Healthwatch Wokingham Borough

24/12/2025

We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Healthwatch Wokingham Borough this past year and taken the time to share their views and experiences, whether online, over the phone, or at one of our engagement events.

To our amazing volunteers, partners and community — thank you for your hard work, commitment and continued support throughout the year. We’re incredibly grateful for everything you do to help make local services better for the people of Wokingham Borough, and beyond.

We wish you all a safe, happy and peaceful Christmas and look forward to connecting with you all in the new year.
https://f.mtr.cool/delfheueei

23/12/2025

🎄 Need health support this Christmas? 🎄

From pharmacy opening times to NHS 111, mental health support and urgent dental care, our guide has everything you need to know over the festive period 👇

Below, you’ll find helpful information and guidance, including local pharmacy opening times and advice on how to access urgent dental treatment if needed.Should you have a medical emergency during the festive season,please call 999. NHS 111Contact NHS 111 for all non-urgent medical help or advice,...

17/12/2025

🎄 Christmas and New Year Pharmacy Opening Hours 🎄

Local pharmacy opening hours over the Christmas and New Year holiday period for Wokingham Borough and the surrounding areas 👇

💊 Pharmacists can also help with health concerns and minor illnesses, including: coughs, colds, sore throats, earache, shingles, sinusitis and UTIs, without needing a GP.

If you need advice:
➡️ Speak to your local pharmacist
➡️ Use NHS 111 for out-of-hours support

https://www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk/post/local-pharmacy-christmas-and-new-year-opening-hours

With the Christmas holidays just around the corner, we'd like to remind everyone to stock up their medicine cabinets and ensure repeat prescriptions are ordered in time for the holidays.Many local pharmacies will be closed or operating reduced hours throughout the Christmas period. However, there ar...

17/12/2025

Winter illness is no fun for anyone. Booking a vaccine takes a couple of minutes and can save you days of misery.

Check available appointments for adults and children here: https://ow.ly/aFKh50XIlAc

17/12/2025

Resident doctors (formerly called junior doctors) will be taking industrial action from 7 am today until Monday 22 December as part of a national strike in England.

This will impact Royal Berks Hospital...

• A&E and emergency services will stay open, but waiting times may be longer than usual

• Some routine and non-urgent appointments or operations may be postponed

• If your appointment is affected, the hospital will contact you directly

• If you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment as planned

For more information 👇

27/11/2025

📣 There's still time to have your say on the NHS App!

We want to hear from all residents, all ages and all communities about your experience with the NHS App or why you may not be using it.

Every experience helps us understand what’s working and what isn’t, so we can share your views with local and national healthcare leaders and push for meaningful change.

📝 Fill in our quick, anonymous survey 👉 https://sholink.to/NHSAppSurvey

ℹ️ We’ve also created a helpful NHS App info & guidance page, bringing together tips, support, and useful resources all in one place 👉 https://www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk/post/nhs-app-information-page

If you or someone you know would rather share feedback another way, our team is out and about in the community and can provide paper surveys or alternative options.

Your voice will help shape better digital healthcare for everyone across the borough.

Welcome to our NHS App information page. This is your one-stop page for support and guidance. Whether you're just getting started or want to learn more, we’ve got you covered. If you can’t use the NHS App on your mobile phone, you can still access the same services through the NHS website.You ca...

26/11/2025

📣Calling all young carers
NHS England, Department of Health and Social Care - DHSC and Department for Education are hosting online workshops for young carers to share experiences, discuss challenages to help make support better 👇

25/11/2025

This week, our engagement team will be at the following community gatherings across the borough 👇

Come along and meet us 🙂
Please share your views on local health and social care, and tell us what you think of the NHS app.

For full details of where we'll be for the remaining part of November 👉 https://www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk/post/out-and-about-with-the-team-in-november

19/11/2025

Today is International Men’s Day 💙

Mental health matters every day, but today is an important reminder of the importance of men’s mental health and well-being.

men in England continue to face worse health outcomes than women. They experience higher rates of heart disease, cancer, and su***de, one of the leading causes of death for men under 50.

Healthwatch England's recent research shows that these inequalities are reinforced by gaps in awareness, understanding, and engagement with health services.

At Healthwatch, we’re committed to helping improve access to services, quality of care, information, and support.

Read more about the latest Healthwatch men's health research and recommendations to NHS England 👇

If you’re looking for advice on caring for your mental health or supporting someone who’s struggling, you’ll find lots of helpful information, along with local and national support options 👉 https://www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk/post/looking-after-your-mental-health

Latest research from our national body, Healthwatch England has found that 1 in 5 men are now using platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube - and almost 1 in 10 are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots for information on staying healthy.Men in England often face worse health outcomes....

19/11/2025

Together with Met Office, we have updated our Cold Health Alert for a number of English regions from 12pm Monday until 8am Saturday.

Find out where is affected on our Data Dashboard: https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/?v=map&type=cold

18/11/2025

Bacteria are becoming resistant to medicines faster than ever, turning once-treatable infections into potentially life-threatening conditions. This growing crisis is called antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
We all have a part to play in slowing it down.

Here’s how you can help 👇
✅ Don’t use antibiotics for colds or flu – they’re caused by viruses, not bacteria.
✅ Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
✅ Always complete the full course – even if you feel better.
✅ Never share or save antibiotics for later.

This week is World Antimicrobial Awareness Week - Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future. you can return any unused antibiotics to your local pharmacy for safe disposal, helping to reduce antibiotic resistance.

Find out more on NHS Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board Stay Well page 👉 https://f.mtr.cool/gtbpqgxnny
World Health Organization (WHO)

18/11/2025

Flu cases are rising fast, and those at clinical risk are being urged to get vaccinated now.
Beat the wave by getting your flu jab early.
Protect yourself. Protect others.

Find information about local vaccine clinics: https://ow.ly/1T0T50XtjOR