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News -
For the first time, the NHS has published the number of individual patients on the waiting list – 6.5 million – in addition to the total number of appointments and treatments currently on the waiting list – 7.77 million. -
Report -
Our 2022 Annual General Meeting was attended by our Trustees, staff, and members of our volunteer team. We discussed the work we'd done over the previous year and looked at how we can continue to be a voice for patients in the future. -
News -
Health and care partners in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) are investing an extra £40m into services to boost capacity and speed up hospital discharge during the challenging winter months. Planning for this winter began in February, with significant extra funding allocated to winter schemes to maintain safe and effective care for local people. -
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In carrying out our functions as a statutory organisation we promise to ensure that the values of equality, diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded into everything we do. We are committed to creating the right culture, skills and priorities to ensure that no individual is discriminated against in the planning and delivery of any of our activities. -
News -
Our hub in The Galleries shopping centre, Broadmead will be closed to the public between Monday 25th and Friday 29th December. It may take us longer than usual to get back to you over the Christmas and New Year period. -
Report -
Read the minutes of our November 29 2023 Prioritisation Panel, where we come together with our volunteers to discuss the health and social care issues you've raised and what we can do to bring about change. -
News -
In each of the last four years the NHS Staff Survey has shown that more than one in four staff has experienced harassment, bullying or abuse from patients and members of the public while at work. -
News -
Have you been impacted by cancelled care? Healthwatch England commissioned Yonder Data Solutions to run an online survey to learn about the impact of postponements and cancellations of recent or planned care or appointments in 2023. -
Report -
When working for Healthwatch BNSSG, Trustees, staff and volunteers will often need to have access to confidential information. This may include personal information about individuals, information about the internal business of Healthwatch, and confidential information or business about the health and care system. -
Report -
Our engagement strategy sets out how and why we engage with the public; collaboration with other groups and organisations; what we do with your feedback; and our commitment to equalities research and working with 'least heard' communities. -
Advice and Information -
Following patient feedback, the NHS has committed to making it easier and quicker for you to get the help you need from your GP and the healthcare community around your surgery. Our new booklet explains what changes and improvements you may see. -
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What matters to you if and when you need help from social care services? Local people who don't currently receive any support told us about what's important to them, both now and when they need assistance in the future. -
News -
In 2022-23, we supported more than 1000 people and held almost 150 learning sessions to help older adults develop the skills to use online health services. We're delighted that this work has been shortlisted for a national award. -
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Do you have a loved one currently staying on a mental health ward? We're visiting a number of inpatient wards to speak to patients. We'd also like to hear from family, friends, and carers. -
Advice and Information -
The free CONfidence app provides self-help advice and information for people with bladder and bowel leakage, and carers and parents of children with symptoms. -
News -
People can now get treatment for seven common health conditions directly from their local pharmacist, without needing a GP appointment. -
Report -
Read the minutes of our November 29 2023 Prioritisation Panel, where we come together with our volunteers to discuss the health and social care issues you've raised and what we can do to bring about change. -
Report -
Anyone who is dissatisfied with any aspect of the service received by Healthwatch Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) can make a complaint. -
Report -
Our workplan sets out the areas of health and social care we will be looking at over the coming financial year. It also outlines the research we plan to carry out in order to help improve local services. -
Report -
Our workplan sets out the areas of health and social care we will be looking at over the coming financial year. It also outlines the research we plan to carry out in order to help improve local services. -
News -
The wait for planned medical care or surgery can be frustrating, If you're a North Somerset resident, please tell us about the the support you've received - if any - while waiting for your hip or knee operation. -
News -
We're delighted to have been recognised at the National Healthwatch Impact Awards for helping people who are digitally excluded develop the skills to use online health services. -
News -
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a report following an inspection of the maternity services at both Weston General Hospital and UHBW Bristol Main Site (St Michael’s Hospital), both run by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, in December. -
Advice and Information -
If your GP refers you to a specialist, you usually have the right to choose which hospital you go to. You can choose a hospital in your area – or one further away if you wish. -
