1. Call for dual diagnosis: Steve tells his story

    News -

    Steve Thornton, whose experiences helped us form a survey about the support available for recovery from both addiction and mental health, said he was “pushed around the system for many years” before someone finally was able to help him.

  2. Are you an unpaid carer? Register with a GP so you don't miss your COVID-19 vaccine

    Advice and Information -

    It's always important to be registered with a GP - but it's particularly important if you're caring for someone vulnerable. If you're not registered, you may not get your COVID-19 vaccination at the right time.

  3. Healthwatch helps end Joe's "excruciating wait" for mental health support

    News -

    Joe has been "languishing on waiting lists and waiting for phonecalls" for over a year trying to get mental health support. We put him in touch with the Patient Advice and Liaison Service and he has now been able to see a psychiatrist.

  4. Disabled people made up 6 in 10 of all COVID-19 deaths last year, according to official data

    News -

    59.5% of all the coronavirus deaths between the 24th January and the 20th November 2020 were disabled people, the latest data from the Office for National Statistics has revealed.

  5. Zoom in for our next Prioritisation Panel meeting on February 23

    News -

    At our Prioritisation Panel you can hear first hand how Healthwatch uses your feedback to understand the city's key health issues and works to bring about resolutions to help everyone have better health and care.

  6. How to get support if you need a little extra help to have the Covid-19 vaccine

    News -

    People who have learning disabilities or a mental health condition can have their vaccination experience made easier for them. Healthwatch and the local clinical commissioning group put on a webinar to explain extra support or help that's available.

  7. Carers' forum - we care about how your needs are met in the future

    News -

    Are you an unpaid parent carer in North Somerset? Take part in our Forum on Thursday (February 25th) morning or next Thursday (March 4th) evening over Zoom. We need your views so we know about the support and help you might need in the future.

  8. If you have a learning disability you need to be on your GP's learning disability register to have the vaccine

    News -

    Find out more about how to get on your GPs learning disability register to ensure you have the Covid-19 vaccine. Being on the register also means you should be invited to have an important health check-up to pick up any symptoms of illness.

  9. Overcoming concerns about the Covid-19 vaccine if you have a learning disability

    Advice and Information -

    One of our volunteers, Jemma Ballinger, says while it is great news that people on the learning disability register will be prioritised to have the vaccine, they will still often need a lot of reassurance and understanding to receive it.

  10. "A sense of excitement and optimism doing something that matters," Julie's Covid jab story

    Blog -

    "Staff at Brockway Medical Centre made me feel what I was doing was important, not just for me but for everyone else," Julie tells us having her vaccine was a very uplifting experience and one she will cherish.

  11. Vaccine research shows positive reaction among Asian communities

    News -

    Sayd Ahmed from North Somerset Bangladeshi Association has been on a mission to speak to all Asian households in the area to encourage them the Covid vaccine is safe. He told HW he spoke to 2,200 people and they all were in favour of having it.

  12. New system of local organisations to improve local care

    News -

    The pandemic has shown the importance of collaboration to help everyone get the care they need. This is the principle behind the new regional Integrated Care System, which began operating from today, April 1.

  13. How to cope with lockdown if you have autism

    Advice and Information -

    Radio presenter and Asperger's champion Alex Manners spoke to Healthwatch ahead of his talk organised by Bristol Autism Support tomorrow (April 7th). His tips for coping with the pressures of Covid-19? "Find a project and focus on the next few days."

  14. Report: Experiences of using Community Mental Health during the pandemic

    Report -

    Our latest report examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community mental health services in North Somerset and makes recommendations for change to improve access to services.

  15. Free virtual monthly drop-in sessions for people who have had strokes, their families, and carers

    News -

    If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke, register for a free, monthly drop-in session to learn more about how to manage life after a stroke.

  16. Have your say on the proposed Graham Road Surgery relocation

    News -

    Do you have a view on the proposed relocation of Graham Road Surgery in Weston-super-Mare? Join a series of workshops for patients and local residents to get involved in the design and development of services as part of the proposed relocation.

