1. Weston Hospital open to outpatients - attend appointments and A&E as normal

    News -

    Patients should attend outpatient appointments at Weston Hospital as normal despite a rise in Covid-19 admissions. The A & E department is also open but people are advised to call NHS 111 first if it is not a life-threatening emergency.

  2. COVID-19 cases in North Somerset up by 10%, as council pledges to increase rapid testing in the community

    News -

    While cases in Bristol and South Gloucestershire have fallen, COVID-19 cases in North Somerset are up by 10%, with a total of 880 cases recorded.

  3. Allergy advice and the Covid-19 vaccine

    News -

    If you have certain allergies you may be concerned about whether you should get the Covid vaccine. In most cases the vaccine is safe, even for people with a history of reactions to certain drugs and food. Here's the latest allergy information.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  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. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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'.

  16. Take lateral flow test before 'high risk' situations and visits, says government

    News -

    People are now being advised to take a lateral flow test before 'high risk situations', such as being in crowded spaces, and before visiting anyone who may be at a higher risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19.