Junior doctors across Berkshire will be taking industrial action for 72-hours starting today at 7am until 7am Saturday 17 June, due to the on-going pay dispute. Previous strike action across the UK, in April, affected more than 200,000 outpatient appointments or operations. This industrial action also comes at the same time as NHS Trusts across the area are seeing increased attendance in Emergency Departments, Urgent Care Centres and Minor Injuries due to the recent hot weather and high pollen levels/hayfever, which is set to continue for the next couple of weeks. How will this affect me and/or my family: Will emergency care be affected on strike days? Emergency care will continue to be available across Berkshire. It is really important that in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or their life is at risk patients continue to come forward as normal. What if I need urgent or emergency care? Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS111 online or call NHS 111 to be assessed and directed to the right care for them. When someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the normal way, by calling 999 or attending A&E. The NHS.UK website has more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E. What if I have an appointment on a strike day? Everyone who has an appointment should attend as planned, unless your local NHS provider has contacted you to reschedule. If you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment even if your NHS Trust is affected by strikes. When will I find out if my appointment is rescheduled? The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. This is likely to be a letter or phone call, and you should be offered an alternative date for your appointment. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. Is there anything I should do now? No, the NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. Should I cancel my appointment on the day of strikes? No, if we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. Are there further strikes planned? Currently, a ballot of nurse members of the Royal College of Nursing is underway until 23 June about a new mandate for a national strike, and also for hospital consultant members of the British Medical Association in their first vote on whether they support industrial action, which closes on 27 June. For more information and advice Information on strike action from NHS England, click here. Advice for hot weather, click here. Advice for hayfever and high pollen levels, as the pollen count remains high, and will continue for the next couple of weeks: Hay fever - NHS (www.nhs.uk). You can also visit your local pharmacy for advice on hayfever for you and your loved ones. We'd like to hear your views on strike action and your experiences of healthcare services during this time. Call us or share your views with us online, here.

Everyone has the right to make a complaint about any aspect of NHS care, treatment or service, and this is written into the NHS Constitution on GOV.UK. There are many ways in which you can raise an NHS complaint and one of these ways is changing from 1st July. What is changing From 1 July 2023, people across the UK will no longer be able to raise an NHS complaint about GPs, dentists, opticians or pharmacy services (also known as primary care services) directly to NHS England. Instead, complaints must be raised to the local organisation that pays for services and care you receive locally, also known as a commissioner. In Wokingham Borough, the local commissioner is the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB). Find out more about BOB ICS here. If you have an ongoing complaint that was received by NHS England before 1 July 2022, you will receive a letter from NHS England informing you that your complaint is being retained by NHS England with confirmation of your case handler. If you have an ongoing complaint received on/after 1 July 2022 will receive a letter from NHS England informing them that the local commissioner is now handling your complaint with confirmation of your case handler. What is not changing You can still make a complaint directly to the healthcare provider (where you received the NHS service, such as your dentist, or GP) rather than going through the commissioner. If you would like free, independent and confidential support with your NHS complaint rather than going directly to the commissioner or healthcare provider, you can reach out to us, as our host The Advocacy People, can support you with your NHS complaint from the start. Click here for more information on making an NHS formal complaint with us.

With hot weather forecast over the next few days and weather alerts issued locally, it's important to be heat aware, and to be aware of those who are vulnerable who may need help, support and guidance during this time. For more information and advice: NHS guidance: Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather - NHS (www.nhs.uk) UK Health Security Agency (was known as Public Health England): Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Met Office: Hot weather and its impacts - Met Office

