Healthwatch Bedford Borough

17/04/2026

👩 Women's voices must be at the heart of their care. Our renewed Women's Health Strategy will make this a reality.

From faster diagnosis of gynae conditions to proper pain relief, we're tackling the issues women face and stamping out medical misogyny.

17/04/2026

Not being kept updated about how long they would have to wait, chasing for test results, and not being told who to contact about their care while waiting were among the issues flagged by NHS patients and carers.

Our new research with the King's Fund and National Voices shines a light on the scale and impact of administrative problems in healthcare settings.
https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2026-04-16/two-thirds-patients-and-carers-experience-nhs-admin-problems

13/04/2026

The government recently announced how it expects GP practices to deliver care from April 2026.

Read Healthwatch England's response here: https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/response/2026-02-24/our-response-new-gp-contract

13/04/2026

Have you got questions about NHS services in your area, but don't know where to go for answers?

Get in touch with your local Healthwatch team!

https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-healthwatch/list

13/04/2026

💻Take Part in a Research Survey💻

Do you have osteoporosis? Have you broken a bone easily, or have you been offered osteoporosis medicines?

Take part in a survey to assist the faculty of medicine at Keele University explore and address how this can affect wellbeing.

See flyer for details or click here: https://healthsurvey.hfac.keele.ac.uk/index.php/945616?lang=en

09/04/2026

Children and hospital patients deserve protection from second-hand smoke.

Our plans will make playgrounds and areas outside schools and hospitals smoke-free, as well as introducing new vape-free places.

Have your say here: https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/smoke-free-heated-tobacco-free-and-vape-free-places-in-england

09/04/2026

🌍 Be Healthy:

🌟 When support is in place, it works

Families told us that:

✔ Once support is accessed, experiences can be positive
✔ Professionals can make a real difference
✔ Services can support children effectively

These positive experiences show what good support looks like - and why it’s so important families can access it when they need it.

📖 Read more in our Outcomes Report:
https://www.bbpcf.co.uk/reports
https://bbpcf.member365.org/admin/login

08/04/2026

We want to hear about your experience of using health and care services.
Good or bad, tell us your story today.
https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

08/04/2026

📅 Just 10 days to go until Asha (আশা) where Bangladeshi Heritage Day is celebrated. A day where culture, unity, and heritage is celebrated. The event will be delivered by ILearn Bedford and Queen's Park Community Organisation, in partnership with Green Shelter Society UK. See flyer below for details 🇧🇩

Today, we've been over to Bhagwan Valmiki Sabha Bedford community centre to take part in a creative art session and speak to families, where we've been collaging for the Asha art display 🐦‍⬛🐦🦜

Thanks to Leesa, Tarlok, Ralley, and Belinda for the warm welcome. Great to catch up 😊


#আশা

08/04/2026

The NHS lung cancer screening service is now inviting residents of Bedford borough who meet the criteria for the screening programme (those aged 55-74 years with a smoking history) to participate in the programme.

This involves an opt-in invitation whereby the individual will receive an invite letter, giving them the opportunity to contact the service and book a 20-minute telephone consultation with a member of the lung cancer screening service. The consultation will then determine whether they are eligible for and meet the criteria for low dose CT scanning. The scan is usually carried out on a mobile screening unit in Bedford.

As this has just been rolled out in Bedford, the aim is to diagnose any lung cancer at an early stage; national data suggest more than 60% are now diagnosed at Stage 1, leading to significantly improved outcomes.

07/04/2026

✨️Warm Welcome at Holy Cross✨️

Dylan and Emma would like to say a huge thank you for the warm welcome we received this afternoon at Holy Cross RC Church's St.Vincent Welcoming Space.

It was a pleasure to spend time with such a friendly and engaged group of parishioners. We had some really valuable conversations about people’s experiences when receiving care, and it was great to hear your insights.

We were also glad to answer lots of questions around planned ops and discharge planning, referral processes, and access to specialists.

Thank you again for your kindness and openness — we look forward to continuing these important conversations!

01/04/2026