The doctor will see you now: A look at booking an appointment with your GP in Somerset
In response to local feedback about challenges in booking appointments with GPs, we have explored people’s experiences across the county....
top of page
All posts
Sep 16
The doctor will see you now: A look at booking an appointment with your GP in Somerset
In our latest report we have listened to experiences of Somerset residents who tried to book an appointment to see their GP. In response...
May 22
The People's Vote
Every year Healthwatch Somerset (HWS) Board and Staff members gather information about the delivery and efficiency of local health and...
Apr 24
What help can you get to pay for your prescriptions?
The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some can afford. Find out what...
Mar 25
Access to GP appointments in West Somerset
As part of our Somerset-wide project, we decided to carry out some focused work looking at access to health and social care services in...
Mar 25
Dentistry in Somerset: Access, affordability and the impact on oral health
A lack of access to NHS dentists in Somerset remains a pressing issue, including for parents, vulnerable individuals and those with...
Mar 21
What the new dental recovery plan means for you
Are you struggling to find an NHS dentist? The new dental recovery plan might help you get the dental care you need. On 7 February 2024...
Feb 12
What can the Pharmacy First scheme do for me?
The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you...
Jan 25
What is measles and who can get the vaccine?
Measles vaccination rates are at a ten-year low as cases rise nationwide. Find out about measles, who can get the vaccine, and what you...
Dec 11, 2023
Can I access my GP records online?
From 31 October 2023, GP surgeries must give patients online access to their new health record entries. Find out what information is in...
Dec 1, 2023
What is an NHS and Care Volunteer Responder, and how can I access this service?
Did you know Volunteer Responders can help you access support and services such as collecting prescriptions and shopping delivery? The...
Nov 27, 2023
Healthwatch England report: Faster progress needed to tackle barriers to care
Access to care is the main concern people have shared with Healthwatch in the past year. A new report by Healthwatch England looking at...
Nov 21, 2023
Referrals and your right to choose
Did you know you can choose which hospital you go to when referred for a test, diagnosis, or treatment? Find out how. If you use the NHS,...
Nov 14, 2023
What are the symptoms and treatments for diabetes?
Diabetes UK estimates that five million people in the UK are living with diabetes, with 850,000 of them not yet diagnosed. The number of...
Oct 31, 2023
Reaching out: Looking at mental health support for young people in Somerset
We have been working with our young volunteers to investigate how accessible young people’s mental health services are in Somerset, and...
Oct 31, 2023
Improving access to young people’s mental health services
In our latest report, we call on those responsible for young people’s mental health services to improve awareness, availability and...
Oct 30, 2023
What is social prescribing?
NHS social prescribing link workers can connect you to the right community groups and services to help support you. Around one in five GP...
Oct 26, 2023
What is a virtual ward?
With more and more appointments happening online, we've put together some tips on how to get the most out of the virtual health and care...
Oct 23, 2023
Are you struggling to see an NHS doctor in Somerset?
We are asking people to share their experience of booking face-to-face appointments with their GP to help improve access to GP services...
Oct 22, 2023
Empowering Bridgwater residents to live well: Focus group aims to help transform lives of COPD patients
The Victoria Park Community Centre in Bridgwater, Somerset, will host an important event on Thursday 30 November, from 10am to 3pm,...
bottom of page