News and reports

We consulted with members of the Somerset Polio Support Group to document the care they receive from the NHS in relation to their condition, at both primary and hospital level, in order to raise the understanding of PPS with NHS health commissioners.

We identified the area of mental health as part of their our plan priorities from 2015-2016.

In September 2016 we returned to visit this group to find out how their report on Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) was progressing and to hear the key issues identified so far.

Our report following a visit to Magnolia Ward in Yeovil, which has 14 beds, providing assessment and treatment for older people suffering from dementia and other confused states.

Our report following a visit to Pyrland Ward in Taunton. Wards one and two each have 14 beds, providing assessment and treatment for older people suffering from acute mental problems such as depression, anxiety and bi-polar disorder, along with dementia and other confused states, often with high levels of aggression.

We engaged with the Burnham-on-Sea Support Group to hear their experiences of accessing health and social care services in the area.

We gave a presentation on our patient and public engagement at this advice day hosted by Rethink to raise awareness of Healthwatch and our work.

In this Annual Report we share our key challenges and successes, as we continued to engage with the public to understand people’s experiences of health and social care to make a difference.

Early Supported Discharge is a service that aims to help patients who have suffered a stroke to be discharged from hospital sooner and to carry out rehabilitation at home rather than in hospital.

We engaged with Frome and District Day Centre to hear their experiences of accessing health and social care services in the area.

We were contacted by the secretary for Bridgwater Senior Citizens Forum. A request for action was raised regarding the availability of hearing aid batteries in the Bridgwater area.

Our report following a visit to Wessex Ward in Bridgwater, that provides beds for up to 12 young people.