A NEW campaign has been launched encourage patients to share their views on health services in Swindon.

The Care Quality Commission has linked up with patient group Healthwatch to launch Because We All Care – a campaign calling on people who access services to provide feedback.

This comes after the groups' joint research found that 62 per cent of people in the region say they are more likely to take steps to improve health and social care services since the outbreak of coronavirus.

Swindon Healthwatch volunteer Moya Pinson said: “All feedback is useful. Experience from the other side of the counter can highlight even a very simple issue that can make a huge difference to the quality of service.

“All staff are working so hard and with reduced numbers of staff if any have to isolate due to their own health making them more vulnerable.

“Constructive feedback can highlight positive and negative outcomes in the quality of service and is a benefit to staff, patients and carers when implemented.

“They allows them to deal with issues that they may not have time to check or think about.”

The research shows that 56 per cent of people in the south west said they would be more willing since Covid-19 to support NHS and social care services by actively providing feedback on their care.

The polling suggests that 28 per cent are more likely to donate or fundraise for a relevant health cause.

In total, 44 per cent of people who reported having avoided NHS services due to the pandemic. And a further 60 per cent reported noticeable changes to the standard of care due to Covid-19.

CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care Kate Terroni said: “People working in health and social care have been going to extraordinary lengths to deliver good, safe care during this global crisis.

"They have never had a more crucial – or a more challenging – role to play.

“This research clearly shows the public’s appreciation for the care and support they and their loved ones have received and it’s inspiring that people are now looking for ways to channel this into practical action.

“Now more than ever, every voice really does matter.

"It’s only by hearing what’s working and what’s not, that health and social care providers can improve the quality of care and support that they are delivering.”

People who want to give feedback should go to cqc.org or healthwatch.co.uk.