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.

Sign the Local Healthwatch petition and write to your MP using our downloadable letter template. As part of changes to the NHS set out in the 10-Year Plan, and in response to the Penny Dash report the Government will end local Healthwatch services and bring them under control of the Local Authority and the Integrated Care Board. 131 local Healthwatch services across England have signed a powerful open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, urging the government to reconsider proposals. "Since 1974 there has been continuous parliamentary support for independent public voice initiatives being able to hold services to account. Therefore, we urge you to reconsider this direction. Instead of dismantling independence, we should be strengthening it - ensuring every community has access to strong, well-resourced, and fearless local public voice initiatives that hold services to account and shape care that truly meets people’s needs." Taken from: Open letter on the future of Healthwatch | Healthwatch Haringey If you are concerned about the impact these changes will have on the effect of your local independant voice, advice, and support then use your voice. Let your colleagues, communities, family, and friends know about the changes and how it may effect them. Local Healthwatch petition  Local Healthwatch have put together a petition calling on the government to protect the independence of local voices in health and care and we ask for your support in signing it: Write to your MP You can send your MP your completed copy of our letter either by email or through the post. Download the the letter below: You can also copy and paste the text below into an email or alternative document format: [Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Postcode] [Your Email – optional] [Date] [MP’s Name] House of Commons London SW1A 0AA Dear [MP's Name], Re: Concern over proposed changes to local Healthwatch services I am writing as a constituent to share my concern about recent announcements that the Government plans to bring local Healthwatch services ‘in-house’ as part of changes to the NHS set out in the 10-Year Plan, and in response to the Penny Dash report. As you will know, local Healthwatch organisations were established to ensure that patients and the public have an independent voice in how health and social care services are planned and delivered. Healthwatch Somerset — like many across the country — plays a vital role in listening to local people, highlighting what is working and where improvements are needed, and ensuring that services reflect the needs of the communities they serve. Moving these services in-house risks undermining their independence and their ability to speak honestly and clearly on behalf of patients and service users. The current Healthwatch structure allows it to operate without conflict of interest — something that will be hard to maintain if accountability shifts to the very organisations it is meant to scrutinise. This change feels deeply worrying and hard to understand. Healthwatch has built trust with the public by being rooted in communities and able to speak truth to power. Taking that away risks silencing local voices and losing valuable insight that helps improve services. I hope you will be aware of these concerns and continue to follow this issue closely as it develops. I simply wanted to add my voice to what I understand is a growing number of people who feel that this is not the right direction for public involvement in health and care. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Yours sincerely, [Your Name] Check your local county constituency (CC) here: Parliamentary constituencies in Somerset - Wikipedia Bridgwater CC: Contact information for Sir Ashley Fox - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament Frome and East Somerset CC: Contact information for Anna Sabine - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament Glastonbury and Somerton CC: Contact information for Sarah Dyke - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament Taunton and Wellington CC: Contact information for Gideon Amos - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament Tiverton and Minehead CC: Contact information for Rachel Gilmour - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament Wells and Mendip Hills CC: Contact information for Tessa Munt - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament Yeovil CC: Contact information for Adam Dance - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament If you have any questions or comments relating to this page, please get in touch by email, phone, or letter using the details on our 'Contact us' page.

Share your feedback by 31 st  October 2025 to help us understand people’s current experiences with community pharmacies. Pharmacy Survey Poster We want to hear about your experiences of using your local pharmacy This research is in response to our engagement over the past year with residents of Somerset, who have voiced their concerns about the challenges of gaining prescriptions, caused by temporary and permanent closures of pharmacies across Somerset. Share your feedback It’s easy to share your anonymous feedback with us. You can do this by completing our survey by QR code - see the poster above. Completing the survey online: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/7S5SQX/ Telephone (Freephone): 0800 999 1286 to complete the survey over the telephone, or request a paper copy of the survey by telephone, or e mail: info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk

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.

Our August Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. Photo of a field with a rainbow in the sky To read our August 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 July Newsletter includes updates about our work, information about health and care services, and helpful advice. A field of sunflowers with trees behind and a blue sky with white clouds To read our July 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.

