About us Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Easy Read documents Healthwatch Information We are Healthwatch It starts with you Who we are and what we do We are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We’re here to make sure that those running services put people at the heart of care. ​ Our sole purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf. ​ We focus on ensuring that people’s worries and concerns about current services are addressed. ​ We work to get services right for the future. How we work We are here to listen to what you like about services and what you think could be improved. No matter how big or small the issue, we want to hear about it. ​ Where possible, we will let you know when changes are planned to services in our community and help you have a say. We will also encourage those in charge of local care to involve you when changes are being planned to services. ​ You can also speak to us to find information about health and social care services available locally. Our approach People's views come first - especially those who find it hardest to be heard. ​ We champion what matters to you and work with others to find ideas that work. We are independent and committed to making the biggest difference to you. Our Advisory Group Find out about who our members are, what they do and find the latest meeting minutes by visiting the Advisory Group page. Our staff Our staff We have a small team of dedicated individuals with a remit to engage with, offer support, signpost and listen to all our local residents experiences and suggestions relating to NHS Health and Social Care services in Reading. Alice Kunjappy-Clifton Lead Officer (and Authorised Enter and View Representative) Gráinne Colgan Digital Engagement Officer (and Authorised Enter and View Representative) Tariq Gomma Engagement Officer Zainab Koroma Engagement Officer

Contact us On this page you can get in touch using the details below, find directions and opening times for our offices or use the contact form to get in touch with us. Opening Hours Monday 9am 5pm Tuesday 9am 5pm Wednesday 9am 5pm Thursday 9am 5pm Friday 9am 4pm Saturday Closed Sunday Closed Phone 0118 214 5579 Post Healthwatch Reading, Oxford Road Community Centre, 344 Oxford Road, Reading, RG30 1AF Contact form Enter your first name here Enter your email address here Enter your last name here Enter your contact number here Enter your message here I want to subscribe to the newsletter I agree to my data being stored and used in line with the privacy policy. Click here to see the privacy policy Submit Thank you for contacting us

We want to hear from you We're collecting your stories and experiences about GP surgeries, Dentists, Pharmacies and all other health and social care services. Tell us about your experiences and help shape the future of care. Have your say News & Views To see all news posts, click here The NHS app: what it does and how it can help you Not sure what the NHS app is or how it works, this information is for you. By downloading the NHS app on your mobile phone or using it... Improving doctor surgeries for Reading locals Dr Amit Sharma, GP Partner at Brookside Group Practice, talks about how the doctor surgeries across Berkshire West are trying to improve... October 2023: Need to see a dentist for urgent dental care? Help for Reading locals. Dentistry continues to be an ongoing national crisis, and Reading is no exception. We continue to see residents struggling to register... Thanks for all your help and support with everything for me and my family. Anon Upcoming events To see all events, click here No upcoming events at the moment Sign up for our news letter Email First Name Last Name I agree to my data being stored and used in line with the privacy policy. Click here to see the privacy policy Subscribe Thank you for subscribing

Governance Documents We're in the process of finalising our Governance documents. Signup to our newsletter here to be kept in the loop. What does the Advisory Group do? Our Advisory Group works alongside the local team to play an important role in setting and maintaining the strategic direction of Healthwatch Reading. It has a significant role to play, ensuring that Healthwatch Reading adheres to its principles and purpose and operates in a moral and ethical way in the service of the local community. ​ The role includes: Formulating strategy and workplans with the local Manager Ensuring accountability for quality delivery of the strategy and workplan Shaping a positive culture Providing accountability to local people ​ The Advisory Group is formed of volunteers and lay people and is not responsible for the day to day running of Healthwatch Reading. This is done by a small team of paid staff. Meetings Most of the Advisory Group’s meetings are held in public, with an opportunity to ask questions at the discretion of the chairman; these are not public meetings. There are certain decisions – who we represent and engage with, for example – which have to be taken in a meeting in public. The Advisory Group may hold some meetings in private, if there are confidential issues to discuss, or as briefings to develop our strategy. At other times, the Advisory Group may hold open meetings to capture the experiences of local people who use health or care service ​ Click on a meeting below to open/download a pdf version of meeting agenda/minutes. Meeting minutes Date of meeting: 25 July 2023 ​ Meeting minutes Date of meeting: 9 May 2022 The meeting minutes for the first ever informal Advisory Group meeting with our new Advisory Group. Reports Reports can be found on our News & Reports page. Our staff Our Advisory Group members Coming soon ​

Accessibility Resources for desktops and laptops Modern desktop and laptop computer operating systems such as Microsoft's Windows and Apple's OS X have built-in accessibility tools and features, to help users navigate content locally on their machines and online. ​ To find out more about these features please use the relevant link below: ​ Microsoft Windows ​ Apple OS X

This link is no longer valid. Back to Site

News & reports News Healthwatch Reading 2 days ago CQC rate Rosebank House 'requires improvement' Rosebank House on Lower Henley Road, Caversham has been rated " requires improvement" in safety and effectiveness. Rosebank House... Healthwatch Reading 6 days ago Improving doctor surgeries for Reading locals Dr Amit Sharma, GP Partner at Brookside Group Practice, talks about how the doctor surgeries across Berkshire West are trying to improve... Healthwatch Reading Oct 30 October 2023: Need to see a dentist for urgent dental care? Help for Reading locals. Dentistry continues to be an ongoing national crisis, and Reading is no exception. We continue to see residents struggling to register... 1 2 3 4 5 Reports Healthwatch Reading 2 days ago CQC rate Rosebank House 'requires improvement' Rosebank House on Lower Henley Road, Caversham has been rated " requires improvement" in safety and effectiveness. Rosebank House... Healthwatch Reading Jul 2 Report: Left unchecked, why maternal health matters Healthwatch England (HWE) conducted a review of feedback received about maternity services in 2021/2022. They found that maternity care,... Healthwatch Reading Jun 26 Our annual report now published (2022-2023) We're pleased to share our annual report for 2022-2023 with you, detailing our work as a new Healthwatch staff team through a new host... 1 2 3 4 5

Surveys & polls Live surveys & polls Here you can find all of our live surveys & polls. Sharing your thoughts and opinions on a range of health and social care topics helps us to take action and make the changes you want to see. Results Here you can find the results of past surveys & polls.

Find services It can sometimes be difficult to know how to find the services you need. ​ We've put together a list of resources which can help you. Alternatively, you can get in touch and we'll try to help you find what you're looking for. Local services Reading Council maintain a directory of local services that can provide help and support. Directory NHS online 111 online can tell you: ​ where to get help for your symptoms, if you're not sure what to do how to find general health information and advice where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine how to get a repeat prescription 111 online Find a dentist By entering your town or postcode, this website can help you find local dentist surgeries and tell you how to contact them. Find a dentist Social care & support This website can help you to find information on a range of social care & support resources available to you. Social care

Events We run and attend multiple events throughout the year, check the calendar below to see what we've got coming up. November 2023 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Advice & information Healthwatch Reading 6 days ago Improving doctor surgeries for Reading locals Dr Amit Sharma, GP Partner at Brookside Group Practice, talks about how the doctor surgeries across Berkshire West are trying to improve... Healthwatch Reading Oct 30 October 2023: Need to see a dentist for urgent dental care? Help for Reading locals. Dentistry continues to be an ongoing national crisis, and Reading is no exception. We continue to see residents struggling to register... Healthwatch Reading Oct 18 Registering with a doctor: understanding your rights People across the UK continue to experience problems registering with a doctor. We explain your rights and what to do if you're refused... 1 2 3 4 5

Volunteer Make a difference in your local area by giving people the opportunity to speak up about their health and social care Make new friends as you become part of the team Boost your CV as you develop new skills and confidence Use your skills to contribute to the success of Healthwatch across the area Why volunteer with us? Help people in your community have their say on health and social care Our volunteers play a vital role speaking to local people about their experiences and giving them opportunities to share their views and ideas for how services can improve. Many of our volunteers spend time in our community finding out what people think of local services and raising awareness of Healthwatch. What can I do as a volunteer? Our volunteers help us in a number of ways. Whether you have an hour to spare or you're looking for a more regular commitment, there are a range of ways you can get involved. We train some of our volunteers to visit health and social care services and report on people's experiences. You might be observing the service, gathering the views of patients, residents and staff, and contributing to reports which highlight your findings. ​ As a volunteer, you could be attending community events to raise awareness of Healthwatch and encourage people to share their feedback on health and social care in our community. Why do I volunteer? ​ I wanted to give back to the NHS health service that has done so much for my family and Healthwatch gave me that opportunity... ​ - Jan S Volunteer Expression of Interest What type work are you interested in volunteering for (check all that apply) Admin/office work Attending events/stalls Speaking to the public Supporting the governance and decision making of Healthwatch Visiting health and social care settings to see them in action Enter your first name here Enter your email address here Enter your last name here Enter your contact number here Tell us a bit about you and why you'd be a great volunteer I want to subscribe to the newsletter I agree to my data being stored and used in line with the privacy policy. Click here to see the privacy policy Submit Thank you for your interest in volunteering