News and reports

Healthwatch Bedford Borough is on the lookout for a new Chair to lead its Independent Strategic Advisory Board (ISAB). This pivotal role involves guiding the organisation in its mission to amplify the voices of local residents regarding health and social care services.

The NHS in the East of England is developing a Secure Data Environment (SDE) to support health and care research using NHS patient data. This is your chance to have your say on what matters to you. This report shows all findings from the SDE Focus groups held in July 2024

In 2023, NICE were commissioned by NHS England to develop a range of Patient Decision Aids (also called Decision Support Tools) on a range of topics.

Every three years, a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) is completed. The next one for the Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes City Council is due to be published by the 1st October 2025.

This will look at what pharmacy services each area has, where they are located and what pharmacy services might be needed in the future. It is important to gather views of residents living in this area to understand how residents access pharmacy services.

Although most NHS treatment is free, there are still some costs you might need to pay.

A senior doctor has reminded local residents that the NHS is on hand to support those who aspire to a healthier lifestyle in 2025.

Most NHS services in the community will close for at least some of the Christmas period, but a senior local doctor has issued guidance on how patients can access care during this time.

A senior local nurse has urged parents to prepare for common illnesses which children often experience during the winter months.

The latest news and information from Healthwatch Bedford Borough

If you know family members, friends, or other carers in Bedford Borough with a SEND child? Bedford Borough Parent and Carer forum are asking to encourage them to become a member of BBPCF at www.bbpcf.co.uk!

A senior local pharmacist is urging people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to make sure they have ample supplies of key medication and medical supplies to stay well this winter.

A senior local doctor is reminding eligible residents to book in for the RSV vaccine. This is a new vaccination, available for the first time this year, to those who qualify.

The RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine is designed to protect against RSV, a common virus that can cause serious respiratory illnesses, especially in babies and older adults. Those eligible for the RSV vaccine include adults aged 75 to 79 and anyone who is pregnant (from 28 weeks onwards).