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Something to smile about in Somerset
NHS South West have launched a Big Brush Club competition for primary school pupils aged 3-5 years across the South West
Mar 17


Understanding the announcement about the changes to NHS structure
On March 13 2025 Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that NHS England will be abolished and the management of the NHS brought back to...
Mar 14


What can you expect when you’re discharged from hospital?
Hospital discharge processes are in place to help you leave hospital safely. Whether you're returning home or, moving onto another care...
Feb 17


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


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 doctor will see you now: A look at booking an appointment with your GP in Somerset
In our latest report we have listened to experiences of Somerset residents who tried to book an appointment to see their GP. In response...
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


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


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


What the new dental recovery plan means for you
Are you struggling to find an NHS dentist? The new dental recovery plan might help you get the dental care you need. On 7 February 2024...
Mar 21, 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


What is measles and who can get the vaccine?
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...
Jan 25, 2024


Can I access my GP records online?
From 31 October 2023, GP surgeries must give patients online access to their new health record entries. Find out what information is in...
Dec 11, 2023


What is an NHS and Care Volunteer Responder, and how can I access this service?
Did you know Volunteer Responders can help you access support and services such as collecting prescriptions and shopping delivery? The...
Dec 1, 2023


Healthwatch England report: Faster progress needed to tackle barriers to care
Access to care is the main concern people have shared with Healthwatch in the past year. A new report by Healthwatch England looking at...
Nov 27, 2023


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
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