News and reports

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

People can now get treatment for seven common health conditions directly from their local pharmacist, without needing a GP appointment.

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.

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.

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.