Here you can find helpful advice and information about health and social care related topics along with general interest articles for Somerset. Advice & information Understanding NHS data sharing: What you need to know The NHS and social care use your health information to care for you and also to improve services. They keep it safe and private. If you don’t want your data used for planning or research, you can choose to opt out. Why is data shared? Shared data helps you and the NHS . For example: It brings your records together to improve your care It was used to find the first coronavirus treatment It supported vaccine research Your individual care Health and care staff may use your confi Healthwatch Somerset Nov 28, 2025 What should you expect from the NHS when it comes to accessible information? NHS England has published a refreshed version of the Accessible Information Standard (AIS) which was first released in 2016. Here we look... Healthwatch Somerset Jul 17, 2025 Healthwatch Somerset - Still here, still listening We want to reassure everyone that Healthwatch Somerset continues to operate as usual. The Government has announced plans to end the... Healthwatch Somerset Jul 10, 2025 1 2 3 4 5

Most modern technology has built in accessibility tools. Here you can find resources to help you use those digital accessibility tools. Accessibility Resources for phones & tablets Modern smart devices running Google's Android and Apple's iOS have built-in accessibility tools and features, to help users navigate content locally on their machines and online. To find out more about these features please use the relevant link below: Android iPhone

Your opinion can make a difference, take part in our surveys and polls to help us campaign for the right changes in health and social care for Somerset. Surveys & polls Live surveys & polls Here you can find all of our live surveys & polls. Sharing your thoughts and opinions on a range of health and social care topics helps us to take action and make the changes you want to see.

People waiting for planned NHS treatment should soon find it easier to understand what is happening with their care, thanks to new minimum standards introduced by NHS England. Medical Professional Assisting MRI Scan Procedure · Free Stock Photo These standards set out what patients and unpaid carers can expect from the moment a referral is received by a hospital or clinic until treatment starts, is no longer needed, or a patient chooses not to continue. Planned care, sometimes called elective care, covers non-urgent treatment that is booked in advance. The new standards were developed with patients, carers, clinicians and NHS teams in response to concerns about communication, uncertainty and long waits for treatment. What will change? The standards focus on making planned care: Smoother Easier to understand More supportive for patients and carers For the first time, there will be clear expectations about the information people should receive while they are waiting for treatment and who they can contact if they have concerns or questions. Key things patients can expect Confirmation within 28 days Once a referral has been made and received by a hospital or clinic, patients should be told what is happening next within 28 days. In many cases, this information will arrive much sooner and may be available through the NHS App, text message, letter or other communication methods. If the referral is not accepted onto a waiting list, the provider should explain why and what the next steps will be. Clear communication Healthcare providers must communicate in a way that is easy to understand and accessible. Patients can tell services about any communication needs they have, such as large print, braille, audio formats or British Sign Language support. Patients can also ask for information to be shared with a trusted family member, friend or unpaid carer, provided they give consent. Better support while waiting When a referral is accepted, patients should receive information about: How to contact the service What to do if their condition changes or gets worse Support and self-care information while they wait Accessibility arrangements and reasonable adjustments available to them Regular updates Patients should receive an update at least every 12 weeks while they remain on a waiting list. These updates will confirm they are still on the list and explain any actions they may need to take. Know your rights as an NHS patient These new standards sit alongside the rights patients already have under the NHS Constitution. NHS England says patients have the right to be treated fairly and without discrimination, receive clear information about their care, and choose their provider for their first planned outpatient appointment in most circumstances. Patients should be involved in decisions about their care through a process known as shared decision-making. This means healthcare professionals and patients work together to discuss treatment options, benefits, risks and personal preferences before deciding what is right for them. If you need information in a different format or require reasonable adjustments because of a disability, communication need or health condition, you can ask your provider for support. Summary: what do the new standards mean for patients? What you can expect What it means Referral update within 28 days You should be told what happens next after your referral is received. Clear and accessible information Information should be easy to understand and available in formats that meet your needs. A contact point for questions You should know who to contact about appointments, access needs or practical concerns. Advice while waiting You should receive information about managing your condition and what to do if it changes. Updates every 12 weeks You should receive regular communication confirming your place on the waiting