News -
Patients will be able to have scans and tests at a new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) from April 2024 as part of a wider NHS initiative to increase access to diagnostic procedures. -
Advice and Information -
Eligible people are being invited by the NHS to have a top-up Covid-19 vaccination this spring. In line with expert advice, the NHS is offering Covid-19 vaccinations to people who are at increased risk of serious illness from the virus – including those aged 75 and over (by 30 June 2024), residents of care homes for older adults, and those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system. -
Report -
102 people in Knowle West, Hartcliffe and Weston-super-Mare spoke to us about their experiences of health and social care. They shared the barriers and failures that prevented them from accessing local services, and what improvements are needed. -
Advice and Information -
Following patient feedback, the NHS has committed to making it easier and quicker for you to get the help you need from your GP and the healthcare community around your surgery. Our newly updated booklet explains what changes you may see, and how you can help us monitor them. -
Advice and Information -
This checklist is a tool for people with a learning disability and their carer or supporters to fill in before attending an annual health check. It aims to help you recognise when things aren’t right, take actions to keep healthy, and to speak up and seek help. -
News -
Access to NHS dental care continues to be one of the main issues we hear about from the public. The Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care System (ICS) has published a draft oral health and dental strategy for the next three years. -
Report -
Last year, more than 500 people shared their experiences of health and social care services with us. Our annual report highlights all the ways we've used your feedback to improve care, plus our plans for the year ahead. -
News -
We've been working with Healthwatch Bristol, the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) to improve the discharge process. -
News -
According to estimates by Healthwatch England, up to 1.5 million working-age disabled people in England could need social care support but are not accessing it. This means they are likely to be missing out on help with daily activities such as washing, cleaning, socialising, and going to the shops. -
Advice and Information -
The Care Forum has been selected to provide Healthwatch services for Bristol, North Somerset and North Somerset (BNSSG) over the next three years. -
Report -
North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) asked us to find out how they could support people on waiting lists for elective surgery and surgical investigations, with a focus on marginalised and seldom-heard communities. -
Advice and Information -
Jessie May nurses provide at home nursing and respite care for children and young people that have a terminal or life-limiting condition throughout the South West. -
Report -
Our local Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) listens to the experiences of women and families across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. It brings together service users, staff and other stakeholders to plan, review and improve maternity and neonatal care. -
Report -
We visited six inpatient wards managed by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership across the local area. Patients and staff told us what's working well, and where improvements are needed. -
Report -
The current average waiting time in England for knee or hip replacements is 128 days. 59% of treatments are delivered within this time, but many patients are waiting longer. People on these waiting lists shared their experiences with us. -
News -
Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said there had been 'significant improvements' made to the service over the last 12 months. -
Report -
'Antenatal' is the time when you're pregnant, before a baby is born. The NHS provides free antenatal classes. Parents across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire shared their experiences of antenatal care with the local Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership. -
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Earlier this year, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected forensic inpatient and secure wards managed by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. The CQC gave a rating of 'requires improvement'. -
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Our work with a local hospital trust has led to a range of measures to improve the experiences of people on a waiting list for surgery. Keeping people updated about their place on a list and taking personal needs (such as housing and social support) into consideration are two of the steps that are being taken. -
Advice and Information -
A year ago the Accessible Information Standard came into force. It requires any organisation providing NHS or social care to communicate in a way that everybody can understand. Here's a reminder of what you should expect. -
Advice and Information -
We know from our conversations with the public that some patients report feeling rushed during appointments and struggling to make themselves heard. Here are some tips that could help you get the most out of visiting your GP. -
Advice and Information -
The number of people being cared for in their own homes is increasing but what should you expect from home care services? -
Advice and Information -
Everyone should be able to access good quality NHS dental services. Take a look at our top tips to help you get the most out of your next dental appointment. -
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