Healthwatch Somerset is the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We’re here to make sure that those running services put people of Somerset at the heart of care. We want to hear from you We're collecting your stories and experiences about GP surgeries, Dentists, Pharmacies and all other health and social care services. Tell us about your experiences and help shape the future of care. Have your say News & Views To see all news posts, click here Thank you so much for all your help. I had been sent around in circles before coming to you; for you to be so kind and determined was a breath of fresh air. Parent who struggled to find an NHS dentist Upcoming events To see all events, click here No events at the moment subscribe Sign up for our news letter Email First Name Last Name I agree to my data being stored and used in line with the privacy policy. Click here to see the privacy policy Subscribe Thank you for subscribing

Here you can our governance documents and information about how our advisory board keeps us the independent champions of health and social care change in Somerset. Governance Documents Please click on a document below to view/download the document. Complaints Policy Decision Making Policy Advisory Board Terms of Reference What does the Advisory Group do? Our Advisory Group works alongside the local team to play an important role in setting and maintaining the strategic direction of Healthwatch Somerset. It has a significant role to play, ensuring that Healthwatch Somerset adheres to its principles and purpose and operates in a moral and ethical way in the service of the local community. The role includes: Formulating strategy and workplans with the local Manager Ensuring accountability for quality delivery of the strategy and workplan Shaping a positive culture Providing accountability to local people The Advisory Group is formed of volunteers and lay people and is not responsible for the day to day running of Healthwatch Somerset. This is done by a small team of paid staff. Meetings Most of the Advisory Group’s meetings are held in public, with an opportunity to ask questions at the discretion of the chairman; these are not public meetings. There are certain decisions – who we represent and engage with, for example – which have to be taken in a meeting in public. The Advisory Group may hold some meetings in private, if there are confidential issues to discuss, or as briefings to develop our strategy. At other times, the Advisory Group may hold open meetings to capture the experiences of local people who use health or care service Click on a meeting below to open/download a pdf version of meeting agenda/minutes. Agenda for Board Meeting Date of meeting 27 October 2025 Agenda to be agreed Agenda for Board Meeting Date of meeting 28 July 2025 Meeting to discuss Healthwatch Somerset Complaints Process for Website, update on The People’s Vote, and Commissioners Report. Agenda for Board Meeting Date of meeting 23 April 2025 Meeting with an update on Finance; Q4 Commissioners Report, Review Updated Risk Register, Chair, Engagement, Volunteer, and Board Member Activity Reports, Speaker – Sarah Bird, Chief Executive, Timebanking UK Agenda for Board Meeting Date of meeting 12 February 2025 Meeting to discuss Holding to Account: How Well is Your System Working? A toolkit produced by Healthwatch Surrey, review the Healthwatch Somerset Quality Assurance Framework and Action Plan, and review and update the HWS Board Risk Assessment document. Agenda for Board Meeting Date of meeting 27 January 2025 Meeting to discuss Healthwatch Somerset Complaints Process for Website; Update on The People’s Vote; Commissioners Report. Agenda for Board Meeting Date of meeting 3 December 2024 Meeting - Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE, Chair of Healthwatch England - Questions and Answers; Workplan Results. Agenda for Board Meeting Date of meeting 9 September 2024 Meeting to discuss Engagement, Volunteer, and Board Member Activity Reports; a brief update on what staff are working on; Hospital at Home Speakers Tracey Evans and Louise Bird from Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. Agenda for Board Meeting Date of meeting 8 July 2024 Meeting to discuss a brief update on what staff are working on; Terms of Reference for Healthwatch Somerset Board, and Decision-Making Policy; Key Performance Indicators; Chair’s Report and Board Members’ Reports; Speaker - Michelle Hawkes, Public Health Specialist, Somerset Council. Agenda for Board Meeting Date of meeting 13 May 2024 Meeting - Welcome from The Advocacy People and the Role of the Advisory Board; Brief Update from Healthwatch Somerset; Key Performance Indicators; Chair to lead discussion. Agenda for Board Meeting Date of meeting 19 February 2024 Meeting to discuss Update of Current Annual Work Programme; Questions about Chair’s Report, Engagement, Volunteer, and Board Members updates; Update from Evolving Communities; An Update on Treatment Escalation Plans. Agenda for Board Meeting Date of meeting 22 January 2024 Meeting to discuss update on recommissioning of Healthwatch Somerset’s Contract; Workplan ideas/peoples’ vote; Update on current projects; and Charitable status – open discussion Reports Reports can be found on our News & Reports page. Our Advisory Group members Gill Keniston-Goble Judith Goodchild Chair Sandra Wilson Vice Chair Bob Champion Debbie Rigby Tony Robinson Sue Thomas Gill Waldron

Most modern technology has built in accessibility tools. Here you can find resources to help you use those digital accessibility tools. Accessibility Resources for desktops and laptops Modern desktop and laptop computer operating systems such as Microsoft's Windows and Apple's OS X have built-in accessibility tools and features, to help users navigate content locally on their machines and online. To find out more about these features please use the relevant link below: Microsoft Windows Apple OS X

Complete the Somerset health data survey to have your say, find out how your anonymous data may be shared, and how you can opt out. We are working in collaboration with Somerset’s Integrated Care System's (ICS) Digital Data and Technology (DDaT) community to listen to your thoughts, concerns, and ideas about the sharing of your data for population health and care improvements. The ICS's Digital Data and Technology (DDaT) community are developing the Somerset Linked Data Platform (LDP), a secure system that will anonymously link health and social care data. This will help them better understand local needs, improve services, and support people earlier before their health worsens. All data used in the Somerset Linked Data Platform will be anonymised. That means your personal details won’t be shared. You can read more about how the ICS DDaT protect your privacy here . Your feedback will help them make sure this is done responsibly, securely, and in a way that works for everyone. Complete the survey below: Go directly to the survey site here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/somerset-health-data-survey/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQVJspleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE5am85R0pCUU5GVmZMNEpkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgenydX3R6edEe1Puic7vt709UDsv44foCFsdLGEncXXQtuqfJSVo16JW7BG_aem_T583Qua1MIXpzil8BS2nsg If you would prefer to do this survey with us over the phone, please call us free on: 0800 999 1286. Alternatively, please email: info@healthwatchsomerset for further support. Survey closes on Sunday 15 March 2026. Using data to understand Somerset's population’s needs

We welcome the announcement that Allied Pharmacy has been approved to open a new pharmacy in Wellington, situated in the former JHOOTS premises on Mantle Street. The pharmacy is scheduled to open on Monday, 9 th March. Photo showing a pharmacist in a pharmacy Access to local pharmacy services remains essential for the well-being of our communities, particularly at a time when many residents report ongoing challenges in securing GP appointments and obtaining prescribed medication. Ensuring reliable, timely access to medicines and advice is a critical component of local healthcare provision. As we prepare to publish our forthcoming report on pharmacy services  across Somerset, we remain committed to gathering and representing the experiences of local people. Their insights are vital in helping ensure that pharmacy provision across the county is responsive, accessible, and aligned with the needs of our communities. If you would like to give us your feedback on health or social care you can do so here: Have Your Say | Healthwatch Somerset

Our February Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. Snowdrops at Mansell Lock To read our February Newsletter - click on the PDF below: If you need this newsletter in a different format, please email: info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk  or call 0800 999 1286.