list. Involvement in decisions You should be involved in discussions about your care and treatment options. Support for carers With your consent, information can be shared with a family member, friend or unpaid carer supporting you. Right to raise concerns If standards are not met, concerns can be raised through the hospital's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Why does this matter? Many patients and carers have told the NHS that not knowing what is happening after a referral or during a long wait can be stressful and worrying. The new standards are designed to reduce uncertainty, improve communication and help people feel more supported throughout their care journey. The standards also aim to create a more consistent experience across England, so patients can expect the same basic level of communication and support wherever they receive planned NHS care. If things do not go as expected If a healthcare provider does not meet these standards, patients, carers, family members and friends can raise concerns through the hospital's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Healthwatch tips Keep your contact details up to date with your GP practice and hospital. Read and respond promptly to letters, texts or NHS App messages. Let the hospital know if you no longer need an appointment or cannot attend. Ask for information in a format that works for you. If your symptoms get worse while you are waiting, contact your GP practice or NHS 111 rather than waiting for your next update. Keep a note of any questions you want to ask at your next appointment. Find out more Read the full guidance on the NHS England website: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/minimum-standards-planned-patient-care/

Catch up with the latest news about our work and updates about local health and care services. Statue of John Short, also known as Yankee Jack, in Watchet Harbour June 2026 in numbers A short summary of team achievements in June. One report launch One Enter and View (E&V) visit Three requests for our volunteer Readers Panel to review NHS documentation 20 Events 25 Meetings 312 direct engagements with people These figures may be higher because it can be hard to record every contact and all feedback. How your feedback is making a difference Our new Annual Report 2025/26 is now live. It showcases how your experiences have helped improve health and care services across Somerset and highlights the issues that matter most to our communities. Over the past year, more than 2,000 people told us about their care, and we supported over 3,000 people with information and advice. Take a look and see the impact of speaking up. If you have an experience you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you. Supporting the armed forces community Armed Forces Week is a national opportunity to recognise and thank serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families for their contribution. It ends with Armed Forces Day (AFD), a celebration of service and community. This year, we attended both Bridgwater AFD and Somerset AFD in Taunton. We spoke with members of the Armed Forces community about their experiences of health and care services, while also providing information, advice, and signposting to local support. These events are about more than displays and entertainment. They help bring military and civilian communities together, creating opportunities for people to share experiences, build understanding, and learn about the support available to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Somerset Armed Forces Day also highlights the important role of veterans’ organisations and the Armed Forces Covenant in supporting those who serve or have served. Keeping children with allergies safe Image credit: Free Food Image on Unsplash From September 2026, all schools in England will be required to keep emergency adrenaline auto-injectors (allergy pens) on site to help treat severe allergic reactions. Under new Department for Education guidance, schools will also need to train staff to use the pens, have a whole-school allergy policy, and create individual healthcare plans for pupils with allergies. The change follows years of campaigning by the parents of Benedict Blythe, who died from an allergic reaction aged five. They have worked to introduce Benedict's Law to help ensure that no child is put at risk because of gaps in allergy support and safety at school. The new requirements aim to improve preparedness, provide greater reassurance for families, and help keep children with allergies safe while they learn. Hospital parking: Could you get a discount or free parking? Many people tell us that hospital parking can be expensive, especially if you need to visit regularly. The good news is that some patients, visitors and carers may be able to park for free or pay less. You may be able to get help if you are: A Blue Badge holder. Visiting a relative who is gravely ill. Visiting someone who has been in hospital for an extended stay. A registered carer. A parent staying overnight with a child under 18 in hospital. Attending hospital appointments frequently. Musgrove Park Hospital Exterior of Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. © Healthwatch Somerset 2026 Musgrove Park Hospital has certain arrangements for people who qualify for free parking. Blue Badge holders Park in Duchess 1 car park only. Display your valid Blue Badge clearly. The barrier should lift automatically on entry and exit. Parking in another car park may mean you have to pay. Frequent outpatients Pick up a form from reception and keep all parking receipts. Pay for parking as normal during your first visits. After nine visits within 90 days, ask your clinic to sign the form. Take the completed form and receipts to the General Office (Duchess Building, Level 0) to start the refund process. On your ninth visit, you can get an exit pass for free