  17. Register for workshops on Graham Road Surgery's £3.2 million upgrade

    News -

    The Weston Rugby Club is now the preferred site for the relocation of Graham Road Surgery. Have your say on the £3.2 million upgrade planned to create a modern new GP surgery for people living in the centre of Weston.

  18. Healthwatch BNSSG's decision making policy

    Report -

    Healthwatch Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) are committed to putting people first. Our 'Decision making: policy and procedures for all staff, board and volunteers' sets how we do this.

  19. Portishead Dementia Friendly Communities are running a series of events for Dementia Action Week

    News -

    This Dementia Action Week 2021 (17 – 23 May), Portishead Dementia Friendly Communities are running a range of sessions for anyone who is interested in finding out more about dementia and the help available.

  20. Our survey to help improve bladder and bowel care features in national showcase

    News -

    Healthwatch North Somerset is delighted that our work with Bristol Health Partners on how easy it was for people to get help from bladder and bowel services during Covid-19 has been included in a national research portfolio.

  21. Action plan needed to address staff levels and patient care at Weston Hospital

    News -

    Shortages of staff at Weston Hospital could mean patients do not get the right care or treatment, a new report has found.

  22. Safe Haven project ready to support those in crisis

    News -

    Safe Haven Crisis Centre has opened its doors to provide a safe space for up to 12 people suffering severe emotional distress every evening. Healthwatch played a part to make the service as welcoming and appealing as possible.

  23. Pharmacy spotlight: Day Lewis in Nailsea

    Advice and Information -

    Pharmacies offer a wealth of health and care services and popping in for advice might prevent the need to call 111 or visit your GP

  24. Winterbourne View 10 years on: Supporting those with learning disabilities to stay safe and well

    News -

    People with learning disabilities are still at risk of dying unnecessarily and receive poorer care – 10 years on from the abuse suffered at Winterbourne View.

  25. 100% of visitors seeking urgent support were 'very satisfied' with their experience at Safe Haven

    News -

    Safe Haven, a place for people in acute emotional distress, switched to providing remote support to people in distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2021, it opened its doors and was able to provide face-to-face support for those in need.

  26. Why do we need to collect demographic information when you share your views with us?

    Advice and Information -

    When you share your views with us, we ask for demographic information such as your gender, sexual orientation, age, and ethnicity. Here's why we collect this information, and what we use it for.

  27. Young people struggling to access support for their mental health

    News -

    75% of parents and young people told us they have concerns about their mental health and service provision. We heard that people had to "fight" for support and that services were "swamped, meaning no help was available."

  28. Annual Report 2019/2020

    Report -

    In October 2019, Heathwatch South North Somerset became part of Healthwatch Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. Find out how your feedback made a difference by downloading our 2019/2010 annual report.

  29. Annual Report 2020/2021

    Report -

    From sharing your stories of shielding and isolating, to raising the issue of dual diagnosis, take a look at what we've been up to during 2020 and 2021.

  30. Improving stroke services in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

    News -

    Stroke services in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire could be set to change as part of a public consultation on proposed improvements.

  31. Face-to-face appointments: know your choices

    Advice and Information -

    Digital appointments don't work for everyone. Many health care services have moved online, but you can still request a face-to-face appointment. Here's what you can expect from the NHS if you need to be seen in person.

  32. Accessing wellbeing and mental health support in North Somerset

    Advice and Information -

    Most of us will need support with our wellbeing at some point, but if you're struggling, it can be difficult to know where to go for advice. North Somerset Council have put together a booklet to ensure you can access the help you need.

  33. The public agenda for our next Prioritisation Panel on August 10

    News -

    See how we work out the main health and care priorities for North Somerset from your feedback. Our meeting at 11:30am on August 10 is where we action your comments or concerns with providers to ensure what you tell us makes a difference.

