Take part in the Big A&E Survey

Patient visits to accident and emergency departments within hospitals across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire rose by 5.6 per cent during 2024, mainly due to a rise in the number of walk-ins.

In order to bring waiting times down, the ICB needs to understand why more people are going to A&Es instead of using other NHS services, especially as the local population continues to grow.

Over the next three months, BSW ICB will be working with local Healthwatch groups, along with hospitals in Bath, Swindon and Salisbury, to conduct the Big A&E Survey.

Face-to-face questionnaires will be handed out at all three A&Es in BSW, with a digital survey also being launched across social media.

This survey will explore why patients choose accident and emergency departments and their awareness of other treatment options.

It will also look for any health inequalities and service gaps.

The findings will be analysed and shared with system partners to understand the reasons behind the rising visits, to make recommendations on plans to reduce this demand and to improve communication with specific population groups who need support.

People can help improve services in BSW by sharing their own reasons for visiting A&E.

Take part in the Big A&E Survey at https://forms.office.com/e/fiHgCx5P5Y.