Devon is currently hoping to recruit 'Experts by Experience' from Gloucestershire, Wiltshire , Dorset, Avon, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:20:32 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/326/27/Acting-Together-Experts-by-Experience/ http://swindonlink.org/news/325/27/Developing-the-new-NHS-Provider-Licence/ MONITOR, the independent regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts, published a consultation document “ Developing the new NHS Provider Licence: A Framework Document” on 15 November and invites comments on it by 5pm on 12 December 2011.    Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:36:42 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/325/27/Developing-the-new-NHS-Provider-Licence/ http://swindonlink.org/news/324/27/New-parking-system-for-GWH/ From Monday 28 November a new pay on exit parking system will be introduced at the Great Western Hospital (GWH) which will see an increased number of FREE parking spaces for blue badge holders. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:27:51 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/324/27/New-parking-system-for-GWH/ http://swindonlink.org/news/323/27/It-s-e-bulletin-time/ Latest news, opportunities and helpful information from Swindon LINk. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:15:01 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/323/27/It-s-e-bulletin-time/ http://swindonlink.org/news/322/27/Be-involved-with-pharmacy-policy/ This is a good opportunity to help pharmacists and local NHS commissioners develop pharmacuetical policy and services. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:23:14 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/322/27/Be-involved-with-pharmacy-policy/ http://swindonlink.org/news/320/27/Swindon-Older-People-s-Forum/ The past 6 months have a seen a growth in the interest and enthusiasm to establish an Older People’s Forum in Swindon.     Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:36:59 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/320/27/Swindon-Older-People-s-Forum/ http://swindonlink.org/news/319/27/GWH-stakeholder-update/ The Great Western Hospital (GWH) will be making some changes over the next few months including increasing the size of the Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) and introducing a pay on exit car parking system. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:31:48 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/319/27/GWH-stakeholder-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/318/27/Dignity-nutrition/ National headlines have been made recently about dignity and nutrition in hospitals.  The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have sent out their latest update that includes news about these very subjects. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:14:10 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/318/27/Dignity-nutrition/ http://swindonlink.org/news/317/27/Swindon-LINk-to-report-to-committee-about-dentistry/ On the request of the council committee that oversees health and social care provision in Swindon (HOSC) Swindon LINk will be presenting a report about dentistry at tomorrow's meeting. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:32:44 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/317/27/Swindon-LINk-to-report-to-committee-about-dentistry/ http://swindonlink.org/news/316/27/Audio-Swindon-LINk-newsletter/ Thanks to those wonderful people at STAN (Swindon & District Talking Newspaper) we have the last Swindon LINk newsletter in audio . Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:15:04 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/316/27/Audio-Swindon-LINk-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/315/27/Latest-NHS-dentist-list-in-Swindon/ This is the list of Swindon dentists accepting NHS patients in November. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:30:43 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/315/27/Latest-NHS-dentist-list-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/314/27/Online-discussions-programme-on-e-health/ The University of Plymouth are trialling a  FREE online discussions programme where you can learn about various online resources for your healthcare and share your views with health professionals and other health service users. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:15:00 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/314/27/Online-discussions-programme-on-e-health/ http://swindonlink.org/news/313/27/Get-walking-in-Swindon/ On 7 December there will be a lunchtime launch walk, starting at 1pm from Queens Park, to help promote walking locally. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:40:57 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/313/27/Get-walking-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/312/27/CQC-inspections/ Nutrition and patient dignity standards at 500 nursing homes are to be checked over the next six months following findings that one in five of the 100 hospitals inspected by the Care Quality Commission failed to comply with standards in either category. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:30:46 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/312/27/CQC-inspections/ http://swindonlink.org/news/311/27/Care-at-home-company-checked-by-CQC/ Following our summer meeting with CQC (Care Quality Commission) where we mentioned a few issues with some local care at home providers there has been an inspectionat care at home provder, Network.  Coincidence? Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:35:17 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/311/27/Care-at-home-company-checked-by-CQC/ http://swindonlink.org/news/310/27/Helping-people-to-take-care-of-themselves/ Self Care Week 2011 takes place 14-20 November and aims to help people to take care of themselves by learning more about what’s available to help them look after their own health better.  Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:59:20 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/310/27/Helping-people-to-take-care-of-themselves/ http://swindonlink.org/news/308/27/E-bulletin-o-clock/ A mighty fine autumnal offering: the latest Swindon LINk e-bulletin . Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:54:21 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/308/27/E-bulletin-o-clock/ http://swindonlink.org/news/309/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-newsletter/ The winter edition of Caring Matters from the team at Swindon Carers Centre is here. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:48:54 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/309/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/307/27/Parkinson-s-report-by-NHS-Swindon/ NHS Swindon have produced a report of the experiences of Parkinson's patients at the Betjeman Therapy Centre . Tue, 01 Nov 2011 10:49:03 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/307/27/Parkinson-s-report-by-NHS-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/306/27/Latest-GWH-news/ Want information about same-sex wards and parking at the Great Western Hospitals Foundation Trust ( as it is still called )? Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:21:08 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/306/27/Latest-GWH-news/ http://swindonlink.org/news/305/27/Swindon-LINk-meet-with-Clinical-Commissioning-chief/ The local Clinical Commissioning Group are due to take over from NHS Swindon in 2013.  Last week Swindon LINk steering group members met with Dr Peter Crouch to discuss progress of the transition and changes to the NHS locally and nationally. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:08:56 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/305/27/Swindon-LINk-meet-with-Clinical-Commissioning-chief/ http://swindonlink.org/news/304/27/Easy-read-guide-to-HealthWatch/ HealthWatch will replace Local Involvement Networks (LINks) in October 2012. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:43:17 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/304/27/Easy-read-guide-to-HealthWatch/ http://swindonlink.org/news/303/27/Government-volunteering-plans/ The Department of Health has published a strategic vision for volunteering under the title 'Social action and well-being: building co-operative communities'  No mention of the 'big society' here... Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:00:43 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/303/27/Government-volunteering-plans/ http://swindonlink.org/news/302/27/Have-your-say-Government-Care-and-Support-engagement/ On 15 September, the Government launched Caring for our future: shared ambitions for care and support – an engagement with people who use care and support services, carers, local councils, care providers, and the voluntary sector about the priorities for improving care and support. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:21:44 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/302/27/Have-your-say-Government-Care-and-Support-engagement/ http://swindonlink.org/news/301/27/New-name-for-GWH/ Following Great Western NHS Foundation Trust's recent merger with Wiltshire Community Health Services, a new name is being sought - and they want your help to choose it. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:39:50 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/301/27/New-name-for-GWH/ http://swindonlink.org/news/300/27/Survey-of-mental-health-services/ To improve the quality of service that the NHS delivers, it is important to understand what people think about their treatment and care. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:36:16 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/300/27/Survey-of-mental-health-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/299/27/Get-involved-with-Ashington-House/ Ashington House surgery in West Swindon has launched its latest questionnaire and wants to know what patients think of the service it is providing. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:36:41 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/299/27/Get-involved-with-Ashington-House/ http://swindonlink.org/news/298/27/Visual-impairment-Great-Western-Hospital/ LINk participant Rosemarie Philips has submitted a report to us about opthalmology services at Great Western Hospital.  It explains the many problems a visually impaired person encounters on a visit to the hospital. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:32:23 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/298/27/Visual-impairment-Great-Western-Hospital/ http://swindonlink.org/news/297/27/Care-Quality-Commission-announce-Healthwatch-England-plan/ CQC has published the set-up plan for HealthWatch England - the NATIONAL consumer champion that will give voice to to the collective views of the people that use NHS and social care services in England. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:50:38 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/297/27/Care-Quality-Commission-announce-Healthwatch-England-plan/ http://swindonlink.org/news/295/27/Latest-Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ We're here again! Read the Swindon LINk e-bulletin for the latest in local health and social care opportunities and news. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:10:23 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/295/27/Latest-Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/294/27/Pregnant-women-urged-to-protect-themselves-with-flu-jab/ Mums-to-be in Swindon are being urged to get the flu vaccine to protect themselves and their babies against serious complications. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:42:25 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/294/27/Pregnant-women-urged-to-protect-themselves-with-flu-jab/ http://swindonlink.org/news/293/27/Clinical-Trials-Survey/ The Great Western Hospital (GWH) has completed a survey of some cancer patients involved with clinical trials. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:36:29 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/293/27/Clinical-Trials-Survey/ http://swindonlink.org/news/292/27/Kingswood-Surgery-Newsletter/ Kingswood Surgery patient participation group meets on Wednesday 19 October 2011 from 6.00pm to 8.00pm at The Walcot Dome (please note change of venue). Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:40:26 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/292/27/Kingswood-Surgery-Newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/291/27/Psychological-help-for-military-veterans/ One of the feedback themes from the recent NHS Swindon military veteran engagement day centred on the provision of specific services provided by appropriate professionals.   Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:38:32 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/291/27/Psychological-help-for-military-veterans/ http://swindonlink.org/news/263/27/NHS-dentists-in-Swindon/ We have the October list of dentists accepting NHS patients in Swindon. Sat, 08 Oct 2011 11:38:30 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/263/27/NHS-dentists-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/290/27/NHS-Swindon-consultant-concern-about-health-bill/ Dr Ayoola Oyinloye is amongst the signatories to an open letter in the Telegraph newspaper about the Health and Social Care Bill which is going through its parliamentary stages. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:12:03 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/290/27/NHS-Swindon-consultant-concern-about-health-bill/ http://swindonlink.org/news/289/27/NHS-entitlement-posters/ The Great Western Hospital is considering using three posters, produced by Department of Health, to highlight when patients may not be entitled to receive free NHS treatment. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:02:38 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/289/27/NHS-entitlement-posters/ http://swindonlink.org/news/287/27/SEQOL-website/ SEQOL, the Social Enterprise for health and social care in Swindon, has a new website. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:46:30 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/287/27/SEQOL-website/ http://swindonlink.org/news/286/27/Latest-e-bulletin/ See the latest Swindon LINk e-bulletin . Thu, 06 Oct 2011 09:14:03 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/286/27/Latest-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/288/27/Wheelchair-focus-group-September-meeting/ Here are the minutes of the September meeting. