News & reports

News

Photograph showing two women under a blue canopy, one holding a clipboard and the other smiling while interacting, with a child in the background. Text on a blue background reads "Speaking up for better care, Healthwatch Somerset annual report 2025/26"

Speaking up for better care: our annual report 2025-26

We’ve published our latest annual report, showing how people across Somerset have shared their experiences to help improve health and social care. Over the past year, more than 2,000 people told us about their care, and we supported over 3,000 people with information and advice. Your feedback helps make sure services reflect what matters most to local people. Putting people at the centre of services We’re here to be your independent voice for health and social care. This year

Healthwatch Somerset

4 days ago

Photograph of a small wooden entrance booth with signs reading "WELCOME TO ARK" and "VISITS BY APPOINTMENT" under a partly cloudy sky. Surrounding elements include potted plants, a stone sculpture, red bins, and a wooden fence, indicating a rustic outdoor setting.

Healthwatch Somerset newsletter June 2026

Catch up with the latest news about our work and updates about local health and care services.

Healthwatch Somerset

Jun 26

A smiling pharmacist in a white coat stands at the counter. Shelves filled with medicine are behind, with a "pharmacy" sign overhead.

Updated: 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.

Healthwatch Somerset

Jun 5

2 3 4 5

Reports

Speaking up for better care: Healthwatch Somerset annual report 2025–26

Our latest annual report reveals how thousands of residents shared their experiences last year, helping drive improvements across health and social care. We have had a strong year of impact, amplifying public voice and improving awareness of key issues across Somerset. We have used community insight to: Influence service improvements Improve access and communication Ensure people’s experiences shape care Our year in numbers (2025–2026) 2,056 people shared their experiences of

Healthwatch Somerset

4 days ago

Four people smiling at a festival, wearing rainbow attire and hats. Colorful tents and flags in the background create a festive mood.

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.

Healthwatch Somerset

May 18

This shows a phot of Elliscombe House Care Home in Wincanton

Enter and View report: Elliscombe House Care Home, Wincanton

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.

Healthwatch Somerset

Aug 26, 2025

2 3 4 5