THE quality of mental health care in Swindon is being analysed by a new survey, launched this week.

The Service User Network Swindon (SUNS) is running a survey looking at the quality of care provided by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP).

The charity, which provides help to those with mental health conditions, is carrying out the study among those who it supports and is keen to get feedback from the wider community.

Ann Mooney, SUNS chairman, said the survey could bring about change in the system, as happened last year.

“Last year, we ran a survey looking at what people thought of AWP asking patients about the care that they receive,” she said.

“The findings weren’t overly positive and the results were sent to our Clinical Commissioning Group.

“Iain Tulley, AWP’s chief executive, came and said he would listen to what has been said and make improvements, so the survey is to see if that has been the case.”

The survey is going to run for around a month with the findings then being independently assessed by Healthwatch Swindon.

The feedback will then be given to the trust to help them in planning any changes to the system.

Ann said: “This is an honest survey ran by a mental health service who have users who are fed up of surveys coming out and them giving their feedback back with nothing being done.

“We aim to get our users’ thoughts heard.”

The trust didn’t want to comment on the survey until it finishes. SUNS aims to represent those from the town who use mental health services and receive care.

Copies of the survey are available from SUNS’ office, or copies can be sent out by post. To request a copy, call 01793 436174, or email ann@swindonsuns.org.

To speak to the charity’s listening line volunteers, call 07850 708317 or 01793 332520 and for more information about the group, visit swindonsuns.org.