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How is your Pharmacy working for you?
Our report highlights opportunities to improve awareness of pharmacy services, provide clearer information about Pharmacy First, strengthen privacy for consultations and improve communication when prescriptions are delayed.
3 days ago


Enter and View report: Ivelhurst Nursing Home, Yeovil
In June 2026, Healthwatch carried out an Enter and View visit to Ivelhurst Nursing Home in Yeovil. During our visit, we observed the quality of care and spoke with people who use the service, including residents, relatives, and staff.
Aug 20


Speaking up for better care: Healthwatch Somerset annual report 2025–26
Our latest annual report reveals how thousands of residents shared their experiences last year, helping drive improvements across health and social care. We have had a strong year of impact, amplifying public voice and improving awareness of key issues across Somerset. We have used community insight to: Influence service improvements Improve access and communication Ensure people’s experiences shape care Our year in numbers (2025–2026) 2,056 people shared their experiences of
Jul 1


The people’s voice: What matters most to you in Somerset health and care services 2026/27
We asked you to help shape our workplan for 2026/27 and our latest report shows the results of what you told us.
May 18


Enter and View report: Elliscombe House Care Home, Wincanton
In June 2025 we undertook an Enter and View visit to Elliscombe House to observe the quality of service and talk to people using the service, including residents, relatives and staff.
Aug 26, 2025


Who Cares? Hearing how caregivers view available support and resources in Somerset
Triggered by increasing concerns raised by local carers and chosen as a priority through the 2024 People's Vote, our report aims to...
Aug 19, 2025


Neuro rehabilitation in Somerset for people with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
In our latest report, we detail the engagement with ABI survivors and professionals which has revealed gaps in the county's healthcare and rehabilitation pathways for people with an acquired brain injury. One of the activities of a Local Healthwatch is to make reports and recommendations about how local care services could or ought to be improved. In 2022 Healthwatch Somerset worked with NHS Somerset ICB to create a series of case studies, to support a business case for chan
Jul 1, 2025


Annual report 2024-25: Unlocking the power of people-driven care
Our annual report, Unlocking the power of people-driven care, highlights how we've worked throughout the year to understand people's health and care needs, and used public feedback to help NHS and social care services in Somerset improve. The report also outlines our work planned for 2025-26. The year in numbers 5094 people shared their experiences of health and social care services with us, helping to raise awareness of issues and improve care. 1364 people came to us for cle
Jun 27, 2025


Minehead Medical Centre: A review of patient access and care at Minehead Medical Centre
In our latest report, we talk about people's experiences when trying to make appointments at a local doctor’s surgery in West Somerset In...
Jun 17, 2025


The people’s choice 2025: Listening to your voice in our key projects for in 2024/25
We asked you to help shape our workplan for 2025/26 and our latest report shows the results of what you told us. Each year, we gather...
May 15, 2025


Enter and View report: Oakhill Surgery, Radstock
In November 2024 we undertook an Enter and View visit to Oakhill Surgery to observe the quality of service, and talk to people using the...
Feb 11, 2025


The Value of Listening: Annual Report 2023-24
In our latest Annual Report, The Value of Listening, we highlight how we've worked throughout the year to understand people’s health and...
Nov 6, 2024


Enter and View report: Taunton Community Diagnostic Centre
We visited the Community Diagnostic Centre in January and February 2024 as part of a Healthwatch England project about Diagnostic Centers...
Oct 28, 2024


Enter and View report: Highfield House Residential Care Home, Castle Cary
Our report following a visit to Highfield House, a Grade 2 listed house converted to a care home and situated on the High Street, in the...
Oct 11, 2024


The doctor will see you now: A look at booking an appointment with your GP in Somerset
In response to local feedback about challenges in booking appointments with GPs, we have explored people’s experiences across the county....
Sep 16, 2024


The People's Vote
Every year Healthwatch Somerset (HWS) Board and Staff members gather information about the delivery and efficiency of local health and...
May 23, 2024


Access to GP appointments in West Somerset
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...
Mar 25, 2024


Dentistry in Somerset: Access, affordability and the impact on oral health
A lack of access to NHS dentists in Somerset remains a pressing issue, including for parents, vulnerable individuals and those with...
Mar 25, 2024


Reaching out: Looking at mental health support for young people in Somerset
We have been working with our young volunteers to investigate how accessible young people’s mental health services are in Somerset, and...
Oct 31, 2023


Enter and View report: Newholme Care Home, Ruishton
Our report following a visit to Newholme, a residential care home in the village of Ruishton near Taunton, which provides accommodation...
Sep 14, 2023
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