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:12:35 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/288/27/Wheelchair-focus-group-September-meeting/ http://swindonlink.org/news/285/27/Care-at-home-questions/ Steering group member John Green has drawn up a few questions to ask people who receive care at home.  What are your thoughts?  Would you like to see some added or removed? Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:28:18 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/285/27/Care-at-home-questions/ http://swindonlink.org/news/284/27/NHS-Swindon-annual-report/ The Swindon Primary Care Trust annual report for 2010/11 has been published.  Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:38:09 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/284/27/NHS-Swindon-annual-report/ http://swindonlink.org/news/283/27/Think-Local-Act-Personal/ Most people who use personal budgets to pay for their social care report improved wellbeing (according to recent data from In Control). Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:19:48 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/283/27/Think-Local-Act-Personal/ http://swindonlink.org/news/282/27/Swindon-Older-Peoples-Forum/ The first open meeting of the Swindon Older Peoples Forum (SOPF) will be held on Tuesday 1 November. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:04:05 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/282/27/Swindon-Older-Peoples-Forum/ http://swindonlink.org/news/281/27/Swindon-MDS-Group/ The Swindon MDS Group provide mutual support and guidance for anyone affected by Macular Degeneration (loss of central vision). Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:01:02 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/281/27/Swindon-MDS-Group/ http://swindonlink.org/news/280/27/AWP-Annual-General-Meeting-presentations/ Th  ere are two presentations from the annual general meeting of Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust held on 22 September  . Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:11:23 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/280/27/AWP-Annual-General-Meeting-presentations/ http://swindonlink.org/news/279/27/World-Mental-Health-Day---Breakfast-Meeting/ There will be a breakfast meeting to celebrate World Mental Health Day on Monday 10 October.  The meeting will include a presentation about exciting new charity Horizons Well-being Centre . Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:52:38 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/279/27/World-Mental-Health-Day---Breakfast-Meeting/ http://swindonlink.org/news/278/27/Major-trauma-services-to-be-developed/ Major trauma describes serious and often multiple injuries that could cause death or serious disability. It is the leading cause of death in people aged between one and forty and is a significant public health issue.   Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:37:46 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/278/27/Major-trauma-services-to-be-developed/ http://swindonlink.org/news/277/27/Influencing-the-New-Health-System-in-a-Local-Area/ A new briefing has been produced to give a simple overview of which organisations will be important at a local level and advice on how to engage with and influence them to ensure that the concerns, expertise and experience of the voluntary and community sector are central to these changes. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:21:35 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/277/27/Influencing-the-New-Health-System-in-a-Local-Area/ http://swindonlink.org/news/276/27/NHS-Swindon-AGM/ NHS Swindon will be holding their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 30 September. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:22:51 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/276/27/NHS-Swindon-AGM/ http://swindonlink.org/news/275/27/Clinical-Commissioning-Groups-managing-conflicts-of-interest/ Clinical commissioning groups (of GPs, other clinicians and others) will be taking on responsibility for commissioning health services when NHS primary care trusts are closed down in about eighteen months.  Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:48:25 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/275/27/Clinical-Commissioning-Groups-managing-conflicts-of-interest/ http://swindonlink.org/news/274/27/New-Chair-of-Ridgeway-Partnership/ Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust (Ridgeway Partnership), which provides some community based services for Swindon people, has appointed a new chair. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:37:13 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/274/27/New-Chair-of-Ridgeway-Partnership/ http://swindonlink.org/news/273/27/AWP-Annual-Review/ Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) have published their annual review of the year 2010/11. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:59:13 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/273/27/AWP-Annual-Review/ http://swindonlink.org/news/272/27/Engagement-between-the-voluntary-sector-and-policy-makers-in-health-and-wellbeing/ As the NHS modernises and local authorities restructure, many routes where the voluntary and community sector (VCS) previously worked well with public sector partners, e.g. primary care trusts and local strategic partnerships, are closing.   Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:55:06 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/272/27/Engagement-between-the-voluntary-sector-and-policy-makers-in-health-and-wellbeing/ http://swindonlink.org/news/271/27/Public-and-Patient-Voice-and-the-NHS-National-Commissioning-Board/ The NHS Commissioning Board, as it establishes, wants to build a relationship with the voluntary sector with the aim of achieving greater patient and public involvement, and supporting co-production.  Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:13:12 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/271/27/Public-and-Patient-Voice-and-the-NHS-National-Commissioning-Board/ http://swindonlink.org/news/270/27/CQC---State-of-Care-2010-11/ The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have published their third annual report into the state of health and adult social care in England.  Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:45:30 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/270/27/CQC---State-of-Care-2010-11/ http://swindonlink.org/news/269/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ It's here.  Up-to-date news and information on health and social care in Swindon including lots of opportunities for you to get involved.  Enjoy! Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:37:29 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/269/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/237/27/Dentistry-survey-results/ A few months ago we started a survey about dentistry in Swindon. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:31:51 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/237/27/Dentistry-survey-results/ http://swindonlink.org/news/268/27/More-help-for-our-heroes/ A new free support service has been launched for armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:57:40 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/268/27/More-help-for-our-heroes/ http://swindonlink.org/news/267/27/Great-Western-Hospital-has-published-the-results-of-a-patient-survey-about-chemotherapy/ The patient questionnaire was designed by Alison Koster, Lead Cancer Nurse/Matron at Great Western Hospital (GWH) in collaboration with the Clinical Audit Department. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:11:11 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/267/27/Great-Western-Hospital-has-published-the-results-of-a-patient-survey-about-chemotherapy/ http://swindonlink.org/news/266/27/The-future-of-social-care-have-your-say/ The department of health want your views to inform the future of adult social care.  There are six areas they are looking at including quality, personalisation and diversity of provision.  Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:13:56 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/266/27/The-future-of-social-care-have-your-say/ http://swindonlink.org/news/265/27/Our-Voice-Autumn-2011/ The Autumn 2011 issue of Our Voice magazine has just been published by Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:11:36 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/265/27/Our-Voice-Autumn-2011/ http://swindonlink.org/news/264/27/GWH-Chief-Executive-s-Update/ Dr Alf Troughton, Interim Chief Executive at the Great Western Hospital (GWH), has written a report giving an update of all local issues at GWH. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:13:10 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/264/27/GWH-Chief-Executive-s-Update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/262/27/Kingswood-Surgery-newsletter/ The latest newsletter from Kingswood Surgery includes an update on staff changes, details of the next patient participation group and information on forthcoming flu clinics. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:24:19 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/262/27/Kingswood-Surgery-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/261/27/abc-ladies-re-launch-evening/ abc affected by cancer, the community self-help support group, will be holding their ladies re-launch evening on Thursday 15 September.  Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:36:21 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/261/27/abc-ladies-re-launch-evening/ http://swindonlink.org/news/245/27/GWH-NHS-Foundation-Trust-OPEN-DAY/ The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will be holding their bi-annual open day this Saturday 17 September.  If you can, come along and take a look behind the scenes. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:30:00 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/245/27/GWH-NHS-Foundation-Trust-OPEN-DAY/ http://swindonlink.org/news/260/27/Notes-from-CQC-Swindon-LINk-meeting/ Here are the notes from the July meeting of CQC and Swindon LINk.  It talks about matters reported elsewhere on this website, but is a useful indication of the kind of information we have been sharing with the CQC. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:57:10 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/260/27/Notes-from-CQC-Swindon-LINk-meeting/ http://swindonlink.org/news/259/27/Health-Overview-Scrutiny-Committee/ Amongst other things the HOSC will be discussing Healthwatch (what LINk will turn into in 2012) and care at home on Wednesday 14 September at the council offices on Euclid Street. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:13:52 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/259/27/Health-Overview-Scrutiny-Committee/ http://swindonlink.org/news/258/27/Safeguarding-adults-job/ Swindon Borough Council are advertising for an independent chair of the local safeguarding adults board. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:49:38 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/258/27/Safeguarding-adults-job/ http://swindonlink.org/news/257/27/Healthwatch-briefing/ Somerset LINk have produced an excellent briefing about the development of Healthwatch so far.  It also raises questions that require answers. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:37:17 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/257/27/Healthwatch-briefing/ http://swindonlink.org/news/256/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ All the latest news from the Swindon health & social care scene, as well as ways to get involved in this week's Swindon LINk e-bulletin . Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:13:23 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/256/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/255/27/Read-the-latest/ The wheelchair focus group has been meeting monthly over the past year to discuss issues relating to wheelchairs and the Swindon wheelchair service. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:56:17 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/255/27/Read-the-latest/ http://swindonlink.org/news/254/27/Diabetes-update/ Lots of things are happening at the moment with diabetes in Swindon. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:16:58 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/254/27/Diabetes-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/253/27/Diabetes-steering-group-update/ Here are the latest notes from the diabetes steering group. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:07:30 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/253/27/Diabetes-steering-group-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/252/27/National-update/ Work continues in Swindon to ensure that services and support for local people in the final weeks and days of their lives meets their needs and expectations;  that family carers are properly supported. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:50:48 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/252/27/National-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/251/27/NICE-update/ The National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published an update on current activities. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:50:35 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/251/27/NICE-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/250/27/CQC-Bulletin/ The independent regulator of health and social care in England, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), have published their latest bulletin. Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:13:59 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/250/27/CQC-Bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/249/27/New-telephone-number-for-Out-of-Hours-Service/ When your GP practice is not open, the telephone number for the Out of Hours Service at the Clover Centre at the Great Western Hospital is now 01793 646466.  Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:57:12 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/249/27/New-telephone-number-for-Out-of-Hours-Service/ http://swindonlink.org/news/248/27/Changes-proposed-at-Great-Western-Ambulance-Trust/ Changes are proposed at Great Western Ambulance Trust which is exploring the possibility of joining up with another organisation by October 2012. Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:33:39 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/248/27/Changes-proposed-at-Great-Western-Ambulance-Trust/ http://swindonlink.org/news/247/27/Healthwatch-Advisory-Group-newsletter/ The HealthWatch Advisory Group (of people from organisations all over England) has been meeting to help plan the change from Local Involvement Networks (LINks) to local HealthWatch organisations by October 2012.  Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:15:06 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/247/27/Healthwatch-Advisory-Group-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/246/27/Invitation-to-AWP-AGM/ Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust’s Annual General Meeting (AWP’s AGM) will be held on Thursday 22 September 2011.  Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:15:58 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/246/27/Invitation-to-AWP-AGM/ http://swindonlink.org/news/244/27/Horizon-magazine/ The Autumn 2011 edition of the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust magazine 'Horizon' contains all the latest news from GWH. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:07:28 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/244/27/Horizon-magazine/ http://swindonlink.org/news/243/27/GWH-complaints-statistics-for-2010-11/ The Great Western Hospital has revealed that 242 formal complaints were made to the Trust during 2010/11, compared to 229 during 2009/10. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:54:20 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/243/27/GWH-complaints-statistics-for-2010-11/ http://swindonlink.org/news/242/27/Stroke-Association-communication-support-group-has-handed-control-over-to-members/ The Stroke Association’s local Communication Support Service, which has previously been run by health professionals, is encouraging people who have had strokes to plan and run sessions themselves. Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:01:08 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/242/27/Stroke-Association-communication-support-group-has-handed-control-over-to-members/ http://swindonlink.org/news/241/27/Report-on-consultation-with-young-people-with-congenital-heart-disease/ From 1 March 2011 to 1 July 2011 Safe and Sustainable carried out a public consultation on the proposals for improving children’s congenital heart services in England. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:03:24 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/241/27/Report-on-consultation-with-young-people-with-congenital-heart-disease/ http://swindonlink.org/news/240/27/Ridgeway-Partnership-Stakeholder-Newsletter/ Ridgeway Partnership NHS trust provides some services for people in Swindon with learning disabilities.  This is their first “stakeholder” newsletter about the future of the trust. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:27:14 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/240/27/Ridgeway-Partnership-Stakeholder-Newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/239/27/Your-experiences-Patients-diagnosed-with-malignant-melanoma/ Dr Lindsay Whittam from the dermatology department at Great Western Hospital has completed an audit of the experience of patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma.  42 patients responded to a questionnaire. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:07:07 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/239/27/Your-experiences-Patients-diagnosed-with-malignant-melanoma/ http://swindonlink.org/news/238/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ It's here.  Results of dental survey, opportunities to get involved and lots of useful information. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:20:00 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/238/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/236/27/Carers-Tell-NHS-Swindon-what-you-want/ NHS Swindon commissioners from both adult and social services are planning how to deliver a good service for carers across Swindon from April 2012.  And they want local carers and professionals to tell them how services should look. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:18:59 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/236/27/Carers-Tell-NHS-Swindon-what-you-want/ http://swindonlink.org/news/235/27/Safe-and-Sustainable-Latest-issue-of-Heartnews/ The latest issue of the Safe and Sustainable newsletter about children’s congenital heart services has been published. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:26:51 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/235/27/Safe-and-Sustainable-Latest-issue-of-Heartnews/ http://swindonlink.org/news/234/27/Invitation-to-the-Swindon-Social-Enterprise-Launch-Event/ We recently reported that the new Social Enterprise for health and care would be called SEQOL.  Well, SEQOL are now inviting you to attend their official launch event. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:51:29 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/234/27/Invitation-to-the-Swindon-Social-Enterprise-Launch-Event/ http://swindonlink.org/news/233/27/Hospital-cancels-fewer-operations/ The Swindon Advertiser reports on the reduced number of cancelled operations at Great Western Hospital (GWH). Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:02:13 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/233/27/Hospital-cancels-fewer-operations/ http://swindonlink.org/news/232/27/Cancer-research-unit-at-Great-Western-Hospital-reports-on-patient-survey/ Between March and May 2011, 50 questionnaires were given out to patients involved in Randomised Control Clinical Trials and 50 to patients involved in Genetic or Quality of Life studies. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:59:22 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/232/27/Cancer-research-unit-at-Great-Western-Hospital-reports-on-patient-survey/ http://swindonlink.org/news/231/27/New-pharmacy-in-Gorse-Hill/ The Swindon Advertiser reports on a proposal to establish a new pharmacy in May Close, Gorse Hill. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:48:32 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/231/27/New-pharmacy-in-Gorse-Hill/ http://swindonlink.org/news/230/27/NEW-Fully-accessible-toilet-and-change-facility-now-open-in-Swindon-Town-Centre/ A brand new fully accessible toilet and change facility is now open, next to Wharf Green in the town centre. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:31:28 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/230/27/NEW-Fully-accessible-toilet-and-change-facility-now-open-in-Swindon-Town-Centre/ http://swindonlink.org/news/229/27/Cancer-research-unit-at-Great-Western-Hospital-reports-on-patient-survey/ Between March and May 2011, 50 questionnaires were given out to patients involved in Randomised Control Clinical Trials and 50 to patients involved in Genetic or Quality of Life studies. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:10:50 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/229/27/Cancer-research-unit-at-Great-Western-Hospital-reports-on-patient-survey/ http://swindonlink.org/news/228/27/Learning-Disability-Partnership-Board-meeting/ Swindon Learning Disability Partnership Board met on 26 July and the minutes of the meeting have now been published. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:17:38 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/228/27/Learning-Disability-Partnership-Board-meeting/ http://swindonlink.org/news/227/27/Free-confidential-telephone-helpline-for-forces-personnel/ Forcesline is a free confidential telephone helpline for anyone currently serving in any UK armed forces, their family or friends to talk to experienced civilian staff about any personal concerns, worries or problems.  Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:17:57 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/227/27/Free-confidential-telephone-helpline-for-forces-personnel/ http://swindonlink.org/news/226/27/Results-of-mental-health-services-survey/ The results of the 2011 survey of people who use community mental health services, published on 9 August by the Care Quality Commission will play an important role in the Government’s new mental health outcomes strategy.   Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:03:10 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/226/27/Results-of-mental-health-services-survey/ http://swindonlink.org/news/225/27/Launch-of-Swindon-Older-People-s-Forum/ Swindon Older People’s Forum (SOPF) will be launched on Tuesday 1 November . Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:21:50 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/225/27/Launch-of-Swindon-Older-People-s-Forum/ http://swindonlink.org/news/224/27/New-Social-Enterprise-for-health-and-care-has-a-name/ The new private, community interest company taking over the provision of community health and adult social care services from NHS Swindon and the borough council from 1 October has a name. Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:08:55 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/224/27/New-Social-Enterprise-for-health-and-care-has-a-name/ http://swindonlink.org/news/223/27/Free-talk-by-Tony-Huzzey-My-Life-with-Diabetes/ If you can make it, don't miss Tony Huzzey's free talk next Thursday 18 August on the book about his experiences of living with diabetes . Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:14:49 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/223/27/Free-talk-by-Tony-Huzzey-My-Life-with-Diabetes/ http://swindonlink.org/news/222/27/LDPB-Self-Assessment/ Swindon’s Learning Disabilities Partnership Board (LDPB) meets regularly to review and develop services. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:36:24 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/222/27/LDPB-Self-Assessment/ http://swindonlink.org/news/221/27/Healthy-Lives---new-rehabilitation-programme-for-patients-with-COPD-and-heart-failure/ The pulmonary rehabilitation service, formerly run at the Great Western Hospital, has been replaced by a new programme called Healthy Lives which combines rehabilitation for patients with both Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and heart failure. Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:24:26 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/221/27/Healthy-Lives---new-rehabilitation-programme-for-patients-with-COPD-and-heart-failure/ http://swindonlink.org/news/220/27/Children-s-congenital-heart-services/ The interim Health Impact Assessment (HIA) report for the Safe and Sustainable review on the future of children’s congenital heart services was published on 8 August.  Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:10:58 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/220/27/Children-s-congenital-heart-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/219/27/NICE-one-Latest-patient-public-involvement-update/ The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) have released an update on their work with patients. Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:03:02 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/219/27/NICE-one-Latest-patient-public-involvement-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/218/27/New-Director-of-Public-Health-appointed/ Dr Jose Ortega Benito has accepted the position of Director of Public Health for Swindon. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:49:31 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/218/27/New-Director-of-Public-Health-appointed/ http://swindonlink.org/news/217/27/Latest-Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ Read all about it!   Lots of relevant and current information for you this week. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:36:39 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/217/27/Latest-Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/211/27/NHS-dentists-in-Swindon/ We have the August list of dentists accepting NHS patients in Swindon. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:01:18 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/211/27/NHS-dentists-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/216/27/Connected-Care-Project-update/ Turning Point Connected Care has been commissioned by the Swindon Health and Wellbeing Board to undertake a programme of community engagement to involve people living in Central, Penhill and Taw Hill wards in the development of integrated health, housing and wellbeing services which better meet their needs.  Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:26:20 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/216/27/Connected-Care-Project-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/215/27/Swindon-LINk-summer-newsletter/ It's here!  We hope you enjoy the Swindon LINk summer newsletter .  Packed full of news and opportunities for involvement, there is sure to be something for everyone! Mon, 25 Jul 2011 10:33:55 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/215/27/Swindon-LINk-summer-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/214/27/Government-response-to-public-health-white-paper/ The Government has published a response to the public health white paper consultation and NHS Listening Exercise. It reaffirms the Government's determination to create a more effective public health system and sets out progress to date. Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:42:12 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/214/27/Government-response-to-public-health-white-paper/ http://swindonlink.org/news/213/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ The Swindon Carers Centre produce an e-bulletin these days. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:48:42 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/213/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/212/27/Report-on-future-of-dentistry-conference/ A few weeks ago Swindon LINk attended a conference about the future of NHS dentistry in England. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:02:45 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/212/27/Report-on-future-of-dentistry-conference/ http://swindonlink.org/news/210/27/Positive-inspection-report-for-Sandalwood-Court/ The Care Quality Commission’s positive conclusion followed a recent inspection of the hospital, which is run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, and an examination of 16 standards of care. Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:35:59 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/210/27/Positive-inspection-report-for-Sandalwood-Court/ http://swindonlink.org/news/209/27/New-Chief-Executive-for-GWH/ Nerissa Vaughan has been appointed new Chief Executive for Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:06:45 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/209/27/New-Chief-Executive-for-GWH/ http://swindonlink.org/news/208/27/Swindon-LINK-discuss-future-commissioning-of-health-services/ On 8 July LINk steering group members met Dr Peter Crouch, chair of the “transitional leadership group” of the body which will take on responsibility for commissioning most local health services in 2013. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:22:48 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/208/27/Swindon-LINK-discuss-future-commissioning-of-health-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/207/27/Kingswood-Surgery-open-meeting/ Kingswood surgery will hold their third open meeting on Thursday 20 July.  All patients of the surgery are invited to attend and discuss the formation of a Patient Participation Group. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:16:59 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/207/27/Kingswood-Surgery-open-meeting/ http://swindonlink.org/news/206/27/Equalities-Advisory-Forum-publish-their-annual-report/ Swindon borough council has received the annual report from the equalities advisory forum with which several LINk participants are involved.  The report includes an update on equality and diversity issues about adult social care services. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:20:06 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/206/27/Equalities-Advisory-Forum-publish-their-annual-report/ http://swindonlink.org/news/205/27/Kingswood-Surgery-newsletter/ The latest newsletter includes an update on the buildings work, details of the next Patient Participation Group and information on how you can receive text message reminders for your appointments.  Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:02:47 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/205/27/Kingswood-Surgery-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/204/27/Latest-LINk-e-bulletin/ Results of survey, opportunities for involvement, latest news, it's all here.  Check it out! Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:43:58 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/204/27/Latest-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/203/27/Your-opinions-about-Healthwatch/ The people have spoken!  Last month we started a survey asking what you want from Healthwatch (what LINk will turn into in 2012).  The results are very interesting. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 13:02:25 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/203/27/Your-opinions-about-Healthwatch/ http://swindonlink.org/news/201/27/Vision-in-Swindon/ Macular disease is the most common form of sight loss in the UK. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:59:23 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/201/27/Vision-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/202/27/Swindon-Older-People-s-Forum/ Being older is not just about health and care services – but inevitably they play a significant part in many people’s lives.  So we think that LINk participants who are older will be interested in this new initiative.  Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:58:20 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/202/27/Swindon-Older-People-s-Forum/ http://swindonlink.org/news/200/27/Malnutrition-in-Swindon-care-homes/ The Malnutrition Universal Screening (‘MUST’) tool is a simple 5 step screening process used to identify adults who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:39:57 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/200/27/Malnutrition-in-Swindon-care-homes/ http://swindonlink.org/news/199/27/NHS-Swindon-respond-to-Swindon-LINk-with-information-about-Winterbourne-View/ Swindon LINk recently asked NHS Swindon how many Swindon residents were placed at Winterbourne View and sought reassurance over what steps have been taken to safeguard their position.  NHS Swindon have now responded. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:45:40 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/199/27/NHS-Swindon-respond-to-Swindon-LINk-with-information-about-Winterbourne-View/ http://swindonlink.org/news/198/27/LINk-readers-panel-help-improve-patient-information-leaflet/ The LINk readers panel had a look at a draft leaflet from NHS Swindon about how to ask the NHS to pay for certain treatment.  They made some suggestions about how the leaflet could be improved. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:58:04 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/198/27/LINk-readers-panel-help-improve-patient-information-leaflet/ http://swindonlink.org/news/197/27/Calling-military-veterans-to-help-shape-future-health-services/ Military veterans from Swindon are being asked to play a role in shaping their future health services at a special event at the end of July. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:42:01 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/197/27/Calling-military-veterans-to-help-shape-future-health-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/196/27/GWH-staff-recognised-for-exceptional-service/ The Great Western Hospital (GWH) recently held their annual Staff Excellence Awards. Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:47:41 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/196/27/GWH-staff-recognised-for-exceptional-service/ http://swindonlink.org/news/195/27/Osteoporosis-Can-you-help-NICE-develop-national-advice/ The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is seeking applications from patients and carers to sit on the group that will develop national advice on osteoporosis. Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:07:44 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/195/27/Osteoporosis-Can-you-help-NICE-develop-national-advice/ http://swindonlink.org/news/194/27/LINk-to-Healthwatch-want-do-you-want/ We’ve already had a good response to the LINk to Healthwatch survey but would definitely like to hear from more of you.  You only have until Monday 4 July to complete the survey and help shape the future of Healthwatch. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:45:07 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/194/27/LINk-to-Healthwatch-want-do-you-want/ http://swindonlink.org/news/192/27/Care-and-Support-Partnership-shadow-board/ Swindon LINk steering group member Adrian Robinson has been attending the shadow board meetings of the social enterprise that is due to take over responsibility for providing community health and adult social care services in Swindon. Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:38:56 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/192/27/Care-and-Support-Partnership-shadow-board/ http://swindonlink.org/news/193/27/Government-response-to-NHS-Future-Forum-report/ On Monday the government released it's response to the NHS Future Forum's report on what they had gleaned from the 'listening' exercise. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:16:45 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/193/27/Government-response-to-NHS-Future-Forum-report/ http://swindonlink.org/news/191/27/Congratulations-to-all-at-Swindon-Stroke-Support-Group-past-and-present/ A local support group for stroke victims has recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:25:55 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/191/27/Congratulations-to-all-at-Swindon-Stroke-Support-Group-past-and-present/ http://swindonlink.org/news/190/27/Safe-place-scheme-in-Swindon/ A scheme to help people with learning disabilities feel confident and safe in and around the town is being launched this week. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:54:59 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/190/27/Safe-place-scheme-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/189/27/Connected-Care-Project-update/ A short while ago Swindon LINk reported  that Turning Point had been commissioned by the Swindon Health and Wellbeing Board to undertake a programme of community engagement to involve the communities living in Central, Penhill and Taw Hill wards in the development of integrated health, housing and wellbeing services which better meet their needs.   Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:38:55 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/189/27/Connected-Care-Project-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/188/27/Charter-reveals-end-of-life-care-pledges/ A new charter has been compiled on patient end-of-life care, and will be displayed in more than 8,000 GP surgeries in England. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:24:16 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/188/27/Charter-reveals-end-of-life-care-pledges/ http://swindonlink.org/news/186/27/Veterans-World/ The latest edition of Veterans World includes details of changes to the armed forces compensation scheme as well as some very useful links to charities and government departments with contact information. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:59:46 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/186/27/Veterans-World/ http://swindonlink.org/news/185/27/Swindon-LINk-Annual-Report-2010-11/ Swindon Local Involvement Network is pleased to present the annual report for 2010/11. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:58:36 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/185/27/Swindon-LINk-Annual-Report-2010-11/ http://swindonlink.org/news/184/27/Great-Western-Ambulance-Service/ LINk steering group member Keith Smith has been attending the Joint LINk working group (JWG) on the Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust (GWAS). Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:09:31 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/184/27/Great-Western-Ambulance-Service/ http://swindonlink.org/news/183/27/Carers-Week-event/ If you can get there, don’t miss this Friday’s event for Carers Week at the De Vere Hotel in West Swindon.  Information and discussion forums from 10-3 including a presentation by James Brown about Swindon Local Involvement Network. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:43:30 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/183/27/Carers-Week-event/ http://swindonlink.org/news/182/27/Government-agrees-changes-to-Health-Social-Care-Bill/ After the “pause and listen” the government has responded to proposals from the NHS Future Forum to change the Health and Social Care Bill.  Significant changes will be introduced into the Bill which will go back to parliament for debate in committee.  Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:11:57 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/182/27/Government-agrees-changes-to-Health-Social-Care-Bill/ http://swindonlink.org/news/181/27/Early-Diagnosis-Saves-Lives/ Thames Valley Cancer Network (TVCN) are asking people to complete a short survey to help them evaluate the recent lung and bowel cancer awareness campaign 'Early Diagnosis Saves Lives'....and in doing so, you could WIN a £50 shopping voucher!  Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:02:23 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/181/27/Early-Diagnosis-Saves-Lives/ http://swindonlink.org/news/180/27/Kaye-Franklin-MBE/ Kaye Franklin, Chair of Swindon LINk's wheelchair focus group, has been recognised by the Queen for her work in the community and been awarded an MBE in this year's Birthday Honours list. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:13:54 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/180/27/Kaye-Franklin-MBE/ http://swindonlink.org/news/179/27/NHS-Swindon-review-complementary-medicine-policy/ We recently reported that Swindon LINk steering group member Karyse Day has been pushing for NHS Swindon to review their policy on complementary therapies. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:00:22 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/179/27/NHS-Swindon-review-complementary-medicine-policy/ http://swindonlink.org/news/178/27/Weight-Management-Programmes/ Debbie Mitchell, Dietbusters' adult weight management coordinator is offering FREE weight management courses to clients who have been referred through their GP. Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:36:38 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/178/27/Weight-Management-Programmes/ http://swindonlink.org/news/177/27/Great-Western-Ambulance-NHS-Trust-non-executive-director-vacancy/ Great Western Ambulance NHS Trust is advertising for a non-executive director.  Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:17:11 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/177/27/Great-Western-Ambulance-NHS-Trust-non-executive-director-vacancy/ http://swindonlink.org/news/176/27/Headway-Open-Day/ Headway Swindon, a local charity supporting adults with traumatic and acquired brain injury, will be holding their open day on Wednesday 22 June. Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:00:15 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/176/27/Headway-Open-Day/ http://swindonlink.org/news/175/27/LATEST-CQC-report-on-unannounced-visit-to-GWH/ In April Care Quality Commission (CQC) paid an unannounced visit to Great Western Hospital.  The visit focussed specifically on dignity and nutrition for older people in two wards: Neptune & Jupiter.  Although the report, which has been released today, is in general positive, it does find that GWH is not meeting one of CQC's essential standards. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:04:38 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/175/27/LATEST-CQC-report-on-unannounced-visit-to-GWH/ http://swindonlink.org/news/174/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ Hot off the press: here's our latest e-bulletin . Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:53:30 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/174/27/Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/172/27/Swindon-LINk-report-on-Carfax-Health-Enterprise/ Last year Swindon LINk were commissioned by Carfax Health Enterprise (who amongst other things provide walk-in medical treatment services in Swindon) to survey individuals from 'difficult to reach' groups who use their services.  Here is our report . Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:09:41 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/172/27/Swindon-LINk-report-on-Carfax-Health-Enterprise/ http://swindonlink.org/news/173/27/Horizon-magazine/ The latest issue of the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust magazine "Horizon" is now out. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:48:37 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/173/27/Horizon-magazine/ http://swindonlink.org/news/171/27/Care-Quality-Commission-CQC-e-bulletin/ CQC have sent their latest e-bulletin to LINks around the country. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:11:29 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/171/27/Care-Quality-Commission-CQC-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/170/27/Swindon-Equality-Coalition-Health-Event/ Key speakers from NHS Swindon, feedback sessions and information stalls will all form part of the Swindon Equality Coalition Health Event being held on Wednesday 20 July. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:55:54 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/170/27/Swindon-Equality-Coalition-Health-Event/ http://swindonlink.org/news/169/27/Care-Quality-Commission-CQC-and-dentistry/ CQC have produced a draft document to tell people what they should expect from their dentist.  And they want you to help them improve it. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:51:27 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/169/27/Care-Quality-Commission-CQC-and-dentistry/ http://swindonlink.org/news/168/27/NHS-Swindon-review-complementary-medicine-policy-thanks-to-LINk/ LINk steering group member Karyse Day has been pushing for NHS Swindon to review their policy towards complementary therapies...and it looks to have paid off. In today's letter from Dr Ayo Oyinloye, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, he states, amongst other things, that "NHS Swindon should explore commissioning Homeopathy services." Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:06:37 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/168/27/NHS-Swindon-review-complementary-medicine-policy-thanks-to-LINk/ http://swindonlink.org/news/167/27/Swindon-LINk-seek-assurances-about-Swindon-residents-at-Winterbourne-View/ Swindon LINk has asked NHS Swindon how many Swindon residents are placed at Winterbourne View, the Bristol-based acute service at the centre of the Panorama investigation, and sought assurance and clarity over what steps are or have been taken to safeguard their position. Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:14:41 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/167/27/Swindon-LINk-seek-assurances-about-Swindon-residents-at-Winterbourne-View/ http://swindonlink.org/news/166/27/Best-practice-Acute-mental-health-care/ A comprehensive guide to acute mental health care. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:12:49 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/166/27/Best-practice-Acute-mental-health-care/ http://swindonlink.org/news/165/27/Great-Western-Hospital-briefing/ The latest GWH briefing is out.  Car parking, same-sex accommodation, and survey results are all here . Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:49:30 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/165/27/Great-Western-Hospital-briefing/ http://swindonlink.org/news/164/27/CQC-dignity-nutrition/ The Care Quality Commission today published the first of a series of reports that outline the current standards of both dignity and nutrition in hospitals throughout England.  Although Great Western Hospital is not one of the hospitals covered in these first reports, coincidentally, two Swindon LINk steering group members today attended the nutrition steering group at GWH.  Their thoughts to follow. Thu, 26 May 2011 15:44:39 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/164/27/CQC-dignity-nutrition/ http://swindonlink.org/news/163/27/Our-latest-e-bulletin/ It is packed full this week with up-to-the-minute information news and your chance to shape the future of Swindon LINk. Wed, 25 May 2011 14:21:51 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/163/27/Our-latest-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/162/27/LINk-to-Healthwatch-Your-views/ It is very likely that Swindon LINk will turn into Healthwatch Swindon by July 2012.  Swindon Borough Council will be writing the specifications for this.  It very important that you tell them what you want from your local Healthwatch.  We have designed this short survey to help you do this. Wed, 25 May 2011 13:55:21 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/162/27/LINk-to-Healthwatch-Your-views/ http://swindonlink.org/news/161/27/Information-from-What-future-for-our-NHS-social-care-services-open-meeting/ You may have heard that last week over 90 people attended Swindon LINk's open meeting about the future of health and social care services in Swindon. Wed, 25 May 2011 13:30:50 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/161/27/Information-from-What-future-for-our-NHS-social-care-services-open-meeting/ http://swindonlink.org/news/160/27/Swindon-LINk-monitor-social-enterprise-formation/ Steering group member Adrian Robinson has been attending the shadow board meetings of the recently established social enterprise that is due to take over responsibility for providing community health and adult social care services in Swindon in the autumn. Wed, 25 May 2011 13:19:41 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/160/27/Swindon-LINk-monitor-social-enterprise-formation/ http://swindonlink.org/news/159/27/Avon-Wiltshire-Mental-Health-Partnership-update/ AWP likes to keep people up-to-date with what is happening within their organisation. Wed, 25 May 2011 13:12:39 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/159/27/Avon-Wiltshire-Mental-Health-Partnership-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/158/27/Complementary-therapies-NHS-Swindon-update/ Last week LINk participants attended a meeting with NHS Swindon to review their policy about the availability of complementary therapies on the NHS.  Steering group member Karyse Day has reported back and her report will  be available soon. Wed, 25 May 2011 13:01:48 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/158/27/Complementary-therapies-NHS-Swindon-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/157/27/Non-Executive-Director-vacancies/ Care and Support Partnership has been created by NHS Swindon & Swindon Borough Council to form a social enterprise for the delivery of adult health and social care to the people of Swindon and Shrivenham.  They wish to recruit two Non-Executive Directors. Wed, 25 May 2011 12:48:50 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/157/27/Non-Executive-Director-vacancies/ http://swindonlink.org/news/156/27/TWIGS-sensational-summer-open-day/ TWIGS will be holding their open day on Sunday 19 June.  If you fancy exploring the themed gardens, trying out the fitness trail and perhaps enjoying some light refreshments and live music on the patio, then why not go along! Tue, 24 May 2011 12:35:49 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/156/27/TWIGS-sensational-summer-open-day/ http://swindonlink.org/news/155/27/Children-s-heart-surgery-focus-group/ Ipsos MORI, the independent research agency, will be running a series of discussion groups for parents of children who have congenital heart disease to find out about the issues that affect them. Tue, 24 May 2011 11:54:01 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/155/27/Children-s-heart-surgery-focus-group/ http://swindonlink.org/news/154/27/Nominate-mental-health-workers-for-awards/ Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership provide many of the mental health services in Swindon.  They are having an awards ceremony for their staff and are looking for your nominations of staff that have provided excellent care. Tue, 17 May 2011 15:08:20 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/154/27/Nominate-mental-health-workers-for-awards/ http://swindonlink.org/news/153/27/Complementary-therapies-information/ You may have spotted the opportunity to influence NHS Swindon's policy about complementary therapies (as seen in today's Swindon Advertiser).  LINk steering group member Karyse Day wants to draw your attention to a document about complementary therapies in advance of the meeting. Mon, 16 May 2011 15:38:49 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/153/27/Complementary-therapies-information/ http://swindonlink.org/news/152/27/Learning-disabilities-provider-your-views/ About a month ago we told you how Ridgeway Partnership (the Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust) are not now planning to become a Foundation Trust. They are looking at the alternatives and want the views of local people. Mon, 16 May 2011 12:48:11 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/152/27/Learning-disabilities-provider-your-views/ http://swindonlink.org/news/151/27/Beginners-guide-to-commissioning/ There's a lot of talk about 'commissioning' at the moment so this is a timely (and readable) NAVCA-produced guide to what it all means and how it works. Fri, 13 May 2011 14:12:19 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/151/27/Beginners-guide-to-commissioning/ http://swindonlink.org/news/150/27/Biggest-changes-in-adult-social-care-for-60-years/ A report published today by the Law Commission suggests that the government will radically overhaul adult social care next year. Wed, 11 May 2011 16:47:09 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/150/27/Biggest-changes-in-adult-social-care-for-60-years/ http://swindonlink.org/news/149/27/Carer-aware/ An online tool designed for organisations to be more carer aware has been launched by the Carers Liaison Team. Wed, 11 May 2011 12:30:18 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/149/27/Carer-aware/ http://swindonlink.org/news/148/27/E-bulletin/ For the latest round-up of Swindon health and social care news, opportunities and events... Tue, 10 May 2011 11:57:59 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/148/27/E-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/147/27/Your-feedback-on-NHS-Swindon/ Most local health services now have to produce a “quality account” at the end of the financial year to say how well their service has performed during the year and what improvements they plan for the next year. Mon, 09 May 2011 14:02:44 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/147/27/Your-feedback-on-NHS-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/146/27/Healthwatch-information/ A few pieces of guidance and information about HealthWatch have been produced by the Department of Health. Fri, 06 May 2011 15:00:09 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/146/27/Healthwatch-information/ http://swindonlink.org/news/145/27/Complementary-therapies-NHS-Swindon/ NHS Swindon are reviewing their complementary therapies policy and want to have your input. Fri, 06 May 2011 12:26:46 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/145/27/Complementary-therapies-NHS-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/144/27/Motor-Neurone-Disease-Association-newsletter/ April's newsletter contains all the latest fundraising news and events. Thu, 05 May 2011 12:29:42 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/144/27/Motor-Neurone-Disease-Association-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/143/27/Consultation-fiasco/ LINk participant organisations providing mental health services have written to NHS Swindon and the Council to express the dissatisfaction with a consultation meeting held on 26 April. Wed, 04 May 2011 16:36:16 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/143/27/Consultation-fiasco/ http://swindonlink.org/news/142/27/Assessing-what-patients-want-a-conference-report/ Before Easter, LINk steering group member Karyse Day attended a conference called 'Do We Know What Patients Want?' that had a wide variety of speakers from the health sector. Wed, 04 May 2011 15:16:23 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/142/27/Assessing-what-patients-want-a-conference-report/ http://swindonlink.org/news/141/27/Interested-in-nutrition/ Then you might like to come along to this . It is an opportunity to learn more about nutrition at Great Western Hospital & to have input into these discussions. Wed, 04 May 2011 13:34:18 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/141/27/Interested-in-nutrition/ http://swindonlink.org/news/140/27/Kingswood-Surgery-newsletter/ The latest edition of the Kingswood Surgery newsletter contains details of the Patients Participation Group meeting which is open to all patients of the surgery. Wed, 04 May 2011 12:50:33 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/140/27/Kingswood-Surgery-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/139/27/New-Chief-Executive-for-Swindon-and-Gloucestershire-PCT-cluster/ Jan Stubbings has been named as the new Chief Executive of NHS Swindon and NHS Gloucestershire to lead the organisations through transition to GP Consortia. Wed, 04 May 2011 11:22:56 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/139/27/New-Chief-Executive-for-Swindon-and-Gloucestershire-PCT-cluster/ http://swindonlink.org/news/138/27/Easter-break-e-bulletin/ Something to tide you over the Easter break! Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:15:59 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/138/27/Easter-break-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/137/27/Transgender-health-day-report/ Helen Thompson attended a regional Transgender health day in Taunton on 13 April 2011.  The event was organised by the South West Transgender Network and Equality South West Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:34:41 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/137/27/Transgender-health-day-report/ http://swindonlink.org/news/134/27/Review-of-Wheelchair-services/ NHS Southwest are looking to change the wheelchair services throughout the region, which will have an effect on how services are provided here in Swindon. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:13:01 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/134/27/Review-of-Wheelchair-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/135/27/Connected-Care-in-Swindon/ NHS Swindon and the council are investing around £90,000 this year in a new scheme to find out what people in three Swindon areas want from health & care services. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:39:31 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/135/27/Connected-Care-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/133/27/Homeopathy-in-Swindon/ What do the Royal family, David Beckham, Tina Turner, Catherine Zeta Jones and millions of people worldwide have in common?  