-
Advice and Information -
Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to. -
Advice and Information -
We explain why it’s important to have a plan in place, should you or a loved one become critically ill. -
Advice and Information -
Tips to help you stay well this winter and get the care you need. -
Report -
Members of this support group run by the Parent Carer Forum shared their concerns and experiences with us. Many of the group had common issues with assessments and having their needs met at GP surgeries. -
Report -
We engaged with members of the carers support group, who meet monthly at Quantock Vale Surgery, Bishops Lydeard. We informed the group about our work and role of Healthwatch and listened to their queries and concerns about the health and social care services that they use. We also introduced our survey on ‘How Connected are You?’ -
Report -
We engaged with members of the carers support group who meet monthly at the GP Medical Centre in Ilchester. We informed the group about our work and role of Healthwatch, and listened to their queries and concerns about the health and social care services that they use. We also introduced our survey on ‘How Connected are You?’ -
Report -
We engaged with members of the carers support group who meet monthly at the GP Medical Centre in Martock. We informed the group about our work and role of Healthwatch, and listened to their queries and concerns about the health and social care services that they use. We also introduced our survey on ‘How Connected are You?’ -
Report -
Our Manager and a Local Board member attended a Young Carers Forum meeting to hear the views of young carers on the Somerset Young Carers Service. This took place at the Young People’s Centre in Street. -
News -
As Healthwatch marks its tenth anniversary this week, Healthwatch Somerset joins the 152 local Healthwatch across England to appeal for more people to feedback on NHS care. -
News -
Our new report evaluates people’s experiences of being discharged from hospital to be cared for at home or in a residential or community care setting. -
Blog -
Shepton Mallet resident Bob became a full-time carer when he retired from a long career with the ambulance service. -
Blog -
We invited Fiona Harvey, Carers Service Coordinator for the Community Council for Somerset, to tell us about support for unpaid carers in Somerset as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease. -
Blog -
Know your rights and get the support you need -
News -
In our recent survey, patients who are waiting for planned surgery in Somerset reported a lack of communication from hospitals and many felt their health and wellbeing had deteriorated while waiting for treatment. -
News -
In our new report out today, young people are calling on the county’s health and social care services to improve how they communicate – with each other and with young people – to improve how they care. -
News -
As the number of patients waiting for surgery continues to grow, nationally and in southwest England, we are asking people about their experiences of being referred for surgery in Somerset and how they have been affected by waiting times. -
News -
We have announced the areas we will investigate this year, to make sure that local people’s views and experiences are used to drive and support improvements in local services. -
News -
We want to know what people think about the care they have received from Somerset’s District Nursing Service, to help the service develop and improve how it cares for local people. -
News -
What’s it like being a young person using health, social care and wellbeing services in Somerset, and what changes do young people want to see? -
News -
It’s national Carers Week (8-14 June) and we want to know about your experiences of being an unpaid carer or being cared for during COVID-19, to help local services understand how to provide better social care and support. -
News -
People in Somerset are being asked to share how they access information, support and advice when they are ill, looking after someone or finding it difficult to manage living at home, to help shape local services going forward. -
News -
Hundreds of people in Somerset have shared their views on how to improve NHS health services in the county. -
News -
Health and social services should openly talk about end of life care and the wishes of patients – says Healthwatch Somerset volunteer Steve. -
News -
New feedback gathered by us on the county’s Adult Safeguarding service will be used to improve it for the future. -
News -
Our roadshow, which travelled almost 260 miles around Somerset to find out the views of local people on health and care services, has finished a seven-day tour with more than 400 views collected. -
Advice and Information -
Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below to find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it. -
Advice and Information -
Each day 6,000 people become carers. Looking after a loved one can be physically and emotionally exhausting so it's vital that you get the support you need. Find out how you can make sure you look after yourself. -
News -
Access to care is the main concern people have shared with Healthwatch in the past year. A new report by Healthwatch England looking at health and social care from the patients' perspective has warned that we risk "a two-tier health and care system" unless the NHS takes faster action to tackle access issues. -
Advice and Information -
Here we look at six things you should expect when making a complaint about social care services. -
News -
The Somerset Carers Engagement Project recently achieved a significant milestone in its mission to empower and support unpaid carers across the county when it held a major collaborative event to inform Somerset's renewed Commitment to Carers. -
Advice and Information -
People are often in need of out-of-hours medical assistance. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed. -
Advice and Information -
Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services. -
Advice and Information -
If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help. -
Advice and Information -
Find out the signs and symptoms of monkeypox, what to do if you think you have it and who is eligible for a vaccine. -
News -
With spiralling costs of living, Healthwatch England is warning people are making changes to how they use health and social care services, which can have an adverse impact on their health and wellbeing. -
Advice and Information -
In a post-pandemic world where the cost-of-living crisis is challenging for many of us, prioritising our mental health and wellbeing is necessary. -
Advice and Information -
People have told us they want to feel listened to and involved in decisions about their social care. Here are six things you should expect from care services, according to new guidelines. -
Advice and Information -
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a life-changing event, but knowing what support is available to you and what steps to take next can help you or a loved one process the diagnosis and plan for the future. -
Advice and Information -
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses that anyone can develop, regardless of age, income and ethnicity. Take a look at some of the common signs of eating disorders and where to go for support if you need help. -
Advice and Information -
Take a look at what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme, including where to go and why it's important. -
Advice and Information -
For new arrivals to the UK it can be confusing where to go if you need medical assistance. Here we outline your rights as a refugee, where you can access emergency help and how to register for a GP. -
Advice and Information -
When you need specialist NHS support, like hospital tests or treatment, you often need a referral from your GP first. Find out what this includes and what to expect. -
Advice and Information -
The NHS wants to make it easier and safer for patients to get the right treatment when they need it, without waiting a long time to be seen in A&E. Find out what this means for you and your loved ones. -
Advice and Information -
Understanding the symptoms of flu and what the flu vaccine is helps you make informed decisions about your health. -
Advice and Information -
In a post-pandemic world where the cost-of-living crisis is challenging for many of us, prioritising our mental health and wellbeing is necessary.
-
Report -
Our report following a visit to Ash Ward in Bridgwater, a 12-bed low secure inpatient rehabilitation and recovery unit for male adults with mental health difficulties. -
Report -
Our report following a visit to Magnolia Ward in Yeovil, which has 14 beds, providing assessment and treatment for older people suffering from dementia and other confused states. -
Report -
Our report following a visit to Rowan Ward in Yeovil, which has 18 beds, providing assessment and treatment primarily for adults of working age experiencing an acute mental health problem. -
Report -
Our report following a visit to Wessex Ward in Bridgwater, that provides beds for up to 12 young people.