Professor David Croisdale-Appleby has been appointed as the new Chair of Healthwatch England, the independent champion for people who use health and social care. David will take up the role to lead Healthwatch to ensure decision makers and the NHS hear the public voice and use their experiences to improve care. He also joins CQC as a non-executive director. David is an academic, medical educationist and social reformer, and has held many leadership positions at organisations across the health and care sectors. Until recently a non-executive director at Health Education England, David is the current chair of the Royal College of Physicians. He also chairs Durham University International Business School and Dementia UK. His previous positions as a Chair have included at an NHS trust, the forensic science regulator and the UK-wide sector skills council for social care and social work. David’s national awards include an OBE in 2009, the Sunday Times Non-Executive Director of the Year in 2016, and the National Charity Governance Award in 2019. Speaking of his appointment, Prof David Croisdale-Appleby said: "Listening to the voice of the public is essential in designing and shaping the NHS and social care services if we are to achieve better quality care for our nation. "Over the last decade, the Healthwatch network has empowered millions of people to share their personal experiences of care, and has become an essential advocate to which policy-makers and services listen. They’ve demonstrated the power of patient feedback to help decision-makers understand what is, and isn’t working well, identifying issues, and suggesting how best to improve them. "I feel very privileged to take on the role of Chair of Healthwatch England at this critical time for our health and care services, focusing on the big issues that concern the public and the communities that experience severe health inequalities." Ian Dilks, Chair at CQC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Croisdale-Appleby to the CQC Board in his role as Chair of Healthwatch England. He joins us at a critical period for the organisation as we implement our new strategy and seek to ensure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, high quality care in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to working closely with him and the wider Board to drive improvements across health and social care.” David replaces Belinda Black, who has been an interim Chair of the Healthwatch England Committee, following the departure of Sir Robert Francis KC in November 2022.

We're thrilled to announce that we are now listed on the Joy app. The app enables GPs and other local health and social care professionals across Wokingham Borough to easily refer local residents into local services. There is also an option for residents to refer themselves to local services too. We can be contacted via the app by anyone who wants to share their experiences on local health and social care services (the good or bad) with us, to make formal NHS complaints, and by anyone needing advice and signposting to other local health and social care services. Thank you to the Wokingham Borough Council for helping us get listed. We look forward to linking with local residents and other organisations via the app.

It's no surprise that access to NHS dental care continues to be a significant issue locally and nationally. In early March, Healthwatch England submitted dentistry feedback from Healthwatch groups across the UK to an ongoing parliamentary inquiry run by the Health and Social Care Committee, on the state of NHS dentistry, following a survey that showed 90% of dental practices across the UK are not accepting new adult NHS patients. MPs frequently use Healthwatch groups' feedback in debates in the House of Commons and Westminster Hall to highlight the scale of the problem and the impact on individual people. On April 27th, Steve Brine MP, and Health and Social Care Committee Chair spoke at the Reforms to NHS Dentistry debate in parliament on the dentistry crisis, and the feedback from Healthwatch groups across the UK. Steve Brine MP said: “One of the many submissions that the Committee received talked about people extracting their own teeth with pliers, something that should not happen in the 21st century. The problem is particularly acute in some areas of the country—we will hear talk today about dental deserts, I am sure—and among some groups of people, but challenges and capacity issues are experienced across the board. Our inquiry received a wide range of written evidence, including from nearly 30 local Healthwatch groups. We also held two detailed oral evidence sessions examining the problem and, of course, potential solutions. We heard from Healthwatch that the majority of complaints that it receives at the moment are about dentistry. Day in, day out, local Healthwatch groups receive emails and calls about problems accessing an NHS dentist. That is reflected in other evidence that we received; I know it is not easy for some to hear this, but as a Select Committee Chair, I can only follow the evidence that I receive. We have also heard again and again about the challenge of recruiting and retaining NHS dentists.” What is Healthwatch England calling for in dentistry? A more rapid and radical reform of how dentistry is commissioned and provided – recognising that the current arrangements do not meet the needs of many people who cannot access NHS dental care in a timely way and acknowledging issues faced by the dental profession. Using the commissioning reform to tackle the twin crises of access and affordability – ensuring that people are not excluded from dental services because of lack of local provision or difficulty meeting charges. Currently, there are significant inequalities that must be tackled. New arrangements should be based on maximising access to NHS dental services, particularly reducing inequalities. Greater clarity in the information about NHS dentistry– improving information, including online, so that people have a clear picture of where and how they can access services, as well as the cost. The reform must address dentistry ‘registration’ which causes significant confusion for both services and patients. Look at using dental practices to support people’s general health – harnessing opportunities, like the development of Primary Care Networks, to link oral health to other key issues, such as weight management and smoking cessation. What action is Healthwatch Wokingham Borough taking? All the feedback you send us about your dental experiences across Wokingham Borough not only helps us to inform local NHS dentistry leaders, but also helps to make change nationally, as it gets sent to our national body Healthwatch England anonymously. We still want to know your views and experiences on local dental care, which you can share with us here. Healthwatch Wokingham continues to engage with NHS England – South East Dental and NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB). We have been given the latest dental information and advice from South East Dental on what to do if you or your loved ones, including children, need dental care and can’t access an NHS dentist, just click here. Your dentistry feedback is more important than ever; have your say, get your voice heard and we will do everything we can locally, and nationally with Healthwatch England, to keep dentistry top of the Government’s healthcare agenda. Call us: 0118 418 1418 Email us: enquiries@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk Fill out an online form here.

