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People in Somerset help choose our health and care priorities for 2026/27
We heard from 161 people across the county about the health and care issues that matter most to them. Your feedback will help shape our work in 2026/27 and make sure local people’s experiences continue to be heard by decision makers. The four topics we asked you to vote on were: A. Community health and wellbeing support Your feedback shows us gaps in community support, causing some people to return to hospital because post-discharge care isn’t reliable. We will gather your ex
36 minutes ago


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.
49 minutes ago


Shortage of Ramipril 1.25mg capsules - what you need to know
There are supply problems with Ramipril 1.25mg capsules (a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and other heart and kidney conditions).
A national ‘Serious Shortage Protocol’ means your pharmacy may only be able to give you up to one month’s supply at a time.
Apr 30


Cooksons Court in Somerset rated ‘Outstanding’ by CQC
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Cooksons Court nursing home in Yeovil, Somerset as Outstanding overall, following an inspection in December 2025. Not an image of Cooksons Court, Yeovil. Image is illustrative only, source: Image library | Age without limits We’re sharing this update because CQC ratings can be a helpful starting point when you’re choosing care, or checking how a service is doing. Overall rating: Outstanding Safe: Good Effective: Good Caring: Outstan
Apr 24


Help decide our health and care priorities for 2026–27
Every year, Healthwatch Somerset creates a work plan for the next 12 months. This plan is shaped by what local people tell us about health and care services in Somerset. The People’s Vote gives you the chance to tell us which topics matter most to you. By sharing your views, you can help decide what we focus on during 2026–27 and help improve services for people across Somerset. Work we are already committed to A common theme in your feedback during 2025 was the quality of c
Jan 8


What are your views on NHS and partners sharing information to improve services?
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 Platf
Nov 12, 2025


Thinking Together about accessible information in health and care
We want to thank everyone who came to our Thinking Together event and joined the conversation about accessible health and care information in Somerset.
Nov 8, 2025


Healthwatch Somerset - October 2025 Newsletter
Our October newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice.
Oct 30, 2025


Behind the care: what it’s really like to be an Unpaid Carer
Our new report highlights carers' experiences in accessing information and resources and shines a spotlight on the lived experiences of unpaid carers in Somerset, revealing widespread difficulties in accessing timely, clear, and consistent support and information. Every day, thousands of people across Somerset care for loved ones—often without recognition, formal support, or even realising that they are carers. Our report, “Who Cares?”, gives voice to those unpaid carers and
Aug 19, 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


What should you expect from the NHS when it comes to accessible information?
NHS England has published a refreshed version of the Accessible Information Standard (AIS) which was first released in 2016. Here we look...
Jul 17, 2025


Healthwatch Somerset - June 2025 Newsletter
This is the Healthwatch Somerset Newsletter for June 2025.
Jun 24, 2025


British Empire Medal awarded to Somerset carers campaigner
HM The King’s New Year Honours List 2025 celebrated over 1200 people who have made outstanding contributions to their communities across...
Jun 2, 2025


Healthwatch Somerset - May 2025 Newsletter
Our May Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice.
May 20, 2025


Healthwatch Somerset - April 2025 Newsletter
Our April Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. A photo of a...
Apr 24, 2025


Navigating healthcare and mobility challenges.
We talked to Mr. Smith during our time in West Somerset to hear his story about taking care of his wife. We spent time with him for four...
Jan 28, 2025


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


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
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