We asked you to help shape our workplan for 2026/27 and our latest report shows the results of what you told us. We use the feedback we gather over the year, along with national priorities, to help decide what our key projects should be. This information is used to create a shortlist of topics for our workplan. We exist to represent the voice of the people To make sure our work reflects what matters most to you, we share the shortlist publicly each year. We then invite you to vote for your two preferred topics. This year: 161 people took part in our public vote The top priority was community health and wellbeing support The NHS referral process was the second most popular topic People also raised concerns about mental health, dentistry, GP services, and digital exclusion We will use this feedback to help shape our work in 2026/27 To find out the result, read our brief report which explains the methods and findings from our public engagement. Read our report If you need this report in a different format, please email info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk or call 0800 999 1286.

We heard from 161 people across the county about the health and care issues that matter most to them. Your feedback will help shape our work in 2026/27 and make sure local people’s experiences continue to be heard by decision makers. The four topics we asked you to vote on were: A. Community health and wellbeing support Your feedback shows us gaps in community support, causing some people to return to hospital because post-discharge care isn’t reliable. We will gather your experiences of post discharge care and use them to influence the structure of Neighbourhood Health Hubs. B. Has the NHS referral process improved? In 2025, you told us NHS referrals were often delayed or lost, and that communication while waiting was unclear. We will look at whether recent national changes have improved the process and use your feedback to help shape services. C. Men’s health and wellbeing services Following the launch of the first Men’s Health Strategy in 2025, we want to hear from men in Somerset about their health and wellbeing needs. Their views on services will help improve care and reduce health inequalities and barriers. D. Support for parent carers of adult children Our work with carers has highlighted difficulties that parent carers of adult children with learning disabilities and complex neurodiversity face. We aim to understand these challenges and use your insight to improve support services and care for families. The most popular topic in our public vote was community health and wellbeing support. This was the clear first choice for many people and the most popular topic overall. The second most popular topic was the NHS referral process, showing that people are still concerned about how easy it is to get the care they need. We also asked people if there were other issues they wanted us to look at. Mental health services were mentioned most often, including support for children and young people. People also raised concerns about access to NHS dentists, GP appointments, and digital exclusion, especially when services are harder to use without going online. This feedback gives us an important picture of what matters most to people in Somerset right now. We will use it to help guide our engagement and research work over the coming year, so that people’s voices remain at the heart of local health and care services. Read and download a PDF copy of the full report from our reports page using the link below. 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 2025/26 and our latest report shows the results of what you told us. Each year, we gather information about how local health and social services are running and use it to spot common patterns or issues. Using the intelligence collected over the course of 12 months, alongside wider national considerations, our Advisory Board discuss possible key projects for the next year. Our goal is to listen to what people have to say. We want to make sure that the main projects we choose for the year are sound and clear, and that they truly reflect the needs of the community. Every year, we share a list of the top project ideas with the public, and everyone gets a chance to pick their two favourite options. This year our four shortlisted topics were: Waiting lists for procedures Waiting times for medical procedures are a problem across the country, but here locally, we’ve noticed that people are not getting clear updates about their wait times and the procedures themselves. We want to look into how and when patients are being informed while they’re waiting for their medical treatments. Hospital transport Somerset's rural nature makes travelling to and from hospital appointments challenging for those unable to use standard transport. We aim to understand the experiences of people booking hospital transport and the service's communication with patients. Transfer of Care/Discharge from hospital - excluding dementia During 2024 people shared with us the difficulties they have experienced when moving from the hospital to back home. We want to listen to patients and carers tell us what they need when leaving hospital. Long wait for/no support for children and adolescents experiencing poor mental health The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Somerset provides mental health evaluations, support for children and young people up to 18 years old and can direct you to other helpful services. We aim to explore how help is given and what procedures are in place for those who do not qualify. To find out the result, read our brief report which explains the methods and findings from our public investigation. The people’s choice 2025: Listening to your voice in our key projects for in 2025/26

