HEALTHWATCH READING

Healthwatch Reading is your local health and social care champion.

If you use GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other support services in your area, we want to hear about your experiences. We are independent of the NHS and council and have the power to make sure leaders and decision makers listen to local feedback and improve standards of care.

You can also get reliable and trustworthy information and advice from us – whether you’re trying to find a new GP or dentist, need to know latest Covid guidance or want to understand your options and rights, then our friendly and committed team are here to help.

If you need help to make a formal complaint, we can refer you to Reading Voice, our sister service that provides one-to-one independent advocates or self-help guides.

Our service is free, independent and confidential and available to all residents within the borough of Reading. As a charity, our work is overseen by trustees and a board of local volunteers.

Our service during the pandemic

We are providing most of our services by phone, email or website contact. Face-to-face meetings can be arranged by appointment, subject to client need, public health advice and our own risk assessments. Our previous drop-in service is currently closed.