1. Self Report App for COVID 19

    News -

    Use this Self-Report App to help Kings College London scientists understand Covid-19

  2. Coronavirus - Translations available

    News -

    Latest NHS Coronavirus Guidance | Over 30 Translations Now Available

  3. Coronavirus FAQs

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    Coronavirus FAQs on the right way to protect yourself and loved ones

    Information taken from gov.uk

  4. Scam over COVID 19 tax refund

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    Avon and Somerset Police have today advised us that there is a scam email over Covid19 tax refund

  5. Coronavirus support from your Healthwatch team

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    Coronavirus Support From Your Healthwatch Team

  6. Community Action to help with COVID 19 relief

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    Neighbourhood Watch highlights 10 ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community in the event of an ourbreak:

  7. Three pronged attack to prevent the spread of Coronavirus

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    Catch it.
    Bin it
    Kill it

  8. Do your bit for the NHS

    Advice and Information -

    Please do your bit by ensuring you go to the right place for medical care and reduce any unnecessary strain on the NHS. Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG have launched a campaign to help local A&E services, encouraging people to g

  9. Interactive Map of local community services

    News -

    Take a look at this amazing list created by ‘Bristol Independent Businesses’ – it brings together community resources, Mutal Aid Groups and food delivery services that are available across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

  10. Don't bulk buy - advice from pharmacies

    Advice and Information -

    Here are some reminders to help ensure everyone has access to the medication they need. The message is: be considerate towards others by not over-ordering medication.

  11. Frequently Asked Questions about Coronavirus

    Advice and Information -

    There is a lot of confusion around Coronavirus and what people should, or should not, be doing. Below are some of the commonly asked questions together with advice as to where to go if they need further information.

  12. Council Information during Coronavirus

    Advice and Information -

    North Somerset Council update as of Monday 4th April 2020. Advice on all critical services and information where to go if you need more information

  13. Coronavirus and domestic abuse

    News -

    Living with an abusive partner or family member is difficult at the best of times. But being stuck in the home together at a time of stress and uncertainty may be even more frightening than usual.

  14. Coronavirus and mental health

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    In light of the Coronavirus situation, North Somerset Wellbeing Service has re-designed the Service offer for the next three to six months.

  15. COVID-19: links to help and support

    Advice and Information -

    Here is a list of links for help and advice regarding Coronavirus and specific health conditions.

  16. Mental health service 'gaps'? - tell us your views

    News -

    The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in many mental health support services being suspended or becoming 'self-service' online. We want to help you find the support you need and hear your experiences of online and telephone services.

  17. Passport to help vulnerable cope with hospital visits

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    Carers who assist people with learning disabilities are asked to help make sure their ‘Healthcare Passports’ are up-to-date for any hospital visits during the health pandemic.

  18. Secure patient transport service to change policies following inadequate rating

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    A patient transport service for mental health patients in North Somerset has said they are making changes to how they record journeys – following an inadequate rating from the Quality Care Commission.

  19. New review says BAME groups at higher risk of dying from Covid-19

    Report -

    A new review has shown the risk of dying from Covid-19 is higher among Black and Asian Minority Ethnic Groups compared to white groups. Healthwatch awaits recommendations from these findings which will really benefit BAME staff and patients.

  20. Volunteers' Week - thank you John!

    Blog -

    Thanks John, your work means patients' voices are heard by key decision makers at local hospitals.

  21. Weston Hospital update - no new cases

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    There have been no new Covid-19 cases identified at Weston Hospital after inpatients were re-tested this week. Work is ongoing so it can reopen “as soon as possible,” according to the hospital's CEO.

  22. Weston Hospital now fully reopened

    News -

    Weston Hospital has now fully reopened and patients who have an appointment scheduled from today onwards should just attend at their allocated time. The A&E service is also now operational again from 8am to 10pm.

  23. See how we use your views to improve health and care services near you

    Report -

    Read our latest Annual Report for 2019/2020 - we expanded our geographical area and our staff team to make a difference to local health and care services. We take you through our highlights and achievements.

  24. Shielding stories - an insight into how vulnerable people coped in North Somerset

    Report -

    Older and more vulnerable people have told Healthwatch how they coped with coronavirus with many admitting their mental health had suffered and they often felt lonely.

  25. Jump in coronavirus cases means North Somerset has highest amount per 100,000 people in South West

    News -

    People are being warned to be more vigilant with 53 coronavirus cases reported in the last week in North Somerset. This means it has the highest number of cases per 100,000 people in the South West of 25. The national average is 15.

  26. Open letter shows progress in reopening health services ahead of winter

    News -

    An open letter outlining plans to get services back to their pre-pandemic levels but still ensure everyone’s safety has been released.

  27. “I feel completely stuck” - Joe shares his experience with mental health services during lockdown

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    Joe, from Clapton-in-Gordano in North Somerset, lives with a mental health condition called depersonalisation disorder.

  28. Test and Trace - how can it be improved?

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    Contact tracing is working well in the South West with an 83.3 per cent success rate compared to a national average of 77 per cent.

  29. COVID-19 update: advice in different languages

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    CASS have been working closely with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (BNSSG CCG) over the last few months to ensure all communities in Bristol receive accessible information about COVID-19.

  30. 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.

  31. Roll-out for Covid-19 vaccinations starts at two North Somerset sites

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    Local vaccination services run by GPs open this week, as the roll-out of the biggest immunisation programme in NHS history starts

  32. 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.

  33. 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.

  34. 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.

  35. 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.

  36. Healthwatch helps end Joe's "excruciating wait" for mental health support

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    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.

  37. Disabled people made up 6 in 10 of all COVID-19 deaths last year, according to official data

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    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.

  38. How to get support if you need a little extra help to have the Covid-19 vaccine

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    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.

  39. 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.

  40. 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.

  41. "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.

  42. 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.

  43. 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.

  44. 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.

  45. 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.

  46. Our survey to help improve bladder and bowel care features in national showcase

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    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.

  47. 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.

  48. 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.