SignHealth has launched Deaf Wave, a new online space created with deaf young people. It shares information, stories and support in British Sign Language (BSL) and English. What’s happening Deaf Wave logo provided by Sign Health Deaf Wave is a website for deaf children and young people (around ages 13 to 25). It brings together accessible health and wellbeing information, with content designed to feel relevant to deaf young people’s lives. The site was co-created with deaf young people through workshops and school groups, with input from SignHealth’s Young People Advisory Board. Deaf young designers and BSL translators helped shape the look, layout, and accessibility. Why this matters Many deaf young people face extra barriers when it comes to getting the right support at the right time. This can include: feeling isolated or low more often than hearing young people not always having the words (or access) to explain how they feel or ask for help not knowing what accessible support is available very different levels of support in schools and colleges depending on where you live What you’ll find on Deaf Wave Healthy mind – support for wellbeing and mental health Relationships – help with family, friends and staying safe in relationships My health rights – what to expect when booking appointments and seeing healthcare professionals Safe sex – information about consent and where to get advice School stress – tips for managing stress and dealing with bullying How to access Deaf Wave You can visit Deaf Wave here: deafwave.signhealth.org.uk. The site includes content in both BSL and English. Have your say If you are deaf, or you support a deaf young person, Healthwatch Somerset would like to hear what helps (and what makes it harder) to get information and support about health and wellbeing. Your experiences can help services understand what needs to change. If you’d like to share your experience with Healthwatch Somerset, call us on 0800 999 1286, email info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk, or use our ‘Have your say’ form at healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/have-your-say. Contact Healthwatch in British Sign Language If you’d like to share your experience in BSL, you can book a free video call with Healthwatch through Convo (previously SignLive), an online interpreting service. Find out how to book a BSL video call: Contact us using British Sign Language | Healthwatch. Source: SignHealth Deaf Wave press release (April 2026).

There are supply problems with Ramipril 1.25mg capsules (a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and other heart and kidney conditions). Smiling Pharmacist with Beard · Free Stock Photo A national ‘Serious Shortage Protocol’ means your pharmacy may only be able to give you up to one month’s supply at a time. What’s happening Community Pharmacy England has shared information from the Department of Health and Social Care that Ramipril 1.25mg capsules have intermittent supply problems. These problems are expected to continue until late May 2026. Who may be affected You may be affected if you take Ramipril 1.25mg capsules. National guidance also asks prescribers not to start new patients on Ramipril 1.25mg capsules until the supply problem has improved. What your pharmacy can do A Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) has been issued for Ramipril 1.25mg capsules (SSP087). This started on 22 April 2026 and is currently due to end on 29 May 2026. If your prescription is for more than one month, your pharmacist may only be allowed to supply up to one month at a time (if stock is available). This is to help make sure more people can get the medicine during the shortage. If the pharmacy supplies a reduced quantity under the SSP, you should not be charged an NHS prescription charge for that supply. What you should do Keep taking your medicine as prescribed. Do not stop taking Ramipril without medical advice. Order your repeat prescription a little earlier than usual if you can, to allow time for your pharmacy to get stock or speak to your prescriber. If you are given less than usual, make a note of when you will run out and order your next supply in good time. Ask your pharmacist for advice if you are worried or you have questions about your supply. If you can’t get Ramipril 1.25mg capsules Some other forms of Ramipril (such as tablets and oral solution) are still available, but national guidance says they may not be able to meet extra demand. If your pharmacy cannot get the capsules, your GP or nurse prescriber may suggest a different medicine instead (for example, another Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an Angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB)). If your medicine is changed, you may need monitoring to make sure your blood pressure stays controlled and you tolerate the new medicine. Seek medical advice if you feel dizzy or light-headed after a switch. The British Heart Foundation have lots of information about types of medicine for heart conditions on their website. Why this is happening Medicine shortages can happen for different reasons, including manufacturing and supply chain problems. National organisations are using extra measures (like the SSP) to manage supplies as fairly as possible until stock levels improve. Where to get help in Somerset Your community pharmacy – they can tell you what is available and what the Serious Shortage Protocol allows them to supply. Your GP practice (or the clinician who prescribes your medicines) – contact them if you are running low and your pharmacy cannot get your usual medicine. NHS 111 – use this if you need urgent advice when your GP practice is closed. Healthwatch Somerset – we can help you find the right service and we want to hear about your experience of accessing medicines in Somerset. If you have had problems getting Ramipril (or another medicine), telling us helps build a picture of what people are experiencing and we will share it with the people who plan local services. Download this information in an Easy Read format. Sources Community Pharmacy England: SSP for Ramipril 1.25mg capsules issued (22 April 2026). Community Pharmacy England: Medicine Supply Notification: Ramipril 1.25mg capsules (23 April 2026).