Dr Nick Broughton has been appointed interim Chief Executive of NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB). Nick, who joins the ICB in July, will bring a wealth of experience to the organisation. He has been in his role as Chief Executive at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust for three years. Previously, he was Chief Executive at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, where he led the organisation from a Care Quality Committee rating of ‘Requires Improvement’ in 2017 to ‘Good’ in January 2020. Nick is currently a member of the ICB board in his role as Mental Health Partner member. As a consultant psychiatrist for more than 20 years specialising in forensic psychiatry, Nick has held medical and clinical director roles, and a variety of other managerial positions, including as Chief Executive of Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Read more about Dr Nick Broughton and his appointment on the BOB ICB website, here.

The care agency based in Molly Millars Close provides support to children, younger adults, older people and people who may have dementia, a physical disability or sensory impairment. The service remains rated 'requires improvement.' This service has been rated 'requires improvement' for the last 4 consecutive CQC inspections. Home Angels Healthcare Services Ltd completed an action plan after the last inspection to show what they would do and by when to improve. However at the latest inspection, the CQC found the provider remained in breach of regulations in relation to risk assessments, staff training and notifications of incidents to the CQC. Read the latest report here. We'd like to hear the views and experiences (the good and/or the bad) from people who receive support from this agency or family members/carers of someone receiving support. We can share your feedback (anonymously) with the CQC local team, and get your voice heard: Call us: 0118 418 1418 Email: enquiries@healthwatchwokingham.co.uk Online form: Have Your Say

Wokingham residents at high risk who have yet to receive their Covid-19 Spring booster, will be able to do so at one of two pop-up clinics in Wokingham. COVID-19 is more serious in older people and in people with certain underlying health conditions. For these reasons, people aged 75 years and over, those in care homes, and those aged 5 years and over with a weakened immune system are being offered a spring booster of COVID-19 vaccine. Location: Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1BN. Friday 19th May: 10:00am - 4:45pm Friday 26th May: 10:00am - 4:45pm The clinics will accept walk-ins but you can also book in your booster by: Calling 119 (free) NHS website NHS App This Spring booster programme closes on 30 June 2023, you can read more here. More informationCovid-19 boosters can be found on the UK Government website.

With May Day, the King’s Coronation and the Spring bank holiday nearly upon us, Healthwatch Wokingham Borough want to remind everyone to make sure their medicine cabinets are stocked up, and repeat prescriptions are ordered in time for the following dates: Monday 1st May: May Day bank holiday Saturday 6th May: Coronation of King Charles III Monday 8th May: Bank holiday for the Coronation of King Charles III Monday 29th May: Spring bank holiday During the bank holidays, please call your chosen pharmacy before visiting to ensure they are open and have the medication you need. Local pharmacy opening hours are below: Get medical help with NHS 111 NHS 111 can also be used for less-urgent health concerns to get advice and information based on their individual specific symptoms. The service is available 24 hours a day, including weekends and bank holidays, and can be reached online at 111.nhs.uk or over the phone by calling 119. In an emergency People experiencing a genuine, life-threatening health emergency, such as heavy bleeding, significant chest pain or loss of consciousness should seek help straight away by calling 999 or by visiting the nearest hospital emergency department.

