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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

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

Tell us what you think about your Pharmacy in Somerset.

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.

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.

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

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

Sign the Local Healthwatch petition and write to your MP using our downloadable letter template.

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

In our latest report, we detail the engagement with ABI survivors and professionals which has revealed gaps in the county's healthcare...

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.

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...

HM The King’s New Year Honours List 2025 celebrated over 1200 people who have made outstanding contributions to their communities across...

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...

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...

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

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

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...

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...