Our April Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. Photo of bluebells in a wood in Somerset To read our April Newsletter - click on the PDF below: If you need this newsletter in a different format, please email: info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk or call 0800 999 1286.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Cooksons Court nursing home in Yeovil, Somerset as Outstanding overall, following an inspection in December 2025. Not an image of Cooksons Court, Yeovil. Image is illustrative only, source: Image library | Age without limits We’re sharing this update because CQC ratings can be a helpful starting point when you’re choosing care, or checking how a service is doing. Overall rating: Outstanding Safe: Good Effective: Good Caring: Outstanding Responsive: Good Well-led: Outstanding Cooksons Court is a nursing home that can support up to 65 older adults. At the time of the inspection, 47 people were living there. What inspectors found Strong leadership: Inspectors said leaders had a clear vision for the home and were open, visible and approachable. Personalised support: Staff knew people’s needs, interests and preferences, and helped people to do things that mattered to them. Helping people live meaningful lives: Inspectors noted an example where someone who enjoyed gardening was supported to grow vegetables, which were then used in the home’s kitchen. Responding in a crisis: The service was described as going out of its way to support people and families during difficult times, including before people were admitted. Staff felt able to speak up: Staff told inspectors they felt supported and valued, with systems in place so concerns were listened to and acted on. Learning from incidents: Inspectors found the home investigated incidents and shared learning so people were better protected over time. Planning for complex needs: In one case, staff completed specialist clinical training before someone moved in, so care could be provided safely from day one. What CQC said Stefan Kallee, CQC deputy director of adult social care for the Southwest, said: 'When we inspected Cookson’s Court, we found a home with excellent leadership and a staff team who clearly cared deeply about the people they supported.' What happens next You can read the full inspection report on the CQC website by clicking this link: Cooksons Court - Care Quality Commission or click the button below to download a PDF version. If you or someone you know uses this service, you can also share your experience with CQC to help inform future inspections. You can also tell us about your experience of health and social care services in Somerset so we can use people’s feedback to help improve care. What do CQC ratings mean? Outstanding – the service is performing exceptionally well. Good – the service is performing well and meeting people’s needs. Requires improvement – the service is not performing as well as it should and must make improvements. Inadequate – the service is performing poorly and people may be at risk of harm. CQC ratings can help people and families compare services and ask questions when choosing care. Talk to us If you’d like to share your experience of a care home or any other health and social care service in Somerset, we’d like to hear from you. What you tell us helps us understand what’s working well and what needs to change. Contact us online: Have Your Say | Healthwatch Somerset Call us free: 0800 999 1286

Our March Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. Photo of primroses taken in Devon To read our March Newsletter - click on the PDF below: If you need this newsletter in a different format, please email: info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk or call 0800 999 1286.

Our December Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. Frosty Hill and deer (created with AI) To read our December Newsletter - click on the PDF below If you need this newsletter in a different format, please email: info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk or call 0800 999 1286.

From midday on Tuesday 21 April 2026, inpatient maternity services and the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) will reopen at Yeovil District Hospital. This update is intended to help local people understand what is changing, why services were previously closed, and what support is available as services resume. What is changing? Inpatient maternity services will reopen at Yeovil District Hospital The Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) will also reopen Services will resume from midday on 21 April 2026 During the temporary closure, maternity and neonatal care has been provided at Dorset County Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital. Professor Deirdre Fowler, Chief Nurse and Chief Midwife, said: “We’re very excited to welcome families back to Yeovil District Hospital. Our maternity and paediatric teams have been working extremely hard to make sure everything is ready. I want to thank our colleagues at Dorset County Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital for the care they provided while services were closed, and most of all I want to thank local families for their patience and understanding.” Why were services closed? In May 2025, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (SNHSFT) temporarily closed inpatient maternity services and the SCBU at Yeovil District Hospital. This decision was made because of serious concerns about the safety and sustainability of paediatric services at the hospital, identified through inspection and regulatory processes. It is important to note: The closure was due to paediatric service issues, not maternity care itself Concerns related to staffing levels, leadership, governance and out‑of‑hours cover The decision was described by the Trust as difficult but necessary for patient safety What has been done since the closure? The Trust reports that a range of actions have been taken to address the issues, including: Creating a Somerset‑wide paediatric service, shared across Yeovil and Musgrove Park Hospital Recruiting additional paediatric consultants, neonatal nurses, midwives, and maternity leaders Improving senior clinical cover during evenings, nights, and weekends Putting in place a new cross‑site leadership and management structure Strengthening governance, safety oversight, and learning processes Providing additional training to help staff maintain skills Making physical improvements to the maternity unit, including security and fire safety upgrades The Trust says these changes mean essential safety requirements are now in place. Reassurance and safety Senior leaders at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust have stated that they are confident the necessary frameworks, staffing and safety processes are now in place to allow services to reopen safely. The Trust has said it will continue to monitor services closely as maternity care resumes at Yeovil. Dr Melanie Iles, Chief Medical Officer, added: “We said last October that we would reopen from 21 April if essential safety requirements were met. These are now in place and we are confident we can provide safe, high‑quality care.” What this means for people who are pregnant now If you are due to have your baby on or after 21 April 2026, you may be offered Yeovil District Hospital as an option for place of birth. The Trust says: Midwives and doctors are having one‑to‑one conversations with people about their choices People should be supported to make an informed decision about where they feel most comfortable giving birth No one should feel pressured into a particular choice. Support, questions and feedback If you are pregnant and have questions, concerns or would like more information, you can: Speak to your community midwife Contact the Trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) Seek independent support from the Somerset Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership Visit the SNHSFT website for more information including frequently asked questions: Temporary closure of Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and important changes to inpatient maternity services at Yeovil Hospital - Maternity We recognise that reopening services after a closure can raise questions, concerns, and mixed feelings. Hearing from patients, families, and the wider community remains essential. Share your anonymous feedback with us online or by calling us free on 0800 999 1286.

