Our January Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. A beach in Somerset To read our January 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.

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 8 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

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.

The NHS and social care use your health information to care for you and also to improve services. They keep it safe and private. If you don’t want your data used for planning or research, you can choose to opt out. Why is data shared? Shared data helps you and the NHS . For example: It brings your records together to improve your care It was used to find the first coronavirus treatment It supported vaccine research Your individual care Health and care staff may use your confidential patient information to help with your treatment and care. For example, when you visit your GP, they may look at your records for important information about your health. Research and planning Where possible, the NHS uses data that does not identify you. Sometimes, confidential patient information is needed to: Plan and improve services Research and develop cures for serious illnesses What is confidential patient information? It’s when two types of information from your health records are combined: Something that identifies you (e.g., your name) Something about your care or treatment (e.g., medicine you take) Identifiable information on its own (like your name and address) is used to contact you and is not  confidential patient information. What will be collected? Names and addresses are not collected . Details like NHS numbers, postcodes, and dates of birth are replaced with codes through pseudonymisation . This means: • No one can identify you without a special key • The key is only released for legal reasons, such as clinical trials or care. Image taken from Understanding Patient Data : ‘What happens to health data - A guide to large datasets’. (Available under  a creative commons license ) The way the NHS use people’s personal information is protected by laws called UK General Data Protection Regulations  (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act  (DPA). Who manages NHS data? NHS Digital   is the NHS provider of data and IT systems for the NHS in England. Is NHS data sold? NHS Digital never sells your data . They charge a processing fee  to cover the cost of preparing and delivering data through the Data Access Request Service (DARS) . This fee is for the work, not the data itself. Any organisation that wants access to NHS data must: Prove they have a legal reason  to use it. Show they will keep it safe and secure . Pass checks by an independent review group  before any data is shared. You can see who receives NHS data by visiting the Data Uses Register . Your choice If you're happy with your confidential patient information being used for research and planning you don't need to do anything. How to opt out If you do not want your data shared you can opt out of sharing your health records . Your choice will not affect your care . You have two options: 1. Stop your GP sharing data with NHS Digital (Type 1 Opt-out) Download and return the Type 1 Opt-out form  (DocX) to your GP practice . You can do this anytime and change your mind later. 2. Stop NHS Digital sharing your data further (National Data Opt-out) Online:   Manage your choice Phone:  0300 303 5678 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) Post or Email:  Fill in the opt-out form  (PDF) and email it to enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk or post it to: National Data Opt Out Contact Centre, NHS England, Freepost, PO Box 16738, Redditch, B97 9PT What if I I have communication needs? NHS England provide information about sharing data from your health records in different formats including: British Sign Language video Easy Read leaflet (PDF) 11 different languages Where can I find more information? Contact us for trusted advice, guidance, and information or to talk to us about your experiences of health and care services. NHS guide to the national data opt-out for young people (PDF) NHS guide to the national data opt-out for carers (PDF) What happens to health data: a guide to large datasets | Understanding patient data Protecting and safely using data in the new NHS England - NHS England Digital NHS England » Data and clinical record sharing The Information Commissioner's Office   (ICO) is the independent regulatory office who uphold information rights in the public interest. They have lots of useful information about data protection and your rights . A guide to the data protection principles | ICO Patient health records: Access, sharing and confidentiality - House of Commons Library

Our November Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. Photo of Burnham-on-Sea promenade and beach To read our November 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.

We want to thank everyone who came to our Thinking Together event and joined the conversation about accessible health and care information in Somerset. On Wednesday 22 October we delivered our public event aimed at bringing Somerset residents and 13 health and care organisations together to learn and talk about accessible information for everyone. The event was a morning of presentations covering a wide variety of accessibility subjects including: Accessible information by Healthwatch Somerset: An overview of accessibility, laws and standards, health literacy, and practical tips for creating accessible communication. A list of useful reference links for the presentation can be downloaded here. Accessible information standards and the Wordski on Wheels (WoW) by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (SNHSFT): An update of the current and future work of SNHSFT to meet the Accessible Information Standard (AIS), and an overview of WoW explaining what it is, how it works, and what users think. Broadening accessibility by NHS Somerset: A closer look at accessibility beyond the provision of information including wider examples of access. The Unstoppables by Somerset Council Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND): How Somerset Council hear and include the voices of young people in Somerset with SEND. Improving accessibility of information by Somerset Council SEND Local Offer: Exploring the Somerset Local Offer website and how the SEND team consider the accessibility of the information they offer. Click on the pink presentation title to view and download the slides. The afternoon was an opportunity for people and organisations to discuss accessible information and explore the organisations who offer support while they enjoyed a buffet lunch. One Thinking Together participant told us: “It was a really great event – good location, interesting stands, useful networking, and informative presentations. Well done for arranging it all, so many moving parts to sort but it was very slick. I made so many notes, wrote down so many ideas, and had great conversations.” We would like to give special thanks to our speakers, the Wincanton War Memorial Hall for such an excellent venue, The Lemon Tree Deli for their excellent catering, and to The Balsam Centre for re-distributing the suplus food amongst the local community.