Triggered by increasing concerns raised by local carers and chosen as a priority through the 2024 People's Vote, our report aims to amplify the voices of carers who can often be overlooked in health and care systems. 'Who cares?' shines a spotlight on the lived experiences of unpaid carers in Somerset, revealing widespread difficulties in accessing timely, clear, and consistent support and information. Our report includes deeply personal accounts from local carers like Pat and Sam (names changed), who describe being left to navigate difficult care transitions, housing issues, and family crises with little professional support. Key findings Many carers are unaware of available support due to unclear communication and inconsistent information from services. Carers frequently face barriers during transfers of care, such as poor hospital discharge communication and lack of follow-up. Young carers and carers supporting people with mental health needs report unique struggles and limited resources. The Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector plays a critical role in filling gaps left by statutory services. Carers call for information in both digital and paper formats, written in plain language and designed with accessibility in mind. We urge professionals to routinely ask , “Are you a carer?” and to ensure carers are involved in care planning and decision-making processes. Read our report If you need this report in a different format, please email info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk   or call 0800 999 1286 Executive summary Full report

Our new report highlights carers' experiences in accessing information and resources and shines a spotlight on the lived experiences of unpaid carers in Somerset, revealing widespread difficulties in accessing timely, clear, and consistent support and information. Every day, thousands of people across Somerset care for loved ones—often without recognition, formal support, or even realising that they are carers. Our report, “Who Cares?”, gives voice to those unpaid carers and shares what they need to feel seen, supported, and informed. The report is based on 14 detailed personal stories, over 30 community events, and dozens of conversations with carers, professionals, and volunteers. These accounts expose the impact on carers who are being frequently neglected by GP's and NHS Specialists during diagnosis and treament of the people they care for. What we found Carers often feel overlooked and are forced to prioritise others’ needs over their own well-being. Many don’t identify as “carers,” which means they miss out on vital support. Information is often overwhelming, inconsistent, or only available digitally. Hospital discharges and care transitions can be distressing due to poor communication. The best support often comes from the voluntary and community sector, not always from formal health or social care services. Real stories from Somerset carers One carer, Pat, described navigating their child’s complex mental health needs with no joined-up support. Another, Sam, shared their frustration at a hospital discharge that resulted in lost hearing aids and a medication mix-up. These stories, while difficult to read, show the resilience of carers - and the cost of poor systems. “I love my family, but being a full-time unpaid carer is exhausting. At times I feel so undervalued.” Carer from Somerset What carers want Clear, plain-language information One central place to access support Paper-based resources alongside digital ones Better communication from hospitals, GPs, and social care Recognition and empathy—not just leaflets Our recommendations A simple A5 carer contact and support form for use across Somerset Training and prompts for health and care professionals to routinely ask: “Are you a carer?” Accessible, health-literate communication in multiple formats Consideration of a ‘Carers Certificate’ which can be filled with important information to help with appointments and transitions of care There is progress—but more to do We’re encouraged by the work already underway across Somerset, from Carers Champions in GP surgeries to upcoming digital improvements. But there’s still a long way to go to make the system truly carer aware. Carers must be recognised not just as providers of support but as individuals with rights, needs, and knowledge of the systems they navigate. Download the full report and excutive summary by clicking the link: Who cares? Hearing how caregivers view available support and resources in Somerset.

In November 2024 we undertook an Enter and View visit to Oakhill Surgery to observe the quality of service, and talk to people using the surgery. The purpose of this Enter and View visit was to talk to patients, their family members, caregivers, and staff to understand how they felt about their experience at Oakhill Surgery. What we found This practice serves the local community, and patients feel it is an integral part of that community. Patients said staff are friendly, and go above and beyond to be helpful. We were told that staff get to know the patients and in turn patients feel listened to. The surgery places importance on good communication with patients. This includes knowing patients’ names and telling patients what is going on. We observed staff being polite and courteous to patients. Patients spoke highly about the attitude of staff and quality of care they receive. Our recommendations include: It would be helpful to have photos of the staff so that patients can recognise them. Investigate the possibility of enlarging the size of font on the TV screen and slowing the speed of screen changes. Continue to host the annual carers event (or similar) to showcase the surgery and to pass information to patients. Read our report If you need this report in a different format, please email  info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk   or call 0800 999 1286.

