Our report following a visit to Newholme, a residential care home in the village of Ruishton near Taunton, which provides accommodation for people with a learning disability. This is a small home with six residents. Key findings There is a real sense that this is the residents’ home, and staff appear to be like family within the home. The Manager and deputy appear very caring and committed to ensuring each resident is happy and healthy. The environment felt homely and welcoming, calm, and organised. Interactions between residents and staff were very personalised; staff know residents well. It was apparent the home sought to get the right staff to fit the ethos and culture of the home. Residents are able to move around the home easily from their rooms to the communal areas as all rooms are on one level. Residents are able (within reason) to choose when they eat and what they do throughout the day. We were told the ethos is to manage risk but to allow as much freedom and choice within the constraints of those risks. Residents have regular contact with family members, often facilitated by the home. The home has good relationships with the GP and also the local community. Recommendations We would like the home to consider the following recommendations based on our observations and findings from the visit. We particularly liked the noticeboard with staff pictures, what the weather would be like, and what activities were taking place that week. We would recommend this to other homes. We liked that the home had made links with the local community, including  someone coming in to read to residents, and would encourage them to continue to build on this. The inclusion of a resident when interviewing prospective new staff felt very inclusive and we would recommend this as good practice. Read our report If you need this report in a different format, please email  info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk  or call 0800 999 1286.

Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below to find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it. Social care can be very different from the health care you receive from the NHS. Although it can include medical help, social care offers more practical support to enable people to live independently. These services are usually provided in people's homes, care homes or elsewhere in the community rather than at a GP practice or hospital. If you or a loved one needs social care, it's important to understand what types of care and support are available, where to find the correct information and how to fund services. How do I receive help through social care? If you live in Somerset, the first step is to speak to Somerset's Adult Social Care Services  and request an assessment. If you need social care for yourself, this is called a 'care assessment', a 'customer assessment' or a 'needs assessment'. If you provide unpaid care for someone else, your assessment is called a 'carers assessment'.  Alternatively, you may be offered a care assessment at home after being discharged from the hospital, called a 'discharge to assess' or a 'home first' approach. The NHS can also assess people with very complex and long-term health needs for social care support, known as ' NHS Continuing Healthcare ' or 'NHS CHC', and involves a separate assessment process from the needs assessments carried out by local authorities. Who can access adult social care support? If you're an older person, living with a disability, have a long-term condition, or recovering from hospital, you may require social care services. All adults over 18 are entitled to an evaluation to determine whether they could qualify for help or support. You can have a free assessment to determine your eligibility for support. If you have family or friends caring for you, you may not have to pay for services. Additionally, carers can also receive support for their wellbeing and training. Once you qualify for aid, your council can help you create a personalised plan that meets your specific needs. Watch James' Social Care Story How do I pay for social care? A 'financial assessment' or 'means test' will determine whether you qualify for free social care or need to contribute towards the cost of your care. The criteria used in means tests are complicated and involve the local authority looking at your 'financial assets'. If you are eligible for any financial support, your local authority will provide you with a 'personal budget' which you can spend on local services. Some people can also qualify for free social care through  NHS continuing healthcare . However, if your assessment finds you are not eligible, you might be eligible instead for ' NHS-funded nursing care ', where the NHS will contribute to the cost of your nursing care, for example, in a care home. The organisation  Beacon  provides free independent advice on NHS continuing healthcare. Unpaid carers do not have to contribute towards the support services they access following an assessment. What type of support is available through social care? Your local authority is responsible for managing social care services in your area. Councils may provide some services themselves, or they may buy services from care providers to meet the needs of their community. Local services can include: Support to help people develop the skills needed to live independently. Sometimes these services are referred to as 'reablement services' or 'short-term support'. They can involve help with doing certain activities again after illness or injury. Support with getting up in the morning, washing, dressing and using the toilet. These services are known as 'personal care'. Help with household tasks like cleaning, cooking, eating or shopping. Support with organising physical, leisure or social activities. These services are called 'daycare services' or 'daycare opportunities'. They can involve serving meals or refreshments, helping with health issues or providing an opportunity to meet and chat with others. 'Respite care' or 'carers breaks' provide opportunities for unpaid carers to take a break from caring. During these breaks, the person being cared for would have their care needs met by different carers, sometimes in a different location for a few hours, an overnight stay or even longer. Support finding housing for people affected by homelessness who have care needs following a needs assessment. Where can I find more information about social care? Somerset Council  has a dedicated information and advice service which can provide people with details about local social care so you can make well-informed choices and plans based on the help you need. Information and advice services will provide more information on: Assessments and eligibility. Personal budgets. Choosing the right care option. Safeguarding. Independent advocacy. Need more support? You can also find more advice on social care here: Age UK Scope Mencap Independent Age Carers UK

