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. The public agenda for our next Prioritisation Panel on January 24

    News -

    See how we work out the main health and care priorities for North Somerset from your feedback. Our meeting at 7:30pm on January 24 is where we action your comments or concerns with providers to ensure what you tell us makes a difference.

  3. Have your say - Easy Read

    Report -

    Download an Easy Read version of our 'Have your say' form.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Five big issues people with cancer in the UK are concerned about right now

    Advice and Information -

    Research from Macmillan Cancer Support has identified rising costs and exhaustion as being among the biggest issues people living with cancer in the UK are currently facing.

  7. 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.

  8. Introducing our brand new Healthwatch Hub!

    News -

    We’ve permanently relocated to The Galleries in Broadmead, Bristol. Pop in to share your feedback with us, find out about volunteering opportunities, or get information about local health and social care services.

  9. 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.

  10. Public agenda for our next Prioritisation Panel on May 10

    News -

    How does sharing your feedback make a difference? Join our next Prioritisation Panel at 7:30pm on May 10 (via Zoom), to find out how your comments and concerns influence local health and social care services.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. The infopool: information for people affected by prostate cancer

    Advice and Information -

    The infopool is a new website offering simple, clear information about prostate cancer. It will help you understand the different tests and treatments available, and includes information on clinical trials you may be suitable for.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. The way you make a complaint about some NHS services has changed

    Advice and Information -

    Everyone has the right to make a complaint about any aspect of NHS care, treatment, or service. How you make a complaint about primary care services changed on 1 July 2023. Primary care includes GPs, pharmacies, dentists, and opticians.

  17. What did you tell us about between January and June 2023?

    Report -

    GPs, hospital services, and NHS dentistry were the three topics we heard most about from you in the first half of 2023. In total, we received 127 pieces of feedback.

  18. British Sign Language first aid resources now available from St John Ambulance

    Advice and Information -

    St John Ambulance has set up the CPR Community Network to ensure that everyone has access to basic life support training in person, online or by using their Resource Hub to give you the confidence to respond in an emergency.

  19. Louise Ansari, National Director of Healthwatch England, visits Healthwatch North Somerset

    News -

    We had the opportunity to share our work and future plans with Louise, members of the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB), and Councillor Helen Holland - Co-Chair of the local Health and Wellbeing Board.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. 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.

  23. 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.