As we can all understand, leaving hospital is an important milestone in a person’s healthcare journey.

But it isn’t always a smooth experience. Delays, inadequate support and confusing information can affect people’s discharge experiences – and also effect their recovery.

Healthwatch England want to drill down into this issue by identifying where and how the hospital discharge process can be made better for patients and their carers.

Take this survey to share your experiences of hospital discharge in the past year.

The survey ends on the 9th October.

You can find out more by using this handy toolkit.

The post Help Healthwatch England to research hospital discharge appeared first on Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire.

By taking a few minutes to complete a short survey, you can share what’s important to you and help ELFT strengthen its relationships with local communities.

Your feedback will be used to improve the way the Trust involves people in its work and ensures community voices continue to influence the services it provides.

As a thank you for taking part, everyone who completes the survey can choose to be entered into a prize draw to win one of three £50 shopping vouchers.

The survey welcomes feedback on:

• The services ELFT provides.
• How the Trust communicates and involves people.
• How it can better support local communities.

The survey closes on Friday 4 September 2026, and winners of the prize draw will be selected at random and contacted shortly after the closing date using the email address provided.

Your views matter.

Take part in the survey and help shape the future of local mental health and community services.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The post Share Your Views with ELFT appeared first on Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire.

📅 Date: Friday, 2nd October 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
📍 Venue: The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick, MK45 1AH

🌟 This Year’s Theme

“Building Belonging: Celebrating the Power of Our Social Connections”

This year’s theme highlights the importance of strong social connections in helping us live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives as we age. The festival is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with your community, discover local groups and services, and celebrate the organisations and initiatives that help people stay connected, active, and supported across Central Bedfordshire.

The festival continues to grow in popularity and welcomes visitors from across Bedfordshire. It’s more than just a great social event, it’s a fantastic opportunity for older people, families, carers, and friends to access a wealth of information about local health, social care, housing, and community services, all under one roof.

🌿 Supporting Your Health and Wellbeing

As part of this year’s festival, you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of a range of health and wellbeing services.

We will be offering free blood pressure checks, giving you the chance to have your blood pressure measured and learn more about maintaining a healthy heart.

We’re also delighted to welcome the Community Pharmacy Team, who will be providing:

• Free flu vaccinations (subject to eligibility)
• Free hearing tests

These services are available throughout the day, making it easy to look after your health while enjoying everything else the festival has to offer.

🎉 What to Expect

• A warm and welcoming atmosphere
• Informative stalls and expert advice
• Free blood pressure checks from Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire
• Free flu vaccinations (subject to eligibility) and hearing tests from the Community Pharmacy Team
• Spot prizes throughout the day
• Light refreshments and entertainment
• Opportunities to discover local groups, activities and services that help people stay connected and age well
• And much more…

📍 Venue Information

The event takes place at The Rufus Centre, Flitwick.

Not been before? Take a 3D tour to see what to expect.

📞 Need More Information or Transport Assistance?

Call 0300 303 8554 or email info@healthwatch-centralbedfordshire.org.uk.

💛 Thank You

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The post The Festival for Older People 2026 – Building Belonging! appeared first on Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire.

Pippa Nightingale MBE

Pippa Nightingale MBE has become the new CEO of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with a message for her new colleagues and peers:

“I am writing to introduce myself as the new Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

I started my role this morning and I have really enjoyed meeting so many amazing members of staff who all work incredibly hard to ensure the people of Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas receive high quality care.

Throughout my recruitment process, I was struck by the Trust’s strong values, the commitment of its staff, and the impressive progress made since the merger. Our staff have built a high‑performing organisation with a clear sense of purpose and strong connections with the communities they serve.

I am a registered midwife by background and have over 25 years of experience in both clinical and leadership roles. I want to use this experience to build on the excellent foundations that our staff have put in place to continue providing outstanding care to our local community.

Bedfordshire has an incredibly bright future ahead, and I look forward to working with all of you over the coming years to deliver the exciting plans for our county.

Pippa”

All at Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire wish Pippa the best of luck in her new role.

The post Bedfordshire Hospitals welcomes new Chief Executive Officer appeared first on Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire.

The post Is your child starting school in September? appeared first on Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire.

The post UCL study – can you help? appeared first on Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire.

The post Vision Zone 2026 appeared first on Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire.

See the full details below:

The post Bloomin’ Well CIC Annual Pub Quiz appeared first on Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire.

The post Blue Sky Carers Raffle – enter to win! appeared first on Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire.

The post Farewell and Thank You, Debbie appeared first on Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire.