Share your feedback by 31 October 2023 to help improve access to NHS dentistry. We want to hear about your experiences of accessing NHS dental care and how this is affecting your oral health. This research is in response to ongoing concerns raised by local people about the scarcity of NHS dentists, leading to difficulties obtaining both routine and urgent dental care. People are also telling us that a lack of NHS dental care is affecting their physical and mental health, and they are highlighting the high cost and financial strain associated with private dental care. Demand for NHS dental care in Somerset is currently greater than the services available. Research has shown that the closure of dental practices locally and changes to NHS dental services have contributed to the shortage of NHS dentists in the county. "The consequences of this lack of NHS dental care on the oral health of our communities are likely to be significant, potentially leading to a notable decline in the overall oral health of our residents. Coupled with the rising cost of living, concerns over the accessibility and affordability of dental care have become even more pronounced, contributing to discussions about health inequality, locally and nationally. We want to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current situation in Somerset, so we are investigating local people’s experiences and perspectives of NHS dental care. We will share our findings with those responsible for dental care and oral health in Somerset." Gill Keniston-Goble, Healthwatch Somerset Manager Share your feedback It’s easy to share your anonymous feedback with us to help improve access to NHS dentistry in Somerset. Visit the project page to complete our survey online , or call 0800 999 1286 (Freephone) to request a paper copy of the survey or to share your views over the phone. [The survey is now closed] Making a difference locally, regionally and nationally In April 2023, NHS Somerset took over responsibility for commissioning NHS dentistry. The insights gathered through this research will be shared with NHS Somerset to help them understand the current challenges surrounding access to dentistry and its impact on the oral health of Somerset’s communities. At a regional level, we regularly highlight concerns about the local situation by updating the NHS Local Dental Network (LDN) for the South West about public enquiries received around dentistry. We also share public feedback about dentistry in Somerset with Healthwatch England, to inform their national research and campaign urging NHS England to improve access and affordability in NHS dental care. Find out more

Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services. If you don't have good access to transport, it can mean missing out on health check-ups, routine screenings, and regular appointments for long-term conditions, such as chemotherapy. Most people drive, use public transport, or rely on the kindness of family and friends to get to the doctor, pharmacist, or hospital on time. But, if you don't have good access to transport, it can mean you're late or miss your appointment. It can be even harder if you need to attend regular appointments at a hospital for long-term conditions, such as chemotherapy treatment for cancer. There are lots of reasons why you might not be able to get to NHS services easily for non-emergency issues. For example, we often hear from people who are physically unable to travel, can't afford transport, or live in a rural area. Here, we provide some information about the support available to help make this easier for you.  What support is available? If you need help getting to appointments, find out whether you're eligible for NHS-funded support. If you can't travel because of your medical condition Ask your GP or the person who referred you to hospital whether  Patient Transport Services  run in your area. These services provide free transport to and from a hospital for: People whose condition means they need additional medical support during their journey People who find it difficult to walk Parents or carers of children who are being transported If you're travelling on public transport If you do not receive benefits but have to make frequent trips by public transport, there may be weekly or monthly season tickets that can reduce costs, or options such as booking tickets online, which may work out cheaper than the total cost of one ticket.   For students, people with disabilities and those over 60, there are often options for reduced or free travel passes. In some areas, people can apply for a bus pass that allows you to  travel free  of charge if you're over 60 or above pensionable age (depending on the area). National Rail offers a range of  discounts and concessions  for children, people over 60, and people with disabilities. Local Authority websites will have details on how to apply for disabled bus travel passes. These can sometimes also include a companion traveller, depending on the disability and mental capacity for independent travel. If you're visiting hospital regularly If you're visiting hospital regularly, there may be options for you to receive discounted costs on parking. Some NHS Acute Trusts give out seven-day passes for visitors/patients, for example, during a maternity stay, where one vehicle that might be responsible for collecting the mother and new baby can have a free or reduced-cost pass. However, this is only offered in some places. In other areas, frequent visitors, for example, patients with cancer or receiving dialysis or other long-term conditions, may be given a hospital pass or free parking. In one area, local Healthwatch were able to work with the Trust on introducing season ticket discounts for frequent visitors across three hospital sites. If you're driving to hospital, you can check its  parking facilities before you go .  Could you get a refund for your hospital transport costs? If you’re not eligible for Patient Transport Services, you could claim a refund for the cost of your travel or taking a child to hospital through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. You may be able to benefit from the service if: You can’t afford the cost of travelling to hospital You can’t get a friend or relative to take you Voluntary organisations Depending on your situation, and where you live, you can also find voluntary organisations that can help you get to hospital. For example, the  Royal Voluntary Service  put older people who struggle to get to hospital in touch with local volunteer drivers.  Age UK  also runs door-to-door transport services for older people.

Find out what a ‘fit note’ is, when you might need one and how to get one. What is a fit note? The Statement of Fitness for Work, commonly known as the ‘fit note’ or Med 3 form, was introduced in 2010. It's the medical statement used to advise patients about the impact of their health condition on fitness for work. Fit note changes From 1 July 2022, registered nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists, alongside doctors, can certify and issue fit notes. This means you can get a fit note from the healthcare professional treating you, for instance, a physiotherapist, if it’s within their scope of practice. A new version of the fit note was introduced in April 2022. The requirement for the healthcare professional to sign the form in ink has been removed and replaced by the issuer’s name and profession. This lets healthcare professionals certify fit notes digitally, which means you can get a fit note through digital channels (where an IT system supports this). For more information, take a look at  government guidance  on fit notes. When do I need a fit note? If you're unwell for seven days or less and need to take time off work, you don't need to give your employer medical evidence that you've been ill. Instead, you should self-certify sickness for this period. From the eighth day, if you're still ill then you may need to submit medical evidence in the form of a fit note to your employer. You need to count all the days in a row that you’ve been sick, including non-working days such as weekends and bank holidays. This is the same if you're claiming Universal Credit. How do I get a fit note? You can ask for a fit note from the healthcare professional who is treating you. This could be during a consultation at your GP practice or a hospital. They'll assess whether your health condition impacts on your ability to work and whether a fit note is required. Your healthcare professional may choose the “may be fit for work” option if they feel that you are able to do work with support from your employer, even if it's not your usual workload or job. How healthcare professionals assess fitness for work Your healthcare professional will assess your fitness for work by considering how your health condition affects what you can do at work. They will decide whether you are fit for work, ‘ may be fit for work ’ or are ‘ not fit for work ’. Your healthcare professional will give you advice on the fit note about how your health affects what you can do at work. Make sure you discuss this with them and understand their advice, as they won't automatically assess that you're not fit for work. They will consider your fitness for work in general instead of just thinking about your current job. If they decide that you ‘ may be fit for work ’, they'll give advice on any workplace adjustments that would help you stay in or return to work. The fit note form may be updated during the assessment with the options below: A phased return to work:  a gradual increase in work duties or hours Altered hours:  changes to the times or duration of work Amended duties:  changing duties to take account of a condition Workplace adaptations:  changing aspects of the workplace, such as working from home This gives you and your employer the maximum flexibility to think about ways to help you stay or return to work. You should discuss your fit note with your employer to see if they can help you stay or return to work and come to an agreement on what may be appropriate for you. We know most employers want to help their employees succeed in work and can often make changes to the workplace or job duties. If your employer can't make or accommodate these changes, they'll need to arrange sick pay. Your healthcare professional might advise that you can't do any kind of work. If this is the case, then show the fit note to your employer to arrange your sick pay. They can take a copy, but you should keep the original. It’s usually a good idea to keep in touch with your employer while you're off work, so you're ready when it’s time to go back. You can get advice about sick pay from your trade union if you're part of one, or see  information about sick pay . What financial support am I entitled to if I’m sick and unable to work? If you are classed as an employee and earn an average of at least £123 per week, you may be eligible to receive  Statutory Sick Pay  which is paid at £109.40 a week for up to 28 weeks, starting from the fourth day you’re off sick. Statutory Sick Pay is paid by your employer in the same way as your normal wages, for example weekly or monthly. You’ll be paid for all the days you’re off sick that you normally would have worked, except for the first three days. You can check if you’re eligible for Statutory Sick Pay on the  Government website . If you’re self-employed you can apply for Universal Credit. How much you can get will depend on what stage your application is at, as well as things like your age and whether you’re able to get back to work at some point.

Tips to help you stay well this winter and get the care you need. Winter comes with a higher risk of health issues, particularly for older people or those with long-term conditions and compromised immune systems.  Being cold can raise the risk of higher blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. The cold, damp weather can aggravate existing health problems, making you more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses. But there are things you can do to stay well.  Top tips to stay well from the NHS Get your vaccines and boosters.  Protect yourself and others by getting your  COVID-19 booster  and  flu vaccination . Keep warm during the day.  Wrap up in lots of layers of thin clothes, even when you go to bed. Keep doors closed to block draughts. Try to heat rooms you regularly use to at least 18°C.  Make sure you're getting the help you're entitled to with your heating costs. Keep moving.  Move around indoors and try to get outside for a walk. Avoid sitting for more than one hour.  Wrap up at night.  Wear layers to bed, including socks. Use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket. (Don't use a hot water bottle and electric blanket together.) Keep your windows closed at night. Eat well.  Make sure you eat a balanced diet with lots of seasonal fruit and vegetables. And try to eat at least one hot meal a day.   Stay hydrated.  Regular meals and hot drinks can help you keep warm. Have your medication on hand.  Make   sure you have the right medicines at home in case you get poorly. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure what medications you should have.  Stop the spread of germs.  Protect yourself and others by washing your hands with warm, soapy water, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wearing a mask in public spaces. Look after your mental health.  The winter months can take a toll on our mental wellbeing, so make sure you're looking after your mental health, just as you do your physical health. If you are feeling down, speak to someone – a friend, family member, or a healthcare professional like your doctor. Looking for mental health advice We have several advice articles on how to look after your mental health.  Where can I go for support for my mental health as a new parent? Looking after your mental health all year round How to access mental health support if you have gender, sexuality or relationship diversity Looking after your health during the cost of living crisis If you get ill If you need medical help right now, call 111 or use  NHS 111 online . If it is a real emergency and life-threatening, then you can call 999. If it's less urgent, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Find out how your pharmacy can support you. Need more advice? Want to learn more about how to look after yourself this winter? Check out these valuable resources:   NHS - Seasonal vaccinations and winter health Age UK - How to keep warm and well in winter Marie Curie - 16 tips on how to stay warm in cold weather British Heart Foundation - Winter wellness: how to keep healthy and warm

The continuing cost of living crisis is negatively affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on lower incomes hit the hardest. As the cost of living crisis challenges our basic human needs, rising costs mean many of us are having to adapt our spending to keep on top of expenses.   You might be having to make tough decisions, cutting back on what you're spending on food, heating and your health to pay your bills. The cost of living crisis shouldn't be a barrier to care.  Prioritise your health . If you have a chronic condition, a new illness causing concern or feel under the weather, seek the  appropriate professional healthcare  support. Many  pharmacists can support you  with everyday health concerns, meaning you may not need to visit your GP. You should only go to a hospital in an emergency. Take your medication . Many of us take medication to stay healthy and manage existing health conditions. With the recent increase in prescription charges, rationing medicines to save money may seem like a good idea, but it can lead to health complications in the long run. You might be eligible for support with your prescription with a  Prescription Prepayment Certificate . Prescriptions are free for those over 60.   Keep your appointments.  Please attend any pre-arranged or regular appointments with your GP, dentist, optician or hospital. If you're worried about the increase in transport fares, check out what support is available when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services  here . Talk to someone.  Lots of charities offer free support if you need to talk to someone about your physical or mental health, and some give financial advice if you're struggling. Many charities will gladly point you towards further help in your community or local area.  Get the support you're entitled to . Make sure you're getting all the benefits and grants you're eligible for.  Citizens Advice  is a great place to start if you want help on anything from housing to debt management. Speak to your local council . Most local councils offer residents support and advice about the cost of living crisis. They may have a dedicated hotline you can phone or pop-up information events. Check out your local council website to find out more.  Seek help from a food bank . Many people buy less food because of current financial pressures, which can significantly impact physical and mental health. If you're struggling to feed yourself or your family, there is no shame in asking for help from a food bank. You can find food banks near you on the  Trussell Trust website .  Find a warm hub.  Set up and run by community groups, charities or voluntary organisations, warm hubs turn public spaces into welcoming spaces where people can go to stay warm in the colder months. Set up to support people struggling with rising costs and loneliness, hubs offer warm food, snacks or hot drinks to visitors. They also provide a space for people to come together and interact with others. Some may offer other facilities like Wi-Fi, access to financial advice and activities to pass the time. You can find your nearest warm hub by checking with your local council or through the  Warm Space website  to find somewhere near you. Speak to your local Healthwatch.  Need advice and information about health and care services, or what support is available from your local council? Healthwatch Somerset  is here to help you. Need more support?  Check out these helpful links for further advice and information on coping with the cost of living crisis: Gov.uk - Cost of living support Citizens Advice - Get help with the cost of living  Turn2Us - Cost of living support Mental Health Foundation - The Cost of Living Crisis and Your Mental Health  AgeUK - Cost of Living Crisis Money Saving Expert - Get help with the cost of living crisis Hygiene poverty is on the rise. Are you affected? Hygiene poverty has steadily risen since the start of the pandemic and has only worsened during the cost of living crisis. A reported 3,150,000 adults in the UK are now affected. That's  6% of UK adults , 5% of which are classed as 'working adults'. "Hygiene poverty is not being able to afford many of the everyday hygiene and personal grooming...leaving us caught between being able to heat our homes, pay the rent, eat or be clean." -  The Hygiene Bank  If you are struggling to afford personal hygiene products, help is available: The Hygiene Bank Baby Basics Bloody Good Period  provide free personal hygiene products that can be collected from some community services such as food banks and drop in services.

Take a look at what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme, including where to go and why it's important. What is COVID-19? Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people who catch COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without needing special treatment. However, some people get seriously ill and need medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems are more likely to develop serious illness. Prevent the spread of COVID-19 The best way to prevent and slow down the spread of COVID-19 transmission is to be well-informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by: Keeping your distance from others, one metre where possible Wearing a properly fitted mask in public spaces, e.g. public transport Practising good respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze Washing your hands regularly with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds Using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser frequently Getting vaccinated when you can. Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine? The following groups are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine booster: Residents and staff in care homes for older adults All adults aged 65 years and over People aged 6 months to 64 years who are clinically vulnerable Frontline health and social care staff People aged 12 to 64 years who are close contacts of at-risk individuals People aged 16 to 64 years who are carers for older adults. Your COVID-19 booster can be given with the flu jab.  Where can I get the COVID-19 booster? Most people will be invited to book an appointment at a larger vaccination centre, pharmacy, or local NHS service such as a GP surgery. Your GP surgery will contact you when you're eligible for your booster shot. Please don't contact them first. How and when to get your COVID-19 booster vaccine? You'll be offered the booster at least three months after your second dose. Most people will be invited to book an appointment at a larger vaccination centre, pharmacy, or local NHS service such as a GP surgery. Your GP surgery will contact you when you are eligible for your booster shot. Please do not contact them first. Which COVID-19 vaccine will I get? Most people will be offered a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or Moderna vaccine. This means your booster dose may be different from the vaccines you had for your first and second doses. Some people may be offered a booster dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine if they can't have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. Are there any side effects? Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short-term, and only some get them. You should not have the vaccine if you've ever had a severe allergic reaction to: Any of the ingredients in the vaccine A previous dose of the same COVID-19 vaccine Severe allergic reactions are rare. If you do react to the vaccine, it usually happens in minutes. Staff giving the vaccine have training to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately. I'm pregnant, can I still get the vaccine? No specific safety concerns concerning pregnancy have been identified with any brand of COVID-19 vaccines.  Pregnant women in the UK should be offered the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.  I've had COVID-19. Do I still need to get a booster? An effective vaccine is the best way to protect people from COVID-19, reduce hospitalisations and save lives. Vaccines are the only way to eradicate the disease.  People who've already had COVID-19 should still get vaccinated. It's still just as important for those who've already had COVID-19 as it is for those who haven’t. What does a vaccine do? Vaccines teach your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from diseases. It's much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching and treating the diseases.  Are vaccines safe? Vaccines are now safer than ever before. Any vaccine has to go through a rigorous testing and development process, and comply with strict standards for safety, quality and effectiveness. Need more information? If you have more questions about the COVID-19 vaccination programme or want more information about the vaccine, check out these useful resources:  NHS website COVID-19 symptoms and what to do - NHS What is Coronavirus? (COVID-19) - symptoms and prevention | Age UK

People are often in need of out-of-hours medical assistance. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed. If you need support for your health outside of the standard opening hours of your local GP, there are places that you can go for support. Where you can go to get help out of hours The NHS pledges to provide services at a time that's convenient for you. They have produced  guidance  on how best to access services outside of hours. Phone  NHS 111 : This service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides medical advice and the details of the services closest to you that help you deal with your need following a medical assessment.  Visit your local pharmacy:  Your pharmacist can help you with some issues. Find  out how . Visit your nearest NHS walk-in centre:  If you need treatment for minor injuries or illnesses such as cuts, bruises and rashes, you can visit your nearest  NHS walk-in centre ,  urgent care centre  or  minor injuries unit . These are not suitable for treating long-term conditions. You do not need an appointment or to be registered to be seen at one of these services. You may be referred to one of these services by NHS 111, or walk in. When to visit an urgent care centre Take a look at the NHS guidance on when to visit an urgent care centre (walk in centre) to find out if this is the right service for your health needs.  Should I go to A&E? Accident and Emergency departments are for serious or life-threatening emergencies and aren't an alternative to a GP appointment. You should go to your nearest A&E if you require urgent medical attention. For example, if you're experiencing: loss of consciousness chest pain breathing difficulties fits that are not stopping severe bleeding that won't stop severe allergic reactions severe burns or scalds stroke major trauma Not all hospitals have an A&E department. Use the A&E service search to  find your nearest A&E department , or read the guidance from the NHS to  learn more about when to go to A&E . Out-of-hours medicines Running out of your medication during the holidays or over the weekend can be a big worry. If you run out the medication you need outside of your GP practice’s normal opening hours and need some urgently, there are a few steps you can take to get an emergency supply.   Where you can get medication from will depend on whether you already have a prescription or whether a prescription is needed. Take a look at the guidance from the NHS to find out more.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes. One in twenty people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition, with men more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than women. The seasonal nature of SAD means symptoms are often overlooked or dismissed. Those suffering might not know they have the condition, or be unsure where they can turn for support.  Here's what you should know about SAD and how to care of yourself or someone else experiencing it. Why do people get SAD? Some of the triggers for SAD are the decrease in daylight hours and worsening weather. According to the NHS, you're also more likely to suffer from SAD if you have a family member with the disorder or a mental health condition such as depression. The  NHS explain that SAD , sometimes known as 'winter depression', is usually more apparent and severe during the winter. Some SAD sufferers experience it during the summer. If you need support now... Whatever you're going through,  Samaritans  will face it with you. They're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, call 116 123 for free. What signs should we look out for? If you think you may be living with Seasonal Affective Disorder, these are some of the signs that you should be looking out for: losing interest in everyday activities feeling anxious or irritable sleeping for longer than usual and finding it hard to get up trouble sleeping despite low energy levels increased appetite and craving for stodgy or sugary carbohydrates finding it hard to stay connected with family and friends not wanting to go outside. Are you sure it’s Seasonal Affective Disorder? While SAD is a seasonally triggered mental health condition, don't dismiss feelings of depression or anxiety if you find you have symptoms for longer than the winter season. It's normal to have good and bad days. If you're having more bad days than good and feel down for extended periods, talk to a healthcare professional about further support. How do you manage Seasonal Affective Disorder? Make the most of daylight hours . Exposure to natural light can boost serotonin and melatonin levels, lifting our moods and improving our sleep. Try sitting by a window indoors or getting out for a brief walk during the day. Keep your space bright and airy . Make sure your work and home environments are as light and airy as possible. These spaces should be comfortable and supportive of work or relaxation. Stay active.  Getting outside during daylight hours or exercising indoors, even briefly, can improve your mental health and overall well-being.  Eat well to stay well . When we're feeling low, cooking and eating might not be priorities, which means we can go for 'unhealthier' or convenient food choices. Avoid alcohol and processed foods in favour of nutrient-dense foods packed with vitamins that boost your energy levels and support your physical and mental well-being. Reach out . Staying connected with friends and family can be more of a challenge when we feel isolated or low. But reaching out and talking about how you are feeling to someone you trust, like a friend, family member, colleague or healthcare professional, can open avenues to more support. Do you need extra support? If you'd like further support with SAD or more advice on how to care for yourself or someone else, take a look at these helpful resources: What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? (Mind) NIMH » Seasonal Affective Disorder ( nih.gov ) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) ( mentalhealth.org.uk ) Six self-help tips for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) ( bupa.co.uk )

With more and more appointments happening online, we've put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care appointments both for patients and health and care professionals. What is a virtual ward? A virtual ward , also known as  hospital at home ,  is a safe, efficient alternative to NHS in-hospital care. It allows patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes. Patients can also be treated on virtual wards if they reside in a hospice or care home. Treating patients in surroundings familiar to them, with the support of friends or family or other care support nearby, can speed up their recovery. It also frees up beds for those patients who require in-hospital care. What can be treated on a virtual ward? Virtual Wards can monitor a range of conditions including but not limited to: Osteoporosis, Frailty & Falls Recovery Treatment Wound Care & Pressure Injury Management Respiratory Illnesses & Infections Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Diabetes Oncology Mental health Learning disabilities Virtual wards are also set to expand to treat  people experiencing heart health conditions or heart failure . Using people's experiences, we have created top tips for both patients, health and care professionals on how to get the most out of digital consultations. Top tips for patients Ask for a timeslot for when your remote consultation will take place. Let your health care provider know how you prefer to talk by phone, video or in-person. Find somewhere quiet and confidential and, if this isn’t possible or is tricky, make this clear when you are making your appointment. Start with a phone call if you’re not confident with video technology. Ask for help if you need it and, if possible, do a practice run with a friend. Take some time to prepare in advance, consider what you want to say and key questions you would like to ask. Ask your health care provider to summarise the next steps at the end of the appointment. Remote consultations can be useful for routine appointments or ongoing care with a health care practitioner. Not all appointments are suitable for remote consultations, if you would like to see someone in-person please say so. Top tips for healthcare professionals: Provide a precise time window for appointments. Check that the person is in a confidential and safe place to have the phone or video call. Understand the person’s level of confidence using technology and give people a choice of how to communicate. Proactively check what the patient needs, clarify what is happening next and who is responsible for the next stages of care. Slow down the pace of the consultation, demonstrate active listening. Use the chat function in video calls to make the appointment more interactive, share links to information or summarise next steps. Don’t ask people to provide information you already have access to. Give guidance about how the appointment will work, offer demonstrations, provide an opportunity for a test run/provide some training. Seek feedback about peoples’ experiences and use this to improve the service. Download a copy of these top tips or go to report Read the findings from the report that looked into people's experience of virtual consultations as they rapidly increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the report

We have been working with our young volunteers to investigate how accessible young people’s mental health services are in Somerset, and to understand how access to support could be improved. Many young people clearly feel they need support with their feelings but are facing many barriers in their journey to receiving help including long waits. Both young people and adults have shown there is a lack of clarity and knowledge about service provision and confusion about how to obtain assistance from certain services. Key messages 80% of young people felt they needed support with their feelings in the past 12 months. 47% of young people who felt they needed support did not ask or look for it. 11% of respondents had not heard of any of the Somerset services offering direct support. Young Somerset was the most contacted Somerset support service. Schools are a crucial source of information and signposting for both young people and adults. Many comments indicated a lack or limited knowledge of available support in Somerset. Read our report If you need this report in a different format, please email  info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk  or call 0800 999 1286.

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 people living with diabetes is at an all-time high. Knowing more about the condition and its symptoms can help you take steps to support your health.  What is diabetes?  Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes high blood sugar levels. When there is sugar in our blood, the pancreas produces insulin to help our bodies absorb it. People with diabetes aren't able to produce insulin or can't produce enough to help regulate their blood sugar levels.  What types of diabetes are there?   Type 1  diabetes:  People with Type 1 can't produce insulin. Type 1 is considered an autoimmune disease. If you have a family history of diabetes, you're at a higher risk of developing Type 1. However, it's far less common than Type 2 diabetes. Only 8% of people with diabetes are diagnosed with it.  Type 2  diabetes:  People with Type 2 may not produce enough insulin, or the insulin they produce can't effectively manage their blood sugar levels. 90% of people diagnosed with diabetes will be diagnosed with Type 2. Certain lifestyle factors, including weight and age, can cause Type 2 diabetes, but some ethnicities are more likely to develop it than others.   At least 2% of people are diagnosed with other, rarer forms of diabetes, including  gestational diabetes . Have your say Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes? Or have you been living with the condition for a while? We want to know more about your experiences of diabetes diagnosis, treatment and support. What are the symptoms of diabetes?  The most common symptoms of diabetes that you should look out for are:  Needing to pee a lot, especially at night. Feeling very thirsty. Feeling more tired than usual. Losing weight without trying to. Genital itching or thrush. Cuts and wounds take longer to heal. Blurred eyesight. Increased hunger. Fruity-smelling breath.  Speak to your GP if you're experiencing any of these symptoms. You can also get tested for diabetes for free at your local Pharmacy. What treatments are available?  Diabetes can be carefully managed with a combination of medication, diet and lifestyle changes. Treatments differ slightly depending on the type of diabetes you are diagnosed with.  The main ways you can manage  Type 1  diabetes are:  Insulin injections or insulin pumps  Carb counting and eating well Being physically active Maintaining a healthy weight Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or flash glucose monitor Some people with type 1 diabetes may also use a closed-loop system, also called an artificial pancreas. It’s another way to help you manage your type 1 diabetes without having to do much of the work yourself.  The main ways you can manage  Type 2  diabetes are:   Eating a balanced diet ​​​​​​Exercising and moving regularly Losing weight  Metformin (usually taken as a tablet) Insulin injections  Some people with Type 2 diabetes use a flash glucose monitor or continuous glucose monitor to monitor their blood sugar levels instead of doing multiple finger prick checks.  With most forms of diabetes, people are advised to move more and eat well. Regular activity and a balanced diet can support your body's ability to respond better to insulin. Need more support? If you want to know more about diabetes, treatments and available support, check out these valuable resources:  Diabetes UK NHS - Diabetes British Heart Foundation - Diabetes - causes, symptoms and treatments

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, in most cases, you have the right to choose the hospital where you get the care you need. Few people exercise this right – but if you do, you could cut down on how long you wait for care. In this article, we'll help you understand your rights when choosing a healthcare provider 'at the point of referral' so you can make informed choices about your NHS care. What is patient choice?  Patient choice is central to the NHS. It puts you in control by allowing you to make choices about your care and treatment based on your needs and circumstances. How can I make choices about my care?   When a healthcare professional – like your GP – refers you for a routine health condition, in most cases, you have the right to choose which hospital or service they refer you to.  You may also be able to choose a clinical team led by a specific consultant or healthcare professional as long as the team offers the treatment you need.  Your healthcare professional will share at least five suitable options with you, where possible. You can decide which to choose based on factors like:   How far you'll need to travel to a care provider  The waiting times for your first outpatient appointment  Whether you have friends or family nearby for additional support  How other  patients and healthcare regulators  have rated a care provider  You can choose during your appointment if you want. But if you'd rather take more time to think about your options, you can do that too.   Where can I find information and support to help me choose?  If you'd like to research your options, there are several places where you can get information about hospitals and services:  My Planned Care  is updated each week with information such as waiting times.  You can use the  NHS website to compare information  about hospitals, services and consultants.  You can find information about NHS and independent care providers on the  Care Quality Commission website , including how patients and healthcare regulators rate them.  Once you've decided, there are a couple of ways you can confirm your choice:  Your referring clinician will send you a link via text or email to confirm online through the  NHS e-Referral Service .  If you don't have internet access or would rather talk to someone, you can call the referral helpline on 0345 608 8888 (open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm, and from 8am-4pm on weekends and bank holidays). An operator will talk you through your shortlist and support you to choose the option that will work best for you. Making the decision that's right for you.  If you're choosing where to go for your care and treatment or want to choose your GP, there are places you can find information to help you decide.  You can compare hospital information, services and consultants on the  NHS website . This includes information about the quality of care, waiting times, parking and travel. You can find information about:  Choice of GP   Choosing a hospital or consultant   Selecting a mental health service   Options in end-of-life care If I choose a provider further away from home, will I have to travel to this hospital for follow-up appointments?  You'll need to travel to the hospital you pick for your first outpatient appointment and any follow-up appointments, so keep this in mind when you choose a provider.  If I choose a non-NHS provider, will this cost the NHS more?  NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board  (ICB) plan and fund local NHS services, may have contracts with non-NHS providers to increase NHS capacity. You have the right to choose any provider that has a contract with the NHS to provide the service you need. This means there won't be an additional cost to the NHS.  If I choose a provider outside my area, am I entitled to travel or accommodation expenses?  The NHS has a scheme called the  Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)  that lets you claim a refund for reasonable travel costs if you're eligible.  If you're eligible for the HTCS, and the healthcare professional who refers you says it's medically necessary for someone to travel with you, that person can also claim travel costs.  Some ICBs may accept claims for help with travel costs if you're the parent or guardian of a child under the age of 16 that you must attend an appointment with.  Will I still be able to choose an alternative provider if I live in a rural area?  If there is limited choice in your area, you'll be able to look at options from other areas of the country.    What if I don't want to choose an alternative provider?   Patient choice is a right, but it's not a requirement. Your healthcare professional can refer you to your local service if you'd like them to.  Are there any times when I won't get a choice?  You have a right to choose your care provider at the point of most routine referrals. However, patient choice rights don't apply where speed of access to diagnosis and treatment is essential, such as an urgent suspected cancer referral.   There are also exceptions if you are:  In need of urgent or emergency treatment  Accessing maternity services  Serving in the armed forces  Detained under the  Mental Health Act Detained or temporarily released from prison, an immigration removal centre or a secure children's home  Referred to high-security psychiatric services or drug and alcohol misuse services provided by the local authority. Want more information?  Take a look at these websites for extra support: Your choices in the NHS   My Planned NHS Care Can I choose where to receive NHS treatment?