Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

13/02/2026

Was your baby born in February 2026? You could be invited to take part in our major survey that assesses the quality of maternity services in England.

It is vital that we listen to people using maternity services so we can understand what is working well and what needs to improve.

Look out for your invitation in the post or via SMS.

13/02/2026

Our Sexual Health service are experiencing technical difficulties and therefore you may not be able to contact the service at this time.

The service remains open with all pre-booked appointments still taking place. Walk-in clinics are also open at the following times:

👉🏼 Monday - 1.30pm
👉🏼 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 9am
👉🏼 Thursday - 5pm

Registration is 30 minutes before the start times.

We apologise for the inconvenience during this time and are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

12/02/2026

If your loved one is nearly ready to leave hospital, our team will contact you ahead of discharge to work with you to help them return home as quickly and safely as possible.

This may include discussing ongoing care, arranging equipment, or preparing for their return home. Simple steps, such as checking essentials are in and making sure the heating is on, can help make their journey home more comfortable.

Sometimes patients may need to wait a little longer for medication or transport. When this happens, they may be cared for in our discharge lounge, helping us make beds available for other patients who need hospital care.

11/02/2026

"Different patients and different veins - no two blood draws are ever the same."

Join Pav, Amy and Alix - three of our fantastic phlebotomists - as they celebrate National Phlebotomists Recognition Week.🩸

Our resident vampires, the team support with taking over 1,000 blood tests every week from patients spending time in hospital or visiting as an outpatient.🧛

Well done to the whole team for your hard work to keep patients supported through their hospital journey.❤️

11/02/2026

Today we’re celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science by shining a light on the amazing women across our Trust. 💙

Sarah Wilson, Highly Specialised Cardiac Physiologist, is helping shape the future of healthcare science through national training, mentoring, and education. A Fellow of the British Society of Echocardiography, Sarah has also been recognised with the Educational Leadership Award at the South West Healthcare Science Awards.

Sarah said: “As a woman in science, these experiences have reinforced my passion for educational leadership and for creating supportive pathways that help others thrive.”

Thank you, Sarah, for inspiring the next generation! ✨

11/02/2026

Do you live in West Berkshire and have recently visited our hospital?

We’re working with Healthwatch West Berkshire to hear from local residents about their recent experiences of care.

Whether you came in for an appointment, an inpatient stay, or an emergency visit, your feedback is really important. It helps us understand what’s working well and where we can make improvements.

👉 Share your views by completing the survey here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/greatwh/

The doctors and nurses at The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GWH) are listening—what do you want them to know? 🏥
We have a unique opportunity to get your feedback directly to the people who shape hospital care. Whether your visit was great or could be improved, your voice helps us support our community. Share your story:https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GreatWH/

10/02/2026

We’re currently caring for some patients with symptoms of norovirus, which can spread very easily.

If you’re feeling unwell, please delay visiting the hospital until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have completely stopped.

If you do need to visit:
🧼 Please wash your hands regularly with soap and water
🧴 Use the hand gel provided when entering and leaving wards

Thank you for your understanding and for helping us reduce the spread of infection.

09/02/2026

It's National Apprenticeship Week, and we are proud to offer a variety of clinical and non-clinical apprenticeships right across the organisation. 💙

Holly has recently started an apprenticeship in project management and hopes to go on to study a Masters.

She's the backbone of our transformation team, supporting colleagues across the hospital to make real change and improvement happen in their own areas.

Take it away Holly!💬

08/02/2026

Pharmacists are a great first choice for minor health concern, as many can prescribe medicines.

Ask if the prescribing pharmacist is available if you think you might need a prescription or over-the-counter medicine.

Find an open pharmacy near you: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

07/02/2026

If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis or supporting someone in crisis, please call NHS 111 and select option 2.

Whilst we will always look after if you come through our doors, hospital isn't always the right place for somebody in a mental health crisis.

You can find more information about adult and children's mental health services in our local area here: https://bsw.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/which-nhs-service-should-i-use/mental-health-services/

06/02/2026

Did you know that you don't need to come to hospital to get a physiotherapy referral?

Local people from Wiltshire are able to self-refer to physiotherapy, which might be provided at a community location such as one of the Minor Injury Units in the area. Swindon patients can get a referral through your GP.

You can also visit an MIU for more minor injuries, sprains or fractures.

🦴 https://bswcommunityservices.co.uk/services/

05/02/2026

Give a little kindness this winter to yourself and others around you.💙

There are plenty of tasks you can practise daily to help build stronger and closer relationships. For example, take a little time each day to connect with friends or family around you.

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing as they help build a sense of belonging and self-worth.

Discover more examples, guides, tools and activities on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/

that make a big difference.💙