Cervical cancer screenings save at least 2,000 lives every year in the UK. Here's what you should expect from your smear test and why these screenings are important. One in 142 women in the UK will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in their lifetime. A cervical cancer screening, better known as a smear test, can detect the development of abnormal cells in the cervix and prevent cervical cancer. Who is eligible? All women and people with a cervix are eligible for a cervical cancer screening. This includes Trans men and non-binary people who are assigned female at birth and registered with their GP as female. Screenings will occur at regular intervals between the ages of 25 and 64. If you're 25 to 49, invites to screenings will be every three years. For those aged 50 to 64, this will be every five years. What to expect A smear test should take around five minutes, and the whole appointment should take at most ten minutes. A female GP or nurse will carry out the test, but if you have any concerns, contact your GP practice or sexual health clinic ahead of your appointment, and they will work with you.  The smear test may feel uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. If you experience pain during the exam, inform the GP or nurse attending you immediately.  Many people put off booking or attending their smear test because they're not sure  what to expect . Healthcare professionals conducting the exam will ensure you feel comfortable and safe and will be happy to talk you through the procedure. An easy guide about cervical screening for women aged 25 to 64 Talk to someone A smear test is a very personal procedure, which can be off-putting for some. You can talk to someone about the test if you feel embarrassed or worried. Sometimes it's easier to speak to someone you don't know. Your GP or nurse can talk you through what to expect, addressing any concerns or worries about the test.  You may want to contact an organisation that provides information and support about having cervical screening if you're unable to speak with your practice:  Eve Appeal  offers information and support for anyone affected by gynaecological cancers. It also provides information about cervical screening for transgender, non-binary and intersex people. Call their helpline on 0808 802 0019. Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust (Jo's Trust)  offers information and support for anyone affected by cervical cancer or abnormal cervical cell changes. Call their helpline on 0808 802 8000. After the exam Your GP practice or sexual health clinic will send your cell sample to a lab after the test. Ask the nurse or doctor when you will get your test results. Often, the most challenging part of cervical screening is waiting for results. It is natural to worry about this. Usually, you will get a letter with the results within two to four weeks. If you are still waiting to hear something by six weeks, tell your GP so they can check for you. After the exam, you may experience light vaginal bleeding for a day. If it continues longer than this or is particularly heavy, contact your GP or sexual health clinic immediately. Where can I get a smear test? Your GP practice can offer you an appointment for your smear test. You will be automatically invited to a test up to six months before you turn 25 or when your next one is due.  However, the impact of the pandemic may mean that you are overdue an appointment or have yet to receive an invite. It's always worthwhile checking in with your GP. You can also attend a  sexual health clinic  to have your smear test done if your GP practice cannot offer you an appointment. Need more support?  Follow the links below for more information on cervical cancer, how to book your smear test and what to expect: Cervical screening | NHS Cervical cancer - stages, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support Cervical screening for trans men and/or non-binary people | Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust Should trans men have cervical screening tests? | NHS What happens at a cervical screening appointment | NHS Find a sexual health clinic | NHS

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