  34. How your feedback has made a difference: April - June 2021

    Report -

    Between the beginning of April and the end of June 2021, we received 103 pieces of feedback on a wide range of health and social care issues, including primary care services (e.g. GPs) and secondary care services (e.g. hospital services, CAMHs)

  35. Healthwatch BNSSG's code of conduct

    Report -

    Everyone who represents Healthwatch Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire is expected to behave professionally and in support of our values These include being inclusive, transparent, non-judgemental, and independent.

  36. Healthwatch BNSSG's terms of reference for the Finance and Resources Committee

    Report -

    The Finance Committee is responsible to the Management Board. The committee's role includes ensuring Healthwatch BSSNG operates appropriate financial and accounting policies, and assessing the financial performance of Healthwatch BNSSG.

  37. Struggling to access digital services? Take a look at three new booklets, created to help people use the internet

    News -

    Alive, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people and their carers, have published three booklets with the help of Healthwatch North Somerset to help those who struggle with technology access online services.

  38. North Somerset Prioritisation Panel August 2021 - minutes

    Report -

    On the August 10 2021, our Prioritisation Panel came together to discuss the health and social care issues you've raised, and what Healthwatch North Somerset can do to bring about change.

  39. Advice for NHS Dental Contractors: updating your NHS website profile

    Advice and Information -

    Many dental practices are not updating their information on the NHS website. The Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, and Healthwatch are urging dental contractors to review their profiles, to help patients find dental care more easily.

  40. Millions more to benefit from free flu jab as eligibility criteria is widened

    News -

    Over 35 million people are to be offered a free flu vaccine, including 50 - 64 year olds and all secondary school children up to year 11, in order to save lives and reduce the pressure on the NHS this winter.

  41. How to help someone get the most out of their learning disability Annual Health Check

    Advice and Information -

    People with a learning disability may find it hard to know when they are unwell, or to tell someone about it. We've put together a checklist to help people with a learning disability and their carers make the most of their annual health check.

  42. Translated COVID-19 advice posters available in 12 languages

    News -

    Posters with the most recent COVID-19 information and recommended steps to keep everyone safe and reduce the spread of the virus are have been translated into 12 different languages, including Somali, Polish, and Gujarati.

  43. NHS sets out plan for improving patient access to GPs

    News -

    More GP appointments, additional funding for NHS 111, and improved telephone systems will all make it easier for people to get the care they need. Measures to support GPs include the launch of a zero-tolerance campaign towards abuse of NHS staff.

  44. People with learning disabilities and their carers are entitled to a free flu vaccination

    Advice and Information -

    Preventing flu can be particularly important for people with a learning disability. Flu can lead to pneumonia and sepsis, which many people with a learning disability are much more vulnerable to than the general population.

  45. Risk of a "tsunami of unmet need" facing the health and care system, the Care Quality Commission reports

    News -

    In their annual 'State of Care' report - the first to cover a full year of the pandemic - the independent regulator has called for increased stability and collaboration across services, plus investment in 'new ways of working'.

  46. NHS jargon and acronyms explained

    Advice and Information -

    The NHS sometimes uses jargon and acronyms that can be difficult to make sense of. We've found a selection of reliable resources that explain, in plain English, many of the terms that you may see used in NHS correspondence, online, or in the media.

  47. Next steps for stroke services to be decided

    News -

    Sit in on the decision-making process and hear the results of the Clinical Commissioning Group's recent consultation on how to improve stroke services and save lives in the Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire area.

  48. Medical care at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston rated 'good' by CQC - but concerns raised over patient safety

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission's inspection of Weston General Hospital in June left the independent regulator 'significantly concerned about the safe care and treatment of patients receiving medical care'.

  49. Graham Road Surgery and Horizon Health Centre must make improvements in order to meet legal requirements, says CQC

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission undertook the inspection of Graham Road 'in response to intelligence to suggest there was emerging risk at this practice', which included patient feedback and reports from Healthwatch North Somerset.