News and reports

The new crisis centre planned for Weston-super-Mare has taken a step forward with a provider now being sought for the scheme.

Large scale research and data collection is needed to tackle “humbling inequalities" in Covid-19 death rates, according to the new Public Health England report. We want our feedback to build an understanding of health experiences of BAME groups.

Weston Hospital has now fully reopened and patients who have an appointment scheduled from today onwards should just attend at their allocated time. The A&E service is also now operational again from 8am to 10pm.

There have been no new Covid-19 cases identified at Weston Hospital after inpatients were re-tested this week. Work is ongoing so it can reopen “as soon as possible,” according to the hospital's CEO.

Thank you to our volunteer and Director Tim who is keen to raise the profile of Healthwatch wherever he goes. He loves going to hospital meetings and has attended a lot over the last eight years - with the most recent streaming on YouTube!

Thanks John, your work means patients' voices are heard by key decision makers at local hospitals.

Happy Talk....Charity We Are Aware is running an all day conversation on Zoom to raise awareness of mental health and the importance of connecting with others to boost your mood!

A new review has shown the risk of dying from Covid-19 is higher among Black and Asian Minority Ethnic Groups compared to white groups. Healthwatch awaits recommendations from these findings which will really benefit BAME staff and patients.

A patient transport service for mental health patients in North Somerset has said they are making changes to how they record journeys – following an inadequate rating from the Quality Care Commission.

Pioneering technology to zap away excruciating headaches is to receive NHS England funding and could be prescribed to North Somerset patients soon.

Carers who assist people with learning disabilities are asked to help make sure their ‘Healthcare Passports’ are up-to-date for any hospital visits during the health pandemic.

If you or your loved one feels unsafe, at risk or unable to cope, a new crisis support phone service is now operating in North Somerset.