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The NHS and social care use your health information to care for you and also to improve services. They keep it safe and private. If you don’t want your data used for planning or research, you can choose to opt out. Why is data shared? Shared data helps you and the NHS . For example: It brings your records together to improve your care It was used to find the first coronavirus treatment It supported vaccine research Your individual care Health and care staff may use your confi

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

Tell us what you think about your Pharmacy in Somerset.

Our August Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. Photo of a field with a rainbow in the sky To read our August Newsletter - click on the PDF below If you need this newsletter in a different format, please email: info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk  or call 0800 999 1286.

Triggered by increasing concerns raised by local carers and chosen as a priority through the 2024 People's Vote, our report aims to...

NHS England has published a refreshed version of the Accessible Information Standard (AIS) which was first released in 2016. Here we look...

You may have become aware over the weekend that the Government intends to close Healthwatch England (and therefore your local...

Our annual report, Unlocking the power of people-driven care, highlights how we've worked throughout the year to understand people's...

This is the Healthwatch Somerset Newsletter for June 2025.

NHS South West have launched a Big Brush Club competition for primary school pupils aged 3-5 years across the South West

On March 13 2025 Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that NHS England will be abolished and the management of the NHS brought back to...

Hospital discharge processes are in place to help you leave hospital safely. Whether you're returning home or, moving onto another care...

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....

In response to local feedback about challenges in booking appointments with GPs, we have explored people’s experiences across the county....

In our latest report we have listened to experiences of Somerset residents who tried to book an appointment to see their GP. In response...

Every year Healthwatch Somerset (HWS) Board and Staff members gather information about the delivery and efficiency of local health and...

The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some can afford. Find out what...

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...

A lack of access to NHS dentists in Somerset remains a pressing issue, including for parents, vulnerable individuals and those with...

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...