Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

31/10/2025

Happy Halloween from all of us here at Great Western Hospitals! 🎃👻🕸🧹🧛

Today, our incredible staff are swapping their scrubs for spellbooks, prescriptions for potions and their stethoscopes for skeletons, donning Halloween costumes to get into the spirit of the season.

If you're out celebrating Halloween this evening, maybe trick or treating with friends or visiting family, please stay safe and look out for one another.

If you become unwell or injured and you're not sure what to do, please contact NHS 111 who can direct you to the right place for your healthcare needs.

31/10/2025

The NHS Staff Survey has now been open for five weeks, and we’re delighted that over 2,900 colleagues have already shared their views.

The survey is an important opportunity for our staff to tell us what’s working well and where we can improve, helping us to make our Trust an even better place to work and to deliver care. 💙

Please note, the NHS Staff Survey is for Trust employees only. Staff can find more information on the intranet or in your emails.

29/10/2025

Flu season has arrived early this year, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reporting a rise in flu cases across the country.

Getting your flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our patients this winter.

Over 2,200 of our staff are already protected, helping to keep each other and those we care for safe. 💉💙

In this video, Laura, one of our Critical Care Nurses, busts one of the biggest myths about the flu vaccine: 'The flu jab gives you the flu'

28/10/2025

Students under 25 who are based in Swindon, either through local study or on healthcare placements with us, are encouraged to make sure their vaccination records are up to date.

Around 26% of new students are unprotected against four types of meningitis which can be deadly, so it's vital that we increase vaccination rates against the most serious, yet preventable, health conditions.

💉🧑‍⚕️Vaccinations for meningitis are available for free from all GP practices and community pharmacies.

28/10/2025

As we head towards the end of Stoptober, we want to say a huge well done to everyone who has taken steps to kick the habit - and after 28 days of being smoke free, you're now 5 times more likely to quit for good. 🎉

Just like Brian, who had smoked since he was 15, often smoking up to 20 roll-ups a day. He had tried patches, gum, lozenges and Champix, but nothing stuck. With worsening lung problems, he turned to the Council’s stop smoking service.

With regular support calls, Brian took the leap. His breathing improved, his sleep got better, and even his NHS check-ups showed progress.

Swindon Borough Council can support your quit attempt too, with Swap to Stop kits, advisor support, and the Smoke Free app. Find out more on their website by searching ‘stop smoking service’.

27/10/2025

We know your little ones will be out and about this October half-term, playing with friends and celebrating Halloween.👻

It's important that they spend time in the fresh air and take a well-earned break from school, but we are urging parents and carers to keep an eye on your youngsters - and know what to do if they do become injured or unwell.

🏥Here's Dr Peacock with some top tips that could save you a trip to hospital.

27/10/2025

To the 35 runners who took on the Swindon Half Marathon and raised £11,423 for Brighter Futures - take a bow!👏🏃

WOW! 🤩 We are over the moon to share that our amazing runners in the Swindon Half Marathon 2025 raised an incredible £11,423 for Brighter Futures!

We had 35 runners take on the 13.1 mile route around Swindon and not only did they all do amazingly by completing the half marathon, they also raised an incredible amount for a range of services at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust!

Brighter Futures aims to provide an extraordinary provision of care to our patients. Every penny given to Brighter Futures is used to make a difference to someone at what is often the most difficult and vulnerable time in their life. A huge thank you to everyone who donated to one of our runners fundraising pages, cheered them around the course, and celebrated with them at the finish line.

A special thank you to RunThrough for putting on a fantastic event. It was great to see a Half Marathon back in Swindon! We loved the atmosphere on the day & being a charity partner. We can't wait for next year!

Thank you all for your support! 🩷🧡

24/10/2025

Congratulations to Hayley Palmer, Nutrition Assistant on Trauma Unit, who has won our latest STAR of the Month Award!⭐

Hayley recognised a training opportunity for promoting Safe Swallowing on Trauma Unit - to improve mealtime experiences and safety of swallow for Dysphagia, and other, patients.

She liaised face-to-face with Speech and Language Therapists and with the Trauma Unit Team to develop a fantastic poster presentation, and ensure it was accurate, effective and accessible to all.

Well done Hayley!💓

23/10/2025

To continue our celebrations of Black History Month, our Race Equality Network brought colleagues together over a shared lunch which featured insightful discussions and resources highlighting the contributions, history and culture of the Black community.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined, shared stories, and helped make the day both meaningful and inspiring 💛

23/10/2025

It's nearly half-term, and local youngsters are able to get their Covid-19 vaccinations at a dedicated clinic in Swindon next week.💉💪

The clinic is running on Monday 27 October, 10am – 11.30am at Taw Hill Surgery.

Parents and carers of eligible children should have already been contacted about booking a vaccination appointment, but those yet to do so are encouraged to take advantage of the dedicated children’s clinics available this half term.

🔎Other dates and locations are available and can be found here: https://bsw.icb.nhs.uk/children-offered-protection-against-covid-19-at-half-term-vaccination-clinics/

22/10/2025

WAY Beacon supports vulnerable young people accessing care at Great Western Hospital, connecting with them during a moment of crisis to try and prevent self-harm, substance misuse, crime or other risk-taking behaviours.

One of the ways that WAY Mentors offer support in the community is through sport and movement, as they recognise that exercise can have significant benefits to mental health and psychological wellbeing.

One local young person, who regularly engages in WAY Sports, said: “When we first met I didn’t have any other form of support, it was great meeting with someone who wouldn’t judge me and I could look forward to meeting every week. Now I feel I’m more confident, more motivated and able to build positive relationship with others.”

Stay well this winter by engaging in meaningful activity and exercise, which will help pave the way for better health outcomes and a more positive mindset.

22/10/2025

Stay Well This Winter 🍎

Check out the Eatwell Guide and find out about each food group and how to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide/