Healthwatch Reading, with its fellow branches in Wokingham and West Berkshire is conducting a study of access to GP practices. There will be a number of focus group meetings - according to which practice you attend: Thursday 16th Nov 10am - 11,39am Weller Centre, 110 Amersham Road, Reading RG4 5NA Join the discussion if you attend these doctors' surgeries: Balmore Park or Emmer Green Tuesday, 28th Nov 10am - 11.30am RISC 35-39 London Street RG1 4PS Join the discussion if you attend Reading-Walk-In, University Medical Group or Abbey Medical

The Reading VCS (Voluntary, Charitable and Social Exterpise) Assembly will meet from 10.00 - 12.30 on THursday, 12th October 2023 to discuss interaction with local institutions such as NHS, Borough Council, and local intiiatives. Tickets, free, may be obtained from EVenbrite .

Under the Lansley "reforms" in 2013, NHS commissioners were allowed and encouraged to award contracts for the provision of certain services to "any qualified provider". Audiology, the assessment of hearing and the provision of hearing aids, was one of those services and Specsavers was the provider most prominently known for providing that service. We understand that this arrangement has been brought to an end locally on medical grounds. Commissioners have decided that audiology will now be provided by the Royal Berkshire Hospital locally at 8 sites (to be specified).

 We remind readers that they should no longer be asked to phone back another day or time when phoning to arrange a GP appointment. In March this year the government and NHS England imposed the GP contract after negotiations with the BMA broke down. The new contract specifies that practices must not ask callers to call back another day.

The Covid-19 and flu Autumn booster campaign will start on 11th September with vaccinations in care homes and through local bookings. The national NHS booking site will bcome available on 18th September. It is recommended that the flu and Covid-19 vaccinations be given together, though this is not mandatory. Those eligible for the Covid-19 booster are: