top of page

All posts


Getting a second opinion about your care
A second opinion is when you choose to request the expertise of another healthcare professional after you've been given a diagnosis or...
Feb 3


What should I do if my GP removes me from their list?
GP practices very rarely remove patients from their list. If you are removed from a GP practice, you may need to register with a new one....
Jan 13


Healthwatch Somerset - November Newsletter
Our November newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. To read our...
Nov 20, 2024

Are you a young person under 18 who provides regular care and support to a family member?
Tell us about information available to you, and you could be entered into a draw for a £35.00 Amazon gift voucher. Graphic kindly...
Oct 15, 2024


Do you look after a family member or friend who couldn’t manage without your support?
Investigating available information for unpaid carers in Somerset. Over 49,000 unpaid carers in Somerset help take care of a family...
Oct 7, 2024


How to make cervical screening (a smear test) work for you
Cervical screening, previously known as a smear test, saves over 4,000 lives every year in the UK. However, some women find it...
Sep 11, 2024


What help can you get to pay for your prescriptions?
The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some can afford. Find out what...
Apr 25, 2024


What can the Pharmacy First scheme do for me?
The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you...
Feb 12, 2024


Referrals and your right to choose
Did you know you can choose which hospital you go to when referred for a test, diagnosis, or treatment? Find out how. If you use the NHS,...
Nov 21, 2023


What are the symptoms and treatments for diabetes?
Diabetes UK estimates that five million people in the UK are living with diabetes, with 850,000 of them not yet diagnosed. The number of...
Nov 14, 2023


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


Improving access to young people’s mental health services
In our latest report, we call on those responsible for young people’s mental health services to improve awareness, availability and...
Oct 31, 2023


What is social prescribing?
NHS social prescribing link workers can connect you to the right community groups and services to help support you. Around one in five GP...
Oct 30, 2023


What is menopause and what are the signs?
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...
Oct 18, 2023


Looking after your mental health all year round
In a post-pandemic world where the cost-of-living crisis is challenging for many of us, prioritising our mental health and wellbeing is...
Oct 11, 2023


What is SAD, and how can you manage it?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes. One in twenty people in the UK are diagnosed...
Oct 9, 2023


How to get the most out of your GP appointment
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...
Oct 7, 2023


Registering with your GP: understanding your rights
You've told us that you've experienced problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what to do if...
Oct 4, 2023


Looking after your health during the cost of living crisis
The continuing cost of living crisis is negatively affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on...
Oct 2, 2023


How to stay well this winter
Tips to help you stay well this winter and get the care you need. Winter comes with a higher risk of health issues, particularly for...
Oct 2, 2023
bottom of page