1. People are increasingly avoiding NHS appointments and prescriptions due to cost of living, Healthwatch warns

    News -

    The number of people avoiding an NHS appointment because they can’t afford travel almost doubled between October and December as the cost of living crisis is forcing many to change how they use health and care services.

  2. Long stay and rehabilitation mental health wards rated 'good' by independent regulator

    News -

    Three of the four wards for working age adults managed by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust were inspected by the Care Quality Commission in January 2023.

  3. Six-week postnatal checks are failing many new mothers, Healthwatch England warns

    News -

    Many women are struggling to access the support they need for their mental health during and after pregnancy. Only 1 in 5 were satisfied with the time their GP spent talking to them about their mental health at their six-week postnatal check.

  4. Safety concerns raised after inspection of acute psychiatric wards and psychiatric intensive care units

    News -

    Sexual safety incidents on mixed wards and environmental risks were among the issues identified by the Care Quality Commission, independent regulator for health and social care services in England.

  5. Stories from new mothers: accessing maternal mental health services

    Blog -

    Mental health issues are widespread and of significant concern to new parents, but many face substantial difficulties accessing mental health services. Mothers from across the local area told us about their experiences.

  6. Annual Report 2022/2023

    Report -

    Last year, 793 people shared their experiences of health and social care services with us. Our annual report sets out how your comments and concerns have had a real impact on local health and social care services.

  7. ChatHealth: support for 11 - 19 year olds

    Advice and Information -

    ChatHealth is a confidential text service enabling young people to discuss a range of issues with a school nurse, including emotional health, relationships, stress, self-esteem, bullying, drugs/alcohol and sexual health.

  8. Stories from new mothers: the importance of good communication

    Blog -

    The commitment to personalised care has been a cornerstone of NHS policy on maternity care for many years. A crucial part of personalised care is good communication, listening and agreeing on actions together.

  9. A third of people in England lack confidence they can access critical NHS services

    News -

    Healthwatch England has warned that people need more confidence that the NHS can provide timely care as the winter period approaches. A third of adults in England lack confidence that they can access timely care, including GP services, mental health support and hospital care.

  10. Free wellbeing workshops for Portishead residents

    Advice and Information -

    Over the next 18 months, Portishead residents will be able to attend a series of workshops to support their wellbeing needs.

  11. Mental health trust told to improve its secure mental health and forensic inpatient wards

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission found Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust must improve in a number of areas, including monitoring the conduct of temporary staff, and considering the level of noise and the impact on patients.

  12. Share your views on a new draft mental health strategy

    News -

    Helping more people to manage their mental health through self-care is one of the key priorities set out in the draft mental health strategy prepared by health and care partners in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. People from across the region are being invited to have their say on a new Mental Health Strategy.

  13. How will we make a difference in 2023-24?

    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.