The 48-hour strike will involve nursing staff working in emergency departments, intensive care units, cancer care and other services that were previously exempt. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and government are in dispute about the timings of the strikes but for operational purposes, the NHS must plan for strikes to go ahead. The government on Monday announced it will take legal action against the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), over its planned 48-hour strike. Health Secretary Steve Barclay has written to RCN leaders claiming their plans for industrial action "go beyond the mandate you secured from your members." In a statement released on Twitter on Monday evening, Mr Barclay said he had “no choice but to proceed with legal action” against the RCN. “Following a request from NHS Employers I am regretfully applying to the High Court to declare the Royal College of Nursing’s planned strike action on May 2 unlawful. “Despite attempts by my officials to resolve the situation with the RCN over the weekend, I have been left with no choice but to proceed with legal action." More information and updates to follow. Meanwhile the NHS is asking patients to choose services appropriately during these strikes and to take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most. In a statement Royal Berkshire NHS Trust have said: “As a Trust our priority is to provide safe care for our patients. And we have plans in place to deal with any changes to our services. We are working with the RCN to make sure we can provide emergency and urgent services to patients on these days. To allow us to do this, we may need to reschedule some routine and non-urgent appointments and procedures, and if that’s the case we will contact you directly in advance to re-arrange your date. If you do not hear from us, you should come in as planned. Emergency Departments are for medical emergencies only, to help those most in need. An emergency is if somebody is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk like: a heart attack, stroke, having difficulty breathing, or a seizure. If you need medical help but it's not an emergency, then the Urgent Care Centre in the Broad Street Mall, Reading (RG1 7QE) is open from 8am-8pm seven days a week. Your local Pharmacy or GP are also there to help with non-emergency care. If you’re not sure where to get support, contact NHS 111 who will give you advice.” Healthwatch will update this page with new information as it comes in. Share your views about the strike action and/or share your experience of healthcare during the strikes here.

Health and care partners in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) are asking for Wokingham Borough residents to share their views for its NHS Joint Forward Plan. The Joint Forward Plan outlines how health and care services will be delivered to people living in BOB over the next five years. The plan is developed by the BOB Intergrated Care Board (BOB ICB) and NHS provider Trusts, working closely with local authority colleagues. Learn more about BOB ICB in our article here. The plan also explains how the ICB will deliver the ambitions set out in BOB Integrated Care Strategy and includes operational plans for 2023 and 2024. The ICB has been working closely with stakeholders over the past few months to understand how to deliver health and care services which best meet the population’s needs, and now needs Reading locals' feedback on five key areas of the the plan: Promoting and Protecting Health – supporting people to keep healthy and well, with focus on prevention, inequalities and vaccination and immunisation. Start Well – helping children achieve the best start in life, focusing on maternity services, children’s mental health, children’s learning disabilities, children’s neurodiversity and children with long-term health conditions. Live Well - supporting people and communities to live happy and healthy lives, with particular interest in long-term conditions, adult mental health, adult neurodiversity and cancer services. Age Well – enabling people to stay healthy and live independently for longer, looking at frailty and community multidisciplinary teams. Quality and Access – creating access to the right care in the best place, reviewing primary care, urgent and emergency care, planned care and palliative and end of life care. Members of the public can have their say on the Joint Forward Plan by submitting their thoughts on the online engagement website, YourVoiceinBob. Feedback can also be shared by: Email: engagement.bobics@nhs.net Phone: 0300 123 4465 Writing to: Communications and Engagement Team Freepost BOB INTEGRATED CARE BOARD (Note: when using this Freepost address please ensure BOB INTEGRATED CARE BOARD is written in capital letters)