Every year, Healthwatch Somerset creates a work plan for the next 12 months. This plan is shaped by what local people tell us about health and care services in Somerset. The People’s Vote gives you the chance to tell us which topics matter most to you. By sharing your views, you can help decide what we focus on during 2026–27 and help improve services for people across Somerset. Work we are already committed to A common theme in your feedback during 2025 was the quality of care  provided by GPs and nurses. We are committed to including this in our work during 2026–27. Taking part is simple Read about the four topics you can choose from Choose your first choice topic Choose your second choice topic You can also suggest up to two other subjects  you would like us to consider. Voting closes on Sunday 15 March 2026 . The topics you can choose from We have selected four possible topics based on what we heard from people in 2025. Here is a short explanation of each one. A. Community health and wellbeing support Your feedback shows us gaps in community support, causing some people to return to hospital because post-discharge care isn’t reliable. We will gather your experiences of post discharge care and use them to influence the structure of Neighbourhood Health Hubs. B. Has the NHS referral process improved? In 2025, you told us NHS referrals were often delayed or lost, and that communication while waiting was unclear. We will look at whether recent national changes have improved the process and use your feedback to help shape services. C. Men’s health and wellbeing services Following the launch of the first Men’s Health Strategy in 2025, we want to hear from men in Somerset about their health and wellbeing needs. Their views on services will help improve care and reduce health inequalities and barriers. D. Support for parent carers of adult children Our work with carers has highlighted difficulties that parent carers of adult children with learning disabilities and complex neurodiversity face. We aim to understand these challenges and use your insight to improve support services and care for families. Your voice matters more than ever We are independent and listen to what matters to local people. Everything you share is confidential . We also offer  free , trusted information and advice. This is a key moment to make your independent voice count. The way Local Healthwatch works will change in the future, so it matters more than ever that you speak up about what really matters to you. By taking part in the People’s Vote, you help decide our priorities based on real experiences, not just service decisions. Please use your vote and help others to take part too. You can share this webpage, tell your friends, family and colleagues, or display our poster below. Your ideas help improve health and care for everyone in Somerset. Ways to Vote You can take part in the People’s Vote  in several ways: Vote now completing the online form below: Vote online later using this link:   www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PeoplesVote2026/ Call for free: 0800 999 1286 Download, print, and post your vote to: Healthwatch Somerset Suite 12, Wellworthys Business Centre Parrett Way, Colley Lane Bridgwater, TA6 5LB

Complete the Somerset health data survey to have your say, find out how your anonymous data may be shared, and how you can opt out. We are working in collaboration with Somerset’s Integrated Care System's (ICS) Digital Data and Technology (DDaT) community to listen to your thoughts, concerns, and ideas about the sharing of your data for population health and care improvements. The ICS's Digital Data and Technology (DDaT) community are developing the Somerset Linked Data Platform (LDP), a secure system that will anonymously link health and social care data. This will help them better understand local needs, improve services, and support people earlier before their health worsens. All data used in the Somerset Linked Data Platform will be anonymised. That means your personal details won’t be shared. You can read more about how the ICS DDaT protect your privacy here . Your feedback will help them make sure this is done responsibly, securely, and in a way that works for everyone. Complete the survey below: Go directly to the survey site here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/somerset-health-data-survey/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQVJspleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE5am85R0pCUU5GVmZMNEpkc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgenydX3R6edEe1Puic7vt709UDsv44foCFsdLGEncXXQtuqfJSVo16JW7BG_aem_T583Qua1MIXpzil8BS2nsg If you would prefer to do this survey with us over the phone, please call us free on: 0800 999 1286. Alternatively, please email: info@healthwatchsomerset for further support. Survey closes on Sunday 15 March 2026. Using data to understand Somerset's population’s needs