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. Vaccine programme musn't 'breed complacency' says Boris during his visit to Bristol

    News -

    If you’re over 80 and still haven’t had your Covid-19 vaccine the message is – you’ll be contacted very soon. By the end of this week, every neighbourhood area in BNSSG will have a GP practice vaccination centre up and running.

  3. 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.

  4. People with substance misuse problems face 'lack of mental health support'

    News -

    Many people are struggling with substance abuse and addiction are stuck in a vicious circle - and vice versa. A contributing factor can be adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

  5. 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.

  6. Do you need help getting to your COVID-19 vaccination?

    Advice and Information -

    Do you need help with arranging transport for your COVID-19 injection? Have you been contacted about your vaccination but don't have a way of getting to your surgery? Our latest pamphlet contains all the information you need to get there safely.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. "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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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."

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. 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

  26. 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.

  27. 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.

  28. 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.

  29. 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.

  30. 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.

  31. 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'.

  32. 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.

  33. 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.