1. Looking after your oral health while living in a care home

    Advice and Information -

    Living in a care home can increase your risk of oral health problems. That's why knowing what questions to ask care staff about your oral health or loved ones can prevent problems from developing.

  2. How can you find an NHS dentist?

    Advice and Information -

    Are you having trouble finding an NHS funded dentist? Read our tips on what to do if you’re facing problems.

  3. Dentistry data for local Healthwatch: October 2022

    Report -

    Quarterly feedback to the NHS Local Dental Network from local Healthwatch in the South West.

  4. Dentistry data for local Healthwatch: December 2022

    Report -

    Quarterly feedback to the NHS Local Dental Network from local Healthwatch in the South West.

  5. Advocating for fairer NHS dentistry: Dentistry data for local Healthwatch, July 2023

    Report -

    Quarterly feedback to the NHS Local Dental Network from local Healthwatch in the South West

  6. ‘Review culture’ is on the rise, yet only one in ten people feedback on health services

    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.

  7. Lack of NHS Dentists in Somerset

    Blog -

    Lack of access to NHS dentists in Somerset is a significant issue raised with us by the public. They have told us that NHS dentists in Somerset are not taking on new patients.

  8. Healthwatch England news: Lack of NHS dental appointments widens health inequalities

    News -

    A new survey of public attitudes to NHS dentistry shows that half of the adults in England find dental charges unfair amid escalating living costs.

  9. Do you or someone you care for use NHS special care dental services in the South West?

    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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. Dentistry in Somerset: Access, affordability and the impact on oral health

    Report -

    A lack of access to NHS dentists in Somerset remains a pressing issue, including for parents, vulnerable individuals and those with financial constraints. We have residents who are enduring persistent pain and grappling with unresolved dental issues.

  13. What the new dental recovery plan means for you

    Advice and Information -

    Are you struggling to find an NHS dentist? The new dental recovery plan might help you get the dental care you need.

  14. Top 10 ways to get the most out of your next dental appointment

    Advice and Information -

    How can I get the most out of my next visit to the dentist? Take a look at our tips to help you prepare for your appointment and make sure you understand your treatment and how much it will cost.

  15. Planning care at the end of life

    Advice and Information -

    We explain why it’s important to have a plan in place, should you or a loved one become critically ill.

  16. How should social care support you?

    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.

  17. Enter and View: Able2achieve

    Report -

    Our report following a visit to Able2achieve in Yeovil, which provides supported living and domiciliary care provision.

  18. The District Nursing Service: People’s experiences of using the service in Somerset

    Report -

    We gathered the views of those currently using the District Nursing Service. We wanted to know what the current strengths and weaknesses were in the delivery of the service to patients in Somerset.

  19. Evaluating people’s experiences of being transferred from hospital to care at home or in the community

    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.

  20. Caring during COVID-19: Healthwatch Somerset shines a spotlight on unpaid care

    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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. What is adult social care?

    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.

  24. Making a complaint about social care services – what should you expect?

    Advice and Information -

    Here we look at six things you should expect when making a complaint about social care services.

  25. What is an NHS and Care Volunteer Responder, and how can I access this service?

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know Volunteer Responders can help you access support and services such as collecting prescriptions and shopping delivery?

  26. Collaborative event sets the stage for renewed commitment to Somerset’s unpaid carers

    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.

  27. What should you expect from home care services?

    Advice and Information -

    Five things you should expect from home care, domiciliary care or help in the home.