In our latest report we have listened to experiences of Somerset residents who tried to book an appointment to see their GP. In response to local feedback about challenges in booking appointments with GPs, we have explored people’s experiences across the county. 64% of people who took part in our survey were offered a face-to-face appointment with their GP. Concerns about a lack of professional medical qualifications when being triaged by an administrator, and long call waiting times were some of the problems people told us about. The experiences of the 381 people who took part in our survey helped shape the practical recommendations we shared with NHS Somerset to help improve the first point of contact to GP surgeries. Recommendations Reduce call waiting times; suggestions include: Improving and increasing availability of booking online appointments. Increased reception/administrative staff at peak times. Consider creating contact centres for each Primary Care Network (PCN) as a single point of contact for the surgeries. This would improve continuity of triage and appointment allocation with potential to reduce financial overheads. Regular support for and monitoring of staff members who perform triage to improve continuity, training, delivery, and efficiency for patients. Demonstrate improved communication and understanding for patients surrounding: Triage processes and outcomes. Appointments with other healthcare professionals within the general practice teams. PCN level Enhanced and Extended Access Appointments. Local support available to those who are digitally excluded through lack of confidence, knowledge, or finance. All GP surgeries should offer in person, telephone, and online access to services and appointments to help suit patient needs. All GP surgeries should have the ability to book routine appointments in advance. Surgeries should consider a dedicated mental health triage option.   Gillian Keniston-Goble, Healthwatch Somerset Manager, recognises that GP Surgeries in Somerset are experiencing high demand with limited resources, while urging GP surgeries to consider the wider impact of the difficulties people are facing booking appointments. Gillian said: “GP surgeries across Somerset are facing unprecedented demand with limited resources, making it increasingly challenging to meet the needs of every patient. However, it is crucial that practices consider the broader impact on our community, particularly the frustration and distress many experience when trying to secure an appointment. We must continue to strive for solutions that balance the immediate pressures with the ongoing wellbeing of our patients.” Michael Bainbridge, NHS Somerset Associate Director of Primary Care, commented: “NHS Somerset welcomes the latest Healthwatch report on GP access. Our job is to plan, fund and monitor the quality of health services so that the people of Somerset live healthy lives for longer with timely access to healthcare services when needed. Patients and communities are at the heart of our work, because it is only by listening carefully that we will understand what we need to change. Healthwatch plays an important role in bringing the experience of patients into our strategy for primary care. We work closely with Healthwatch and will be developing an action plan on GP access in response to this report.” Read the full report which includes comments from survey responses and how we engaged with people to complete this important research project: The doctor will see you now: A look at booking an appointment with your GP in Somerset

NHS England has published a refreshed version of the Accessible Information Standard (AIS) which was first released in 2016. Here we look at what the standard means for you and and how this has changed with the refreshed version. The aim of the AIS is to make sure that disabled people and who have a sensory impairment get information about their health in a way they can access and understand, and any communication support that they need. This includes making sure that people get information in accessible formats if they need it, for example in large print, braille, easy read or via email. It also includes appropriate support to help individuals communicate, for example, support from a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, deafblind manual interpreter or an advocate. All organisations that provide NHS or publicly funded adult social care services, including hospitals and GPs, must have ‘due regard’ to the new standard. Six things that you should expect from organisations that provide NHS or adult social care: You should be asked if you have any communication needs, and asked how these needs can be met Your needs should be recorded in a clear and set way. Your file or notes should highlight these communication needs so people are aware and know how to meet them. Information about your communication needs should be shared with other providers of NHS and adult social care, when they have consent or permission to do so. Information should be delivered to you in a way you can access and understand, with the option for communication support if needed. All organisations must have a senior AIS lead and must review how they are meeting the Accessible Information Standard. They should use the Self Assessment Frameworks to monitor how well they are implementing the AIS. Find out more about the Accessible Information Standard .  What do I do if my communications needs are not met?  If you believe your local health service is failing to meet your communications needs, there are a number of things you can do:  Give feedback or make a formal complaint via the NHS or council complaints processes – read our guide here on making a complaint . Share your experience with us or the Care Quality Commission , which inspects services, as they could use it to build a picture of problems with certain services and take further action Contact a local councillor or your local MP. We also remind the public of their right to use the  NHS complaints process  to get services to respond to any concerns that their communication and disability needs are not being me You can also contact the following organisations for support you if you have a disability or sensory impairment:  RNIB – for people who have a visual impairment.  RNID – for people who have a hearing impairment.  SignHealth – for deaf people. Sense – support for people who are deafblind.  Mind  - support for people living with mental health problems.  Our role Healthwatch has been advocating for a better AIS, working with leading national charities, including RNIB, RNID, Mind and SignHealth. We will continue to press for the government to make the AIS fully mandatory for health and care organisations, which would require new regulations to come into force. We are committed to making sure all our information is clear and accessible for everyone. It is vital that anybody who wants to find out about our work is able to do so.