They all use homeopathy! Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:50:38 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/133/27/Homeopathy-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/132/27/Swindon-LINk-newsletter-April-2011/ Excellent new edition that contains your invitation to hear and talk about the future of the NHS and social care services in Swindon, as well as loads of interesting and useful information about what's happening in health and social care around Swindon. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:28:33 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/132/27/Swindon-LINk-newsletter-April-2011/ http://swindonlink.org/news/128/27/PALS-report/ In NHS Swindon's catchily titled Clinical Guidance there is an update of the work that PALS (Patient, Advice and Liaison Service) have been doing. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:20:00 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/128/27/PALS-report/ http://swindonlink.org/news/131/27/Chief-Executive-Designate-For-The-Social-Enterprise-Care-And-Support-Partnership/ It has been announced that Heather Mitchell has been offered and has accepted the role of Chief Executive Designate for the social enterprise following an innovative recruitment process.  It also seems they may have settled on a name for it... Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:56:13 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/131/27/Chief-Executive-Designate-For-The-Social-Enterprise-Care-And-Support-Partnership/ http://swindonlink.org/news/130/27/Read-all-about-it/ All the latest news and opportunities in the Swindon LINk e-bulletin . Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:19:30 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/130/27/Read-all-about-it/ http://swindonlink.org/news/129/27/Diabetes-pilot-group/ Swindon GPs, pharmacists, nurses and members of the public have been meeting up over the past months to work together to diabetes services can be improved throughout the Swindon community. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:06:06 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/129/27/Diabetes-pilot-group/ http://swindonlink.org/news/127/27/Miscarriage-Association-Can-you-help-them-help-others/ The Miscarriage Association is asking local people who have lost a baby in pregnancy to help others experiencing pregnancy loss. Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:20:21 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/127/27/Miscarriage-Association-Can-you-help-them-help-others/ http://swindonlink.org/news/126/27/Ridgeway-Partnership-latest/ Oxfordshire Learning Disability NHS Trust (known as “Ridgeway Partnership”) provides some services for people with learning disabilities in Swindon.  For various reasons set out in this  letter , the trust has decided that it will not proceed with an application  to become a Foundation Trust within the NHS. Fri, 08 Apr 2011 10:04:00 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/126/27/Ridgeway-Partnership-latest/ http://swindonlink.org/news/125/27/Lesbian-gay-bisexual-health-issues/ There are wide gaps in knowledge about the lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) UK population in relation to their physical and mental health outcomes, use of health and social services and experiences of health and social care more generally, according to a report by the Equality & Human Rights Commission. Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:40:44 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/125/27/Lesbian-gay-bisexual-health-issues/ http://swindonlink.org/news/124/27/E-bulletin/ Read Swindon LINk's latest e-bulletin for the latest health and social care news in Swindon and ways to get involved. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:57:18 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/124/27/E-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/112/27/Dragons-Den-Swindon-LINk-sort-of/ Two members of Swindon LINk steering group recently brought their experience and knowledge to a Swindon team of eight competing in a Dragon's Den style event to win £50,000 for a local service improvement. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:35:00 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/112/27/Dragons-Den-Swindon-LINk-sort-of/ http://swindonlink.org/news/123/27/NHS-prescription-charges/ NHS prescription charges in England will increase on April 1 from £7.20 to £7.40, so if you have prescriptions that have not yet been collected, or repeat prescriptions, then get them in now. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:25:09 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/123/27/NHS-prescription-charges/ http://swindonlink.org/news/122/27/Report-on-GP-quality-of-care-by-Kings-Fund/ General practice is often regarded as the bedrock of the English health care system. Surveys consistently report high levels of trust in GPs and good levels of patient satisfaction with the services they receive in general practice. Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:52:21 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/122/27/Report-on-GP-quality-of-care-by-Kings-Fund/ http://swindonlink.org/news/121/27/NHS-Swindon-top-of-the-class-for-long-term-conditions-care/ NHS Swindon are the best in the South West for reducing the number of times those with long-term conditions have to re-enter hospital, according to the department of health. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:07:22 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/121/27/NHS-Swindon-top-of-the-class-for-long-term-conditions-care/ http://swindonlink.org/news/120/27/What-s-in-a-name-Your-help-needed/ Want to work with a top branding expert and influence how the logo and branding looks for the new social enterprise that is taking over community health and social care in Swindon? Whilst consuming complimentary food and refreshments in a relaxed environment? Great! Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:12:09 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/120/27/What-s-in-a-name-Your-help-needed/ http://swindonlink.org/news/119/27/Personal-budgets-Disability-Living-Allowance/ LINk steering group member John Green writes about how the national targets for personal budgets fit together with the changes to Disability Living Allowance for disabled people living in Swindon. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:39:31 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/119/27/Personal-budgets-Disability-Living-Allowance/ http://swindonlink.org/news/118/27/GWH-announce-interim-Chief-Executive/ The GWH in Swindon has announced that Alf Troughton will be interim CEO. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:20:54 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/118/27/GWH-announce-interim-Chief-Executive/ http://swindonlink.org/news/117/27/Wheelchair-group-update/ New blood in the group ensured a lively meeting. Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:33:46 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/117/27/Wheelchair-group-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/116/27/Post-natal-depression-essay-competition/ Do you have experience of post-natal depression that you would like to write about? Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:00:12 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/116/27/Post-natal-depression-essay-competition/ http://swindonlink.org/news/115/27/Dial-a-ride-contract/ Swindon Dial-a-Ride have been awarded the Dial-a-ride contract in Swindon subject to a two week cooling off period. This is the same provider that has been running the service over the past years. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:30:10 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/115/27/Dial-a-ride-contract/ http://swindonlink.org/news/114/27/Testing-Choices-Campaign/ The Prostate Cancer Charity will be launching their new Testing Choices Campaign on 30th March and they need your help telling MPs about it. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:07:46 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/114/27/Testing-Choices-Campaign/ http://swindonlink.org/news/113/27/Bowel-and-lung-cancer-awareness-campaign/ It's really important to be aware of the early signs of bowel and lung cancer - early diagnosis saves lives. Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:57:39 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/113/27/Bowel-and-lung-cancer-awareness-campaign/ http://swindonlink.org/news/111/27/Swindon-Carers-newsletter/ Swindon Carers have sent out their latest newsletter. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:12:51 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/111/27/Swindon-Carers-newsletter/ http://swindonlink.org/news/110/27/See-how-Great-Western-Hospital-compares/ In meeting its 18 week treatment targets . Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:59:03 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/110/27/See-how-Great-Western-Hospital-compares/ http://swindonlink.org/news/109/27/Latest-e-prescriptions-update/ Not altogther excellent news: Swindon is not on the list of 83 areas that will be delivering the electronic prescriptions initiative . Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:29:23 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/109/27/Latest-e-prescriptions-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/108/27/Aiming-High-for-Disabled-Children/ Aiming High for disabled children have produced a new edition of their newsletter.   Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:33:35 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/108/27/Aiming-High-for-Disabled-Children/ http://swindonlink.org/news/107/27/Health-Social-Care-bill/ This is a massively important bill for many people. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:21:44 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/107/27/Health-Social-Care-bill/ http://swindonlink.org/news/103/27/South-West-Dementia-Partnership-Bulletin/ The South West Dementia Partnership has been set up to oversee the delivery of the National Dementia Strategy in the South West. It produces a news bulletin. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:09:27 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/103/27/South-West-Dementia-Partnership-Bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/106/27/Latest-e-bulletin/ LINk participant reports, news and a competition. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:28:01 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/106/27/Latest-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/105/27/Tell-us-your-interests/ Tell us what you are interested in to have the chance to win a £10 voucher! Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:34:24 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/105/27/Tell-us-your-interests/ http://swindonlink.org/news/104/27/Are-you-a-good-proof-reader/ If so we want your help. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:58:58 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/104/27/Are-you-a-good-proof-reader/ http://swindonlink.org/news/102/27/Mental-health-and-stigma/ NHS Swindon are obliged to reduce the stigma often attached to mental health issues. Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:50:54 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/102/27/Mental-health-and-stigma/ http://swindonlink.org/news/101/27/Keen-to-influence-GWH-policy/ GWH is expanding its services from April to include the provision of community health services throughout Wiltshire and beyond. Thu, 03 Mar 2011 11:52:29 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/101/27/Keen-to-influence-GWH-policy/ http://swindonlink.org/news/100/27/Finally-on-the-agenda-epilepsy-in-Swindon/ Epilepsy is finally on the agenda in Swindon with a discussion due to be had at the Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 3 March. Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:08:11 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/100/27/Finally-on-the-agenda-epilepsy-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/99/27/Services-for-Armed-Forces-Personnel-and-military-veterans/ Are you a military veteran or currently serving in the Armed Forces?  Would you like to know more about the services that are available to you? Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:43:20 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/99/27/Services-for-Armed-Forces-Personnel-and-military-veterans/ http://swindonlink.org/news/98/27/Great-Western-Ambulance-Service/ Interested in influencing how Great Western Ambulance Service does its job? Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:45:11 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/98/27/Great-Western-Ambulance-Service/ http://swindonlink.org/news/97/27/Care-at-home-A-user-speaks/ Big changes are happening to the way care at home services are being delivered locally, and this can mean upheaval for some. A LINk participant has written a very interesting (and concerning) account of her experiences. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:24:10 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/97/27/Care-at-home-A-user-speaks/ http://swindonlink.org/news/94/27/Latest-diversity-report/ Karyse Day is in NHS Swindon equality and diversity group on behalf of Swindon LINk. Her report is below. Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:46:29 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/94/27/Latest-diversity-report/ http://swindonlink.org/news/96/27/What-s-going-on-at-GWH/ Ward closures, car parking & the drive for same-sex wards. Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:37:34 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/96/27/What-s-going-on-at-GWH/ http://swindonlink.org/news/95/27/Latest-Transitions-news/ The transition from childrens services to adult social care can be a difficult time. Lots of work is going on in the borough to improve this situation and this is the latest update. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:33:25 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/95/27/Latest-Transitions-news/ http://swindonlink.org/news/93/27/LINk-report-about-visit-to-Cirencester-treatment-centre/ You may recall we asked for Link participants to visit Cirencester treatment centre. Ernest Coates, Molly Heath, Owen Lister & Barbara Harper visited on the 8 February 2011 accompanied by Jo Osorio. Here is the report. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:24:52 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/93/27/LINk-report-about-visit-to-Cirencester-treatment-centre/ http://swindonlink.org/news/92/27/LINk-dentistry-report/ LINk participant John Webb has been researching NHS dentists in Swindon, particularly in relation to hygienists. His preliminary report raises a number of questions that we think need answering. Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:29:16 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/92/27/LINk-dentistry-report/ http://swindonlink.org/news/91/27/Mid-February-e-bulletin/ Want information about what is happening on the health and social care scene in Swindon? Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:09:15 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/91/27/Mid-February-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/90/27/Swindon-Carers-Liaison-Team-survey/ The Carers Liaison team have been working hard to come up with a variety of ways to support carers in Swindon over the past year and a half. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:42:50 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/90/27/Swindon-Carers-Liaison-Team-survey/ http://swindonlink.org/news/89/27/Community-equipment-amnesty/ Swindon community equipment services are asking for all those unneeded pieces of equipment that you may have lying around. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:07:54 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/89/27/Community-equipment-amnesty/ http://swindonlink.org/news/88/27/Disrupted-service-at-VAS-LINk-office/ Due to building work the VAS-LINk team are experiencing difficulties with sending and receiving emails, and general disruption to our service. We hope to be fully back online by Monday 14 February. We are contactable by telephone in the meantime. Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:24:02 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/88/27/Disrupted-service-at-VAS-LINk-office/ http://swindonlink.org/news/86/27/Aiming-High-for-disabled-children/ The Aiming High for Disabled Children project team based at the Saltway Centre in West Swindon have published their latest information newsletter packed full of useful information for parents and carers of disabled children and young people aged 0-25yrs. Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:19:14 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/86/27/Aiming-High-for-disabled-children/ http://swindonlink.org/news/85/27/AWP-first-brief-for-2011/ " A renewed focus on recovery at the heart of service redesign" is the latest from Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP). Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:02:36 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/85/27/AWP-first-brief-for-2011/ http://swindonlink.org/news/87/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ Swindon Carers Centre support family carers of all ages. Fri, 28 Jan 2011 08:21:00 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/87/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/84/27/Swindon-LINk-Newsletter-Jan-2011/ Do you want to know what we have been doing in 2010 and will be doing in 2011? Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:03:03 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/84/27/Swindon-LINk-Newsletter-Jan-2011/ http://swindonlink.org/news/37/27/Latest-information-about-dentists-in-Swindon/ There seems to be a certain amount of confusion about NHS dentistry in Swindon so we thought we'd try and help clear this up. Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:37:30 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/37/27/Latest-information-about-dentists-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/83/27/New-chair-and-members-for-steering-group/ Former Swindon mayor Derek Benfield has been elected as the new chair of Swindon LINk. Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:04:03 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/83/27/New-chair-and-members-for-steering-group/ http://swindonlink.org/news/82/27/Top-marks-for-stroke-support/ NHS Swindon has come out top for providing the highest level of care to stroke patients in the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire network as reported in the Swindon Advertiser . Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:33:45 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/82/27/Top-marks-for-stroke-support/ http://swindonlink.org/news/80/27/The-first-Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin-of-2011/ Our latest  e-bulletin has great opportunities to get involved and plenty of news. Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:17:12 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/80/27/The-first-Swindon-LINk-e-bulletin-of-2011/ http://swindonlink.org/news/79/27/Are-you-a-patient-at-Kingswood-Surgery/ If you are, then get the latest news from your Surgery. Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:08:16 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/79/27/Are-you-a-patient-at-Kingswood-Surgery/ http://swindonlink.org/news/81/27/GWH-Ward-shuts-as-part-of-revamp/ A medical ward which caters for people with diabetes related conditions at GWH will close in April reports the Swindon Advertiser. Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:58:57 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/81/27/GWH-Ward-shuts-as-part-of-revamp/ http://swindonlink.org/news/78/27/Want-to-see-the-future-of-NHS-healthcare/ Four LINk participants are invited to join in a visit to Cirencester Treatment Centre during the morning of Tuesday 8 February. Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:35:14 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/78/27/Want-to-see-the-future-of-NHS-healthcare/ http://swindonlink.org/news/77/27/Nutrition-steering-group-minutes/ LINk participants have attended the latest meeting of the nutrition steering. Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:54:45 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/77/27/Nutrition-steering-group-minutes/ http://swindonlink.org/news/76/27/A-job-with-the-VAS-LINk-team/ A vacancy for administrator has arisen in the team. Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:33:56 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/76/27/A-job-with-the-VAS-LINk-team/ http://swindonlink.org/news/75/27/Malnutrition-at-GWH/ It was reported in the Adver recently that "More patients leave hospital malnourished than those admitted for the problem, according to Government figures." Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:06:06 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/75/27/Malnutrition-at-GWH/ http://swindonlink.org/news/74/27/Thank-you/ EVE RICHARDSON Chief Executive, National Council for Palliative Care and HILARY FISHER Director Dying Matter Coalition have written to the Adver to thank members and supporters of the Dying Matters Coalition in Swindon over 2010. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:39:09 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/74/27/Thank-you/ http://swindonlink.org/news/73/27/Receiving-good-quality-home-care/ The Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) wants to hear your views on the quality of care delivered to older people (aged 65 and over) in the home – both the good and the bad - in relation to human rights. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:01:06 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/73/27/Receiving-good-quality-home-care/ http://swindonlink.org/news/72/27/Swindon-LINk-Christmas-e-bulletin/ It's here! Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:26:01 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/72/27/Swindon-LINk-Christmas-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/71/27/Government-responds-to-public-views-on-health-whitepaper/ A while ago the public was asked by the government to comment on the proposed changes to healthcare in England. They have now published the results of this consultation. Tue, 21 Dec 2010 12:42:41 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/71/27/Government-responds-to-public-views-on-health-whitepaper/ http://swindonlink.org/news/68/27/New-wheelchair-service-leaflet/ A final version of a leaflet that explains the how, who, and what of getting a wheelchair has finally been produced. Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:49:22 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/68/27/New-wheelchair-service-leaflet/ http://swindonlink.org/news/69/27/A-vision-for-adult-social-care/ The Coalition Government has published a Vision for Adult Social Care. Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:56:07 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/69/27/A-vision-for-adult-social-care/ http://swindonlink.org/news/70/27/LINk-question-about-diversity/ Steering group member Adrian Robinson knows a thing or two about diversity impact assessments and user involvement in decision making having worked in this field for 20 years or so. Sat, 18 Dec 2010 11:58:00 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/70/27/LINk-question-about-diversity/ http://swindonlink.org/news/67/27/Minutes-of-Diabetes-Steering-Group-meeting/ The first meeting of the Diabetes Steering Group has been held. Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:37:34 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/67/27/Minutes-of-Diabetes-Steering-Group-meeting/ http://swindonlink.org/news/62/27/NHS-health-shop-opens-in-Brunel-Plaza/ Swindon residents can get potentially life-saving advice while doing their shopping, with the launch of a new innovative project in the town. Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:30:32 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/62/27/NHS-health-shop-opens-in-Brunel-Plaza/ http://swindonlink.org/news/66/27/Two-voluntary-members-wanted-for-Royal-College-of-General-Practitioners-Patient-Group/ The Royal College of General Practitioners patient group wants two new (voluntary) members.  Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:21:52 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/66/27/Two-voluntary-members-wanted-for-Royal-College-of-General-Practitioners-Patient-Group/ http://swindonlink.org/news/65/27/Avon-and-Wiltshire-Mental-Health-Partnership-NHS-Trust-AWP/ For the past year or so AWP has been reviewing all services ahead of making some significant changes to the way they provide mental health care for our local communities over the coming years. Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:16:34 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/65/27/Avon-and-Wiltshire-Mental-Health-Partnership-NHS-Trust-AWP/ http://swindonlink.org/news/64/27/GWH-NHS-Foundation-Trust/ Here is the latest from the GWH NHS Foundation Trust. Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:25:27 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/64/27/GWH-NHS-Foundation-Trust/ http://swindonlink.org/news/63/27/Latest-edition-of-Veterans-World/ Much work is going on locally to identify people who have ever served in the armed forces to make sure that they are aware of the health services they are entitled to. Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:20:22 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/63/27/Latest-edition-of-Veterans-World/ http://swindonlink.org/news/61/27/National-Cancer-Patient-Experience-Survey/ The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey report provides insights into the care experienced by cancer patients across England who were treated as day cases or inpatients during the first three months of 2010. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:02:34 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/61/27/National-Cancer-Patient-Experience-Survey/ http://swindonlink.org/news/60/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ Swindon Carers Centre support family carers of all ages. Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:45:52 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/60/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/59/27/Kingswood-Surgery-newsletter-published/ Kingswood Surgery in Park North have published their December newsletter. Fri, 10 Dec 2010 13:52:36 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/59/27/Kingswood-Surgery-newsletter-published/ http://swindonlink.org/news/58/27/Hot-off-the-press-latest-e-bulletin/ The latest e-bulletin is out on the streets of Swindon Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:51:30 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/58/27/Hot-off-the-press-latest-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/57/27/Personal-health-budgets/ Alerted by the apparent failure of NHS Wiltshire to successfully implement personal health budgets, we thought it right that Swindon LINk find out what's happening locally. Here's NHS Swindon's response: Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:30:10 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/57/27/Personal-health-budgets/ http://swindonlink.org/news/56/27/Leave-feedback-on-your-dentist/ Want to give feedback about your dentist? Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:25:49 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/56/27/Leave-feedback-on-your-dentist/ http://swindonlink.org/news/55/27/Patient-Transport-Scheme-leaflet/ NHS Swindon have updated their Patient Transport Scheme leaflet which explains what you can expect from patient transport services for patients living in the Swindon Primary Care Trust area. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:06:39 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/55/27/Patient-Transport-Scheme-leaflet/ http://swindonlink.org/news/54/27/Dept-of-Health-nutrition-consultation/ The department of health is running a consultation on the next steps for Healthy Start; an initiative designed to encourage low-income families with young children to have access to healthier food. Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:12:07 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/54/27/Dept-of-Health-nutrition-consultation/ http://swindonlink.org/news/53/27/LINk-at-Learning-disabilities-day/ Swindon LINk participants were present at GWH's 'Getting it Right' for people with learning disabilities education day last week. Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:26:16 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/53/27/LINk-at-Learning-disabilities-day/ http://swindonlink.org/news/52/27/NHS-postcode-lottery/ The NHS Atlas of Variation was launched at the NHS National Medical Directors Conference. In the recent White Paper, Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS, there is a commitment to providing better value from the resources available to healthcare. This requires the NHS to address variations in activity and spend. Such variations indicate the need to focus on appropriateness of care, and to investigate the possibilities that there is overuse of some interventions and that some lower value activities are undertaken. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:23:12 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/52/27/NHS-postcode-lottery/ http://swindonlink.org/news/51/27/Aiming-High-for-Disabled-Children/ The Aiming High for Disabled Children project team based at the Saltway Centre in West Swindon have published their latest information newsletter packed full of useful information for parents and carers of disabled children and young people aged 0-25yrs. Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:52:37 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/51/27/Aiming-High-for-Disabled-Children/ http://swindonlink.org/news/50/27/Information-from-our-end-of-life-seminars/ In October Swindon Local Involvement Network hosted seminars at the Jurys Inn. Representatives from Swindon Borough Council and Prospect Hospice informed and discussed with local people the practical issues that arise in the last months of one's life, in particular advanced care directives and lasting powers of attorney. Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:12:58 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/50/27/Information-from-our-end-of-life-seminars/ http://swindonlink.org/news/49/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ The Swindon Carers Centre supports family carers of all ages. Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:24:13 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/49/27/Swindon-Carers-Centre-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/48/27/NHS-Swindon-concerns-over-low-uptake-of-flu-jab/ Health experts are concerned that the number of people protecting themselves against seasonal flu is lower than previous winters. NHS Swindon is encouraging all people who are deemed at-risk of serious illness from seasonal flu, to get the vaccination from their GP as soon as possible.     Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:19:20 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/48/27/NHS-Swindon-concerns-over-low-uptake-of-flu-jab/ http://swindonlink.org/news/47/27/E-bulletin/ Packed full of ways of getting involved and things to do, the latest e-bulletin is here. Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:00:46 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/47/27/E-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/46/27/Caring-with-Confidence/ Do you provide extra care and support to someone close to you due to illness, disability, frailty or addiction? If you do, The NHS Swindon Carers Liaison Team are pleased to announce new sessions for Caring with Confidence; a series of group sessions which aim to help carers make a positive difference to their life and that of the person they care for.  Carers can develop their knowledge and skills by taking part in one or more of the FREE local group sessions and meet to share experiences. Carers’ travel and respite care costs are covered. Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:35:12 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/46/27/Caring-with-Confidence/ http://swindonlink.org/news/45/27/Latest-news-from-GWH-NHS-Foundation-Trust/ We at the LINk office get a lot of interesting information in our inbox. The GWH NHS Foundation Trust are continously developing and like to let us know on a monthly basis what is happening in your local hospital. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:16:10 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/45/27/Latest-news-from-GWH-NHS-Foundation-Trust/ http://swindonlink.org/news/44/27/E-bulletin/ Need a fix of social & health care news, events and opportunities? Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:39:00 +0000 http://swindonlink.org/news/44/27/E-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/43/27/The-real-cost-of-surgery/ Swindon LINk has obtained a list of prices for outpatient and elective surgical operations. Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:41:27 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/43/27/The-real-cost-of-surgery/ http://swindonlink.org/news/42/27/Swindon-LINk-response-to-HealthWatch-proposals/ Big changes are coming. Read on for LINk steering group's response to the Government's proposals for LINks to change into HealthWatch. Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:39:44 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/42/27/Swindon-LINk-response-to-HealthWatch-proposals/ http://swindonlink.org/news/41/27/Excellent-stuff/ The time to get involved has arrived... Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:23:11 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/41/27/Excellent-stuff/ http://swindonlink.org/news/40/27/Pharmacies-have-your-say/ NHS Swindon are gathering together your opinions about the what Swindon needs in the way of pharmacies. Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:09:11 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/40/27/Pharmacies-have-your-say/ http://swindonlink.org/news/39/27/BBC-Wiltshire-Presents-Living-Longer/ From 7 to 12 November, BBC Wiltshire will be debating Britain's ageing population and how it will effect you locally. Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:32:40 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/39/27/BBC-Wiltshire-Presents-Living-Longer/ http://swindonlink.org/news/38/27/Social-enterprise-to-run-health-and-social-services/ NHS Swindon and Swindon Borough Council are proposing to create a social enterprise for community health and social care services as demonstrated by the recent cabinet meeting . This is steering group member Geraint Day's take on it: Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:48:35 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/38/27/Social-enterprise-to-run-health-and-social-services/ http://swindonlink.org/news/36/27/E-bulletin/ The sights and smells of autumn have arrived, but here at the VAS LINk office we’re not ready to hibernate yet and we hope you aren’t either. There are lots of interesting things this week so… Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:31:15 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/36/27/E-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/35/27/Swindon-LINk-Newsletter-September-2010/ Government proposes big changes to health and care services; council announces budget "plans" and so much more! Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:47:22 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/35/27/Swindon-LINk-Newsletter-September-2010/ http://swindonlink.org/news/34/27/Living-well-at-the-end-of-life/ In July 2010 Swindon Local Involvement Network hosted a living well at the end of life conference at Jurys Inn;  where representatives from Swindon LINk, NHS Swindon, Care and Support Swindon and Prospect Hospice talked and debated with local people about what matters most to them when it comes to death and dying. Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:04:33 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/34/27/Living-well-at-the-end-of-life/ http://swindonlink.org/news/33/27/Steerers-wanted/ Swindon Local Involvement Network (LINk) is looking for two more people to join its steering group .  Swindon LINk involves and engages local people in influencing how all-age health and adult social care services are planned and provided. Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:54:24 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/33/27/Steerers-wanted/ http://swindonlink.org/news/31/27/Personal-budget-bands/ As we reported a few days ago Swindon Borough Council will be introducing personal budgets for those currently using day care services. The banding levels have now been announced. Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:31:30 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/31/27/Personal-budget-bands/ http://swindonlink.org/news/32/27/E-bulletin/ Commenting, caring, and your opportunity to help steer the good ship LINk! Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:32:59 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/32/27/E-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/30/27/Council-budget-plans-update/ Swindon LINk have received copies of the letter sent to service users/families/carers of day care centres for those with learning disabilities in Swindon as well as a bit more detail from the Finance department at the Council. Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:00:01 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/30/27/Council-budget-plans-update/ http://swindonlink.org/news/26/27/Making-sense-of-health-boundaries/ Is not always easy. Does NHS Swindon just cover Swindon? And what about those villages on the outskirts? Read on to find out more. Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:09:12 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/26/27/Making-sense-of-health-boundaries/ http://swindonlink.org/news/25/27/E-bulletin/ The first bulletin of September is now available. Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:40:22 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/25/27/E-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/21/27/Focus-groups/ Swindon LINk is running a series of focus groups for specific segments of the user population. These are: young people, parents/carers of young children, substance mis-users, homeless people, older people, newly arrived ethnic minorities. If you would like to be involved then please contact James at j.brown@vas-swindon.org Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:37:54 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/21/27/Focus-groups/ http://swindonlink.org/news/24/27/The-last-e-bulletin-of-the-summer/ Interesting, useful and informative. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:29:33 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/24/27/The-last-e-bulletin-of-the-summer/ http://swindonlink.org/news/23/27/New-draft-leaflet-from-Swindon-Wheelchair-Service/ Swindon Wheelchair Service have produced a leaflet to help explain how and where you can access wheelchairs, both temporarily and permanently. Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:28:55 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/23/27/New-draft-leaflet-from-Swindon-Wheelchair-Service/ http://swindonlink.org/news/22/27/Having-any-trouble-getting-an-NHS-dentist/ Hopefully not. At the moment there should be no difficulty in Swindon due to an increase in NHS places available. Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:58:44 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/22/27/Having-any-trouble-getting-an-NHS-dentist/ http://swindonlink.org/news/19/27/Read-our-latest-e-bulletin/ Pharmacies, carers, dignity, equality; it's all here. Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:01:39 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/19/27/Read-our-latest-e-bulletin/ http://swindonlink.org/news/18/27/Patient-Transport-Services-need-improving/ Some people have difficulty with transport to and from hospital or medical appointments. Swindon Local Involvement Network (LINk) wants to know what Swindon and Shrivenham people think about patient transport services or PTS. Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:46:13 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/18/27/Patient-Transport-Services-need-improving/ http://swindonlink.org/news/17/27/NHS-White-Paper---main-points/ Last week the government launched the NHS White Paper proposing a vast array of changes to the way in which health services will be organised throughout England. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:51:06 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/17/27/NHS-White-Paper---main-points/ http://swindonlink.org/news/15/27/Have-your-say-about-pharmacies-in-Swindon/ NHS Swindon are currently assessing what people want from their pharmacies in Swindon. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:09:34 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/15/27/Have-your-say-about-pharmacies-in-Swindon/ http://swindonlink.org/news/16/27/Avon-Wiltshire-Mental-Health-Partnership/ AWP's march towards becoming a Foundation Trust continues, and with it comes a overhauling of the way in which they provide mental health care. Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:14:52 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/16/27/Avon-Wiltshire-Mental-Health-Partnership/ http://swindonlink.org/news/14/27/Read-all-about-it/ Swindon LINk's latest e-bulletin has hit the streets. Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:00:52 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/14/27/Read-all-about-it/ http://swindonlink.org/news/13/27/Swindon-Local-Involvement-Network-welcomes-new-foot-care-service/ Val Vaughan, chair of Swindon Local Involvement Network (LINk) steering group has welcomed the introduction of a new local footcare service aimed primarily at older people. Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:40:25 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/13/27/Swindon-Local-Involvement-Network-welcomes-new-foot-care-service/ http://swindonlink.org/news/12/27/Swindon-LINk-Annual-Report-2009-10/ Swindon Local Involvement Network is pleased to present the annual report for 2009/10. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:38:55 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/12/27/Swindon-LINk-Annual-Report-2009-10/ http://swindonlink.org/news/11/27/New-Quarterly-Magazine-from-Great-Western-Hospital/ Horizon is the name of the new Great Western Hospital quarterly magazine, designed to keep you up to date with developments within the Trust and the wider health community. Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:35:04 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/11/27/New-Quarterly-Magazine-from-Great-Western-Hospital/ http://swindonlink.org/news/10/27/Great-Western-Hospital-wins-national-award/ Great Western Hospital NHS FT wins national award for its work in Occupational Health and Safety. Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:02:35 +0100 http://swindonlink.org/news/10/27/Great-Western-Hospital-wins-national-award/