1. Minutes and recording of our first virtual AGM held in October 2020

    Report -

    Here are the minutes of our first virtual AGM when we welcomed over 40 people to hear about our work and achievements over the last year. There is also a recording of the Zoom meeting held in October.

  2. Historic turning point - Covid vaccines rolled out to first patients at Southmead Hospital

    News -

    The new Covid-19 vaccine has been rolled out in Bristol today (December 8) – with the over 80s and care home staff first on the list to receive it.

  3. Healthier Together recognised for collaborative working

    News -

    The Healthier Together Partnership has been officially recognised as an Integrated Care System as a group of 10 organisations working collaboratively to improve health and care across Bristol, North Somerset and South Glos.

  4. Want to know more about Healthwatch? Watch our video!

    Advice and Information -

    Do you have questions about what Healthwatch does? Want to know what we do with your feedback, or how you can help improve health and social care services? Watch our video to find out.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. Carers' forum - we care about how your needs are met in the future

    News -

    Are you an unpaid parent carer in North Somerset? Take part in our Forum on Thursday (February 25th) morning or next Thursday (March 4th) evening over Zoom. We need your views so we know about the support and help you might need in the future.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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."

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. Why do we need to collect demographic information when you share your views with us?

    Advice and Information -

    When you share your views with us, we ask for demographic information such as your gender, sexual orientation, age, and ethnicity. Here's why we collect this information, and what we use it for.

  17. Annual Report 2019/2020

    Report -

    In October 2019, Heathwatch South North Somerset became part of Healthwatch Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. Find out how your feedback made a difference by downloading our 2019/2010 annual report.

  18. Annual Report 2020/2021

    Report -

    From sharing your stories of shielding and isolating, to raising the issue of dual diagnosis, take a look at what we've been up to during 2020 and 2021.

  19. Improving stroke services in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

    News -

    Stroke services in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire could be set to change as part of a public consultation on proposed improvements.

  20. Face-to-face appointments: know your choices

    Advice and Information -

    Digital appointments don't work for everyone. Many health care services have moved online, but you can still request a face-to-face appointment. Here's what you can expect from the NHS if you need to be seen in person.

  21. North Somerset Prioritisation Panel August 2021 - minutes

    Report -

    On the August 10 2021, our Prioritisation Panel came together to discuss the health and social care issues you've raised, and what Healthwatch North Somerset can do to bring about change.

  22. Millions more to benefit from free flu jab as eligibility criteria is widened

    News -

    Over 35 million people are to be offered a free flu vaccine, including 50 - 64 year olds and all secondary school children up to year 11, in order to save lives and reduce the pressure on the NHS this winter.

  23. NHS jargon and acronyms explained

    Advice and Information -

    The NHS sometimes uses jargon and acronyms that can be difficult to make sense of. We've found a selection of reliable resources that explain, in plain English, many of the terms that you may see used in NHS correspondence, online, or in the media.

  24. The public agenda for our next Prioritisation Panel on November 16

    News -

    See how we work out the main health and care priorities for North Somerset from your feedback. Our meeting at 11:30am on November 16 is where we action your comments or concerns with providers to ensure what you tell us makes a difference.

  25. Local NHS renews campaign to encourage people with non-life-threatening medical conditions to call 111 first

    News -

    The NHS in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire is encouraging people to contact NHS 111 for help with urgent but not life-threatening medical needs, rather than going straight to local A&E departments.

  26. North Somerset Prioritisation Panel February 2022 - minutes

    Report -

    On the February 15 2022, our Prioritisation Panel came together to discuss the health and social care issues you've raised, and what Healthwatch North Somerset can do to bring about change.

  27. The public agenda for our next Prioritisation Panel on May 17

    News -

    See how we work out the main health and care priorities for North Somerset from your feedback. Our meeting at 12:00pm on May 17 is where we action your comments or concerns with providers to ensure what you tell us makes a difference.

  28. Have your say: what keeps you happy, healthy and well?

    Advice and Information -

    That’s the question being asked by the new Integrated Care System (ICS) for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, as it launches a wide-ranging public engagement exercise to shape priorities for health and care in the years ahead.

  29. What is Enter and View?

    Advice and Information -

    As a local Healthwatch, we are able to visit health and social care services (such as hospitals and GP surgeries) and see them in action. This is called 'Enter and View'. Our goal is to identify what's working well and where improvements are needed.

  30. Disabled people being left behind due to a lack of accessible healthcare information

    News -

    Disabled people and people with sensory loss have a legal right to get health and social care information in a way that's accessible for them. Yet Healthwatch England has found one in five people struggle to understand the information they receive.

  31. Where can I get digital support?

    Advice and Information -

    Technology can make it easier to access information and care, but can also pose challenges for those without the skills or confidence to use the internet. Here are all the places you can get digital support in North Somerset.

  32. Public living rooms set up to help local residents struggling with rising energy prices

    Advice and Information -

    A public living room is somewhere people can go to stay warm and have a hot drink as the cost of living crisis continues. North Somerset Council has mapped the public living rooms opening over the coming weeks.

  33. Findings: what keeps you happy, healthy and well?

    News -

    Earlier this year, the local Integrated Care Board asked residents for feedback on what keeps us all well, what support we need, and what barriers to keeping well exist. Here's what you said.

  34. 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.

  35. Have your say - Easy Read

    Report -

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

  36. 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.

  37. 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.

  38. 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.

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

  41. 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.

  42. 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.

  43. CONfidence app for people with bladder and bowel leakage

    Advice and Information -

    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.

  44. Patient Choice: your right to choose where you receive care

    Advice and Information -

    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.

  45. The Accessible Information Standard - What you can expect from services

    Advice and Information -

    A year ago the Accessible Information Standard came into force. It requires any organisation providing NHS or social care to communicate in a way that everybody can understand. Here's a reminder of what you should expect.