1. 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.

  2. Five ways to give feedback to help shape local health and care services in Somerset

    News -

    Share your experiences of local health and care services and make it better for everyone – that’s our message as we celebrate our fifth birthday next week (April 1).

  3. 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.

  4. Healthwatch Somerset calls for more feedback from public

    News -

    We are encouraging local people to give their views and experiences of local health and care services following a recently published report on Mendip House in the county.

  5. New chair of Somerset’s independent health and care champion announced

    News -

    A former school inspector from North Petherton with a passion for shaping local health services will help to lead our board as the county’s independent health and care champion.

  6. Local volunteer Bob urges others to join him to help shape local health and care services

    News -

    Listening to patients and their experiences of health and care is key to improving these services in Somerset – says local volunteer Bob Champion.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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).

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. Have your say - Easy Read

    Report -

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

  26. Who we are and what we do

    Report -

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

  27. Healthwatch England report: Faster progress needed to tackle barriers to care

    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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. What should I know before choosing a care home?

    Advice and Information -

    To choose the right care home and support for your needs, or the needs of a loved one, it's important you have the right information to make your decision. Here are six things you should consider when choosing a care home.

  31. What can you expect when you’re discharged from hospital?

    Advice and Information -

    The usual processes the NHS follows to discharge you from hospital have changed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you can expect when it’s time to leave hospital.

  32. What is a virtual ward?

    Advice and Information -

    With more and more appointments happening online, we've put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals.

  33. What is social prescribing?

    Advice and Information -

    NHS social prescribing link workers can connect you to the right community groups and services to help support you.

  34. What are the symptoms and treatments for diabetes?

    Advice and Information -

    Diabetes UK estimates that five million people in the UK are living with diabetes, with 850,000 of them not yet diagnosed.

  35. Referrals and your right to choose

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know you can choose which hospital you go to when referred for a test, diagnosis, or treatment? Find out how.

  36. 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?

  37. Can I access my GP records online?

    Advice and Information -

    From 31 October 2023, GP surgeries must give patients online access to their new health record entries. Find out what information is in your record and how to access it.

  38. 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.

  39. What is measles and who can get the vaccine?

    Advice and Information -

    Measles vaccination rates are at a ten-year low as cases rise nationwide. Find out about measles, who can get the vaccine, and what you can do to stay safe.

  40. What can the Pharmacy First scheme do for me?

    Advice and Information -

    The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. Find out everything you need to know.

  41. Dentistry in Somerset: Access, affordibility 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.

  42. Access to GP appointments in West Somerset

    Report -

    As part of our Somerset-wide project, we decided to carry out some focused work looking at access to health and social care services in West Somerset.

  43. 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.

  44. The Accessible Information Standard - What you can expect from services

    Advice and Information -

    The Accessible Information Standard is mandatory for all organisations that provide National Health Service (NHS) or adult social care.

  45. How to get the most out of your GP appointment

    Advice and Information -

    Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone. Take a look at our top tips to make the most of your GP appointment.

  46. 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.

  47. 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.

  48. Volunteers Week

    Event -