1. Are you or your loved ones waiting for hospital care? Share your experience with Healthwatch England

    News -

    Millions of people have had their treatment delayed by the pandemic – are you one of them?

  2. New study asks people how they’ve been affected by waiting for surgery in Somerset

    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.

  3. Annual report highlights how Healthwatch Somerset has supported the public throughout the pandemic

    News -

    Over the last year (April 2020 to March 2021), during the pandemic, 2,387 Somerset residents shared their feedback on the county’s health and social care services with us or sought information and advice on how to access the care and support they needed.

  4. Healthwatch report highlights inconsistencies in NHS 111 service in Somerset and Devon

    News -

    A joint report released today by a group of local Healthwatch in the South West, shows that although the NHS 111 service in Somerset and Devon is rated highly by the public, there are inconsistencies in the quality of the service.

  5. Healthwatch Somerset asks young people ‘How could health and social care services work better for you?’

    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?

  6. Healthwatch Somerset reveals what Somerset residents are saying about health and care during COVID-19

    News -

    Our new report out today reveals local people’s experiences of health and social care during the first six months of COVID-19.

  7. Local Healthwatch plea for public feedback on NHS 111 service

    News -

    A new public survey has been launched to find out more about local people’s experiences of using the NHS 111 service in the region.

  8. Healthwatch Somerset Annual Report: Listening to local people helps make health and social care better

    News -

    Over the last year, more than 1,400 people shared their views on the county’s health and social care services with us, helping to make care better for local people.

  9. Healthwatch Somerset’s Readers Panel can help organisations communicate about coronavirus

    News -

    We can help health and social care organisations to communicate clearly and effectively with local people about the coronavirus and the impact on services and support.

  10. Make your voice count – Help shape the future of health and care services in Somerset

    News -

    We are calling on local people to make sure their voice is heard and reflected in proposals being drawn up by Somerset NHS health and care services, for changes to community-based services and non-emergency care.

  11. National research launched on mental health statistics

    News -

    The UK’s largest independent regulator of official statistics wants to hear from patients, carers and their families about how they access and use statistics on mental health in England.

  12. Hundreds share how they look for help when ill in Somerset

    News -

    People in Somerset looking for health advice and support want to see better access to their GP to get the information they need, rather than looking online for help.

  13. Healthwatch calls on health professionals in Somerset to enable new parents to talk about mental health

    News -

    As the independent health and social care champion for Somerset, we are calling on local services to make more space for new parents in the county to talk about their mental health.

  14. How easy is it to access support and advice to help you stay happy & healthy in Somerset?

    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.

  15. The top four things people in Somerset would like to see improved in local NHS services

    News -

    Hundreds of people in Somerset have shared their views on how to improve NHS health services in the county.

  16. Health visitor still the first point of call when parents of young children need advice and support – new report reveals

    News -

    Parents of young children still prefer to ask their health visitor or GP surgery for health advice and support rather than go to Facebook or consult their Red Book – according to the findings of our survey published today.

  17. People’s real-life experiences of health and social care services in Somerset set out in new report

    News -

    More than 1,800 people have shared their views on the county’s GP surgeries, hospitals and social care over the last year with us – helping to shape and improve those services for all.

  18. Thank you: Over 260 people tell Healthwatch Somerset what they think would make the NHS better

    News -

    Local people share their views about how they want local health services to improve.

  19. Help people with their final wishes for health care – says Somerset man

    News -

    Health and social services should openly talk about end of life care and the wishes of patients – says Healthwatch Somerset volunteer Steve.

  20. Roadshow finishes with more than 400 views on health and care services in Somerset

    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.

  21. NHS figures reveal more people with dementia are being admitted to A&E in Somerset

    News -

    More people with dementia are being rushed to hospital emergency departments in Somerset, according to NHS statistics.

  22. Share your views on NHS services for those with learning disabilities and autism in Somerset

    News -

    Hundreds of children have learning disabilities and autism in Somerset and now families are being asked to help shape local NHS services supporting them.

  23. Share your experiences of Health Visiting Services in Somerset

    News -

    Parents of young children in Somerset are being asked to share their views and experiences about the health visiting services they have received in the County, to help shape the service going forward.

  24. Join a People’s Panel

    News -

    Have your say on the future of health and social care in Somerset – by joining a new Public and Patient People’s Panel.

  25. Helping young people have a voice on health and social care in Somerset

    News -

    The health and care issues affecting children and young people in Somerset have been the focus of our recent work.

  26. Improving Lives Strategy

    News -

    We will be monitoring the progress of a new strategy, launched this month by Somerset’s Health and Wellbeing Board.

  27. Hundreds of people reveal their experiences of Somerset’s 111 non-emergency phone line service

    News -

    We are calling for the NHS non-emergency phone line to provide better communication with the public.

  28. There’s still time to give your views on Somerset’s 111 service

    News -

    People in Somerset are being urged to give their views on using the county’s 111 non-emergency phone line.

  29. Views wanted to help improve Somerset’s failing 111 service

    News -

    People in Somerset are being asked for their views on using the county’s 111 non-emergency phone line.

  30. Healthwatch Somerset welcomes new announcement

    News -

    As the county’s independent health and care champion, we welcome news a new provider will run the out-of-hours GP services in the county.

  31. A voice for the people of Somerset

    News -

    People in Somerset will be given a strong voice to air their views on health and care services in the county – thanks to plans by Evolving Communities, the new provider of the local Healthwatch service.

  32. World Patient Safety Day: Shining a spotlight on patient engagement to support safer care across Somerset

    News -

    Together with NHS Somerset, we are shining a spotlight on patient and family engagement for safer care across Somerset for World Patient Safety Day on 17 September.

  33. What help can you get to pay for your prescriptions?

    Advice and Information -

    The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some can afford. Find out what help is out there to help you cover the cost of your medication.

  34. How to stay informed while you wait for care

    Advice and Information -

    The wait for planned medical care or surgery can be frustrating. That’s why you must get regular and accessible updates while you wait.

  35. What to expect after being referred for an autism assessment

    Advice and Information -

    Autism affects people in different ways. It can bring strengths and challenges that can affect how comfortable, healthy, and happy you feel. Here's what you should expect from an autism assessment, diagnosis and getting the proper support.

  36. How do I get a fit note?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what a ‘fit note’ is, when you might need one and how to get one.

  37. Enter and View report: Newholme Care Home, Ruishton

    Report -

    Our report following a visit to Newholme, a residential care home in the village of Ruishton near Taunton, which provides accommodation for people with a learning disability.

  38. What’s your experience of NHS dental care in Somerset?

    News -

    Share your feedback by 31 October 2023 to help improve access to NHS dentistry.

  39. Empowering Bridgwater residents to live well: Focus group aims to help transform lives of COPD patients

    News -

    The Victoria Park Community Centre in Bridgwater, Somerset, will host an important event on Thursday 30 November, from 10am to 3pm, dedicated to enhancing the lives of Bridgwater residents who live with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

  40. Are you struggling to see an NHS doctor in Somerset?

    News -

    We are asking people to share their experience of booking face-to-face appointments with their GP to help improve access to GP services in the county.

  41. What is menopause and what are the signs?

    Advice and Information -

    With more than thirty recognised symptoms of menopause and growing awareness of the impact on day-to-day life, it can help to know what to look out for and what support is available.

  42. What is SAD, and how can you manage it?

    Advice and Information -

    Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes. One in twenty people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition, with men more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than women.

  43. How to look after yourself while caring for someone else

    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.

  44. Cervical screening: What to expect from your smear test

    Advice and Information -

    Cervical cancer screenings save at least 2,000 lives every year in the UK. Here's what you should expect from your smear test and why these screenings are important.

  45. How can your pharmacy help you?

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know that pharmacies provide advice and information on minor illnesses and ailments? Find out how they can help you.

  46. Reaching out: Looking at mental health support for young people in Somerset

    Report -

    We have been working with our young volunteers to investigate how accessible young people’s mental health services are in Somerset, and to understand how access to support could be improved.

  47. Improving access to young people’s mental health services

    News -

    In our latest report, we call on those responsible for young people’s mental health services to improve awareness, availability and access to mental health support for young people.

  48. Have your say - Easy Read

    Report -

    Download an Easy Read version of our 'Have your say' form.

  49. Who we are and what we do

    Report -

    Here are some Easy Read resources to explain who we are and what we do.

  50. How can you save money on your Hormone Replacement Therapy?

    Advice and Information -

    A new scheme could see women across England save hundreds of pounds a year on their Hormone Replacement Therapy with a prepayment certificate.