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: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SomersetHealthDataSurvey/ 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 Wednesday 31 December 2025. Using data to understand Somerset's population’s needs

Hours: Up to 37 hours per week (minimum 30 hours) Salary: £31,634 (pro rata) (Range: £31,634 - £36,384) Location: Somerset - Homebased with regular travel across Somerset The Vacancy Health and social care are continuously changing, with big shifts happening now in how services are designed and delivered. You will join us at an exciting time to ensure the independent public voice is heard, making sure those services work with and for people. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference to how health and social care services are delivered to the people of Somerset.  This is a challenging, exciting and varied role, line-managing a small team where your input really matters with an employer who is committed to flexible working. Healthwatch is all about people - capturing the views of local people on their experiences of using services, taking this feedback to NHS leaders and other local decision-makers to improve care, now and in the future, to make a health and social care system that is made for and includes everyone. In Somerset, the Healthwatch service is hosted by The Advocacy People, who would be your employer. The Advocacy People and Healthwatch share core values which are all about people’s voices: empowering people to speak up; amplifying service user voices; enabling people to participate in, and influence decision-making about health and social care; and provide information which helps people make informed decisions. A bit about The Advocacy People We are an independent, Human Rights based charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy, advocacy-related provision and Healthwatch services, who make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information about advocacy and what we do, please go to our website: www.theadvocacypeople.org.uk where you will also find information about our attractive benefits package on the Jobs Vacancies page. About the role In this exciting role you will be: Leading our feedback gathering activities to ensure that people’s views and experiences of health and social care are captured, listened to and taken account of by decision makers in Somerset at a key time of change and development.   Developing and leading engagement activities and projects with a wide range of communities in Somerset including those seldom heard or marginalised.   Line managing and enhancing the leadership of the local Healthwatch team . You can find out more about the job and how to apply here: Healthwatch Somerset Manager : Up to 37 hours per week (minimum 30 hours)

Our October Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. A little boy sat under a tree in the woods with a green coat on and red Spiderman wellington boots on. To read our October 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.

In June 2025, we undertook an Enter and View visit to Elliscombe House to observe the quality of service and talk to people using the service, including residents, relatives and staff. Elliscombe House Care Home, Wincanton What we found There is a real sense that this is the residents’ home. Without exception, residents told us they feel happy and safe. The environment felt welcoming, calm and organised. Interactions between residents and staff were very personalised; staff know residents well. Residents spoke highly about the staff and the care they receive.   Our recommendations include: We liked the fact that residents were invited to take part in interviews for new staff. We would recommend this to other providers as good practice We raised with the manager a resident’s comment about making their own hot drink. Health and safety would need to be considered in this situation. Read our report If you need this report in a different format, please email  info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk   or call 0800 999 1286.

A new collaboration has launched which aims to uncover inequalities and barriers to accessing cancer care and shape how services can be improved for the most vulnerable people in Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire. Breaking Barriers: Improving Access to Cancer Services - Including Screening is a joint project between Healthwatch BNSSG, B&NES, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire and the NHS  Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance. SWAG Cancer Alliance is committed to improving outcomes for all communities across the region. By working with Healthwatch and local partners, this initiative will help ensure that cancer pathways reflect the diverse needs of the population, including those who may face additional barriers due to language, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or other factors. They are inviting anyone who has experienced cancer services, especially those from underserved or marginalised communities, to share their experiences via an online survey, about challenges with accessing screening, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr Helen Winter, SWAG Clinical Director, said: "We know that some groups face greater challenges when it comes to accessing cancer care and we are committed to tackling these inequalities and making sure no one is left behind. This survey is a vital step in listening to all voices and ensuring our services are inclusive, accessible and shaped around the needs of every community across the SWAG footprint and beyond." Who should take part? The survey is open to anyone who has experience with cancer services, especially those from communities who may face additional barriers. What will the survey cover? Participants will be asked about: Access to cancer services and any challenges faced Communication and information received Whether their personal, cultural, or accessibility needs were met Trust in local cancer services Suggestions for improvement The survey also includes demographic questions to help identify gaps and target future engagement more effectively. Phase 2, which looks to launch in early 2026, will see steps being made to help shape more inclusive and accessible cancer care locally. What happens next? The survey will be open until 30 th November, with responses helping to shape a deeper phase of qualitative engagement. An initial report will be published in December 2025/January 2026 , informing future work to improve cancer care pathways across the region. How to take part The survey is available online and will be promoted through local organisations, community groups, and targeted outreach. An easy-read version will also be made available to ensure accessibility. Get in touch with us for more information or to request a paper copy of the survey. About SWAG Cancer Alliance SWAG Cancer Alliance is one of 21 cancer alliances in England, funded by NHS England’s National Cancer programme. They work across Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon, and Gloucestershire to improve cancer outcomes, access, and patient experience.   They bring together healthcare providers, commissioners, and patients to co-design and transform cancer services. Their focus is on early detection, timely diagnosis, and high-quality treatment and care. By fostering collaboration across primary, secondary, and tertiary care, we empower our clinical leaders to use shared data, evidence-based practices, and innovative systems to drive improvement.   They are reducing variation and tackling inequalities by planning care across organisational boundaries and local cancer pathways.   Find out more: Home - SWAG Cancer Alliance Cancer outcomes in the UK are significantly influenced by socio-economic and ethnic disparities, with individuals from underserved communities facing poorer access, experience, and survival rates. Within the SWAG Cancer Alliance region, early diagnosis rates vary by up to 11% between the most and least deprived areas, and people in deprived communities experience higher emergency admissions and lower access to clinical trials. Ethnic disparities are also evident, with early diagnosis rates significantly lower among Black populations compared to White populations, and minimal representation in patient experience surveys. Take five minutes to share your experiences NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during these challenging times, but there might be things that can be improved for you and your loved ones, both in the area you live in and across the country.

Our September Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. Lytes Cary Manor To read our September 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.