parking that day. Parents staying overnight with a child Ask ward staff for a paediatrics patient permit. Before leaving, take the permit to the General Office or Q-Park Lodge. You can get free parking between 7.30pm and 8am. Carers can refer themselves in advance of their visit, or by ward staff, through the Carers Support email: CarersSupport@somersetft.nhs.uk For questions about parking at Musgrove, contact the Q-Park office on 01823 344758. Yeovil District Hospital Yeovil District Hospital corridor © Healthwatch Somerset 2026 Yeovil Hospital also offers concessions for: Blue Badge holders. Registered carers. Parents and guardians of babies in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). Parents staying overnight with children on the Children's Ward. Frequent outpatients (more than three visits in 30 days). Visitors carrying out bedside vigils. Cancer patients having chemotherapy or active treatment. Ask a member of staff in the department you are visiting for a parking support slip or visit the Welcome Hub for further information. For more information, visit the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust hospital parking webpages or read the NHS car parking guidance on GOV.UK. If hospital parking has affected you, we would like to hear about your experience and suggestions for improvement. Free support to help you stop smoking Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, but we know it can be difficult to take that first step. Having the right support can make all the difference and the Smokefree Somerset service are there to help. The service have introduced a free Smoke Free app which is designed to help people stop smoking anytime and anywhere, making it a great option for those with busy schedules or who prefer support that is flexible and easy to access. The app offers personalised quit plans, motivation tools, and progress tracking, to help you stay focused and see how far you’ve come. It also provides access to trained advisers through a 24/7 chat service, so support is available whenever you need it. Users can also access stop smoking aids to help manage cravings and increase their chances of quitting successfully. Alongside the app, Smokefree Somerset provides expert advice and tailored support for people who want help to stop smoking for good. Every step towards becoming smokefree is a positive one. To find out more about the support available or to get started, visit the Smokefree Somerset website. Millions of unpaid carers to get earlier support The government has published its first cross-government action plan for unpaid carers, focusing on helping people get recognised and supported sooner. Nearly one in 10 people in England provide unpaid care for a family member, friend or loved one. The Unpaid carers action plan: recognise, refer, reach includes new ways for carers to identify themselves through the NHS App, improved information sharing across health and care services, and a carers’ charter setting out carers’ rights. Young carers will also be identified earlier and offered better support in school. Many carers tell us they struggle to find information and feel overlooked. We welcome steps that improve recognition, make it easier to access support, and help carers balance caring with their own health, education and work. Is your online pharmacy safe? Thousands of fake online pharmacies are operating and sell fake or unsafe medicines that don’t work or are harmful to your health. Before you buy, take a moment to check the pharmacy is registered, so you can be confident you will get medicines that are safe and right for you. All legitimate pharmacies in Great Britain have to be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. Look for the pharmacy’s registration details on the website Search for them on the official pharmacy register Check the details match before making a purchase These simple steps will help protect your health. Be cautious if a website offers prescription medicines without a prescription, makes exaggerated health claims, or does not provide a physical address. These can be signs of a fake pharmacy. Find out more and check a pharmacy’s registration at: How to check an online pharmacy is on the register | General Pharmaceutical Council Have your say about SEND services in Somerset If you are a parent or carer of a child or young person aged 0–25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Somerset wants to hear about your experiences of local SEND services over the past year. Your feedback will help Somerset Council, NHS Somerset, and Somerset Parent Carer Forum understand what is working well and where improvements are needed. The survey covers education, health, independence, and how well children and young people feel supported. The findings will be used to shape future support services for families across Somerset. The survey is confidential, and there is also an opportunity to enter a prize draw. Click the link to take part in the Somerset SEND Annual Satisfaction Survey 2026. Community ‘angels’ move into Angel Place Sedgemoor Community Connector CIC is a Bridgwater-based community organisation working to reduce loneliness, build confidence, and create welcoming spaces where people feel connected and supported. Over the past year, they have developed a range of groups and projects including Connect drop-ins, family cooking sessions, adult neurodivergent social groups, men’s cooking sessions, and cost-of-living support. Their work brings people together through practical, friendly activities that help build skills, confidence, and community. They are now preparing to open a new community space in Angel Place, Bridgwater. The space will support local people of all ages, including families, older residents, neurodivergent adults, carers, and anyone experiencing isolation or needing a friendly place to connect. Image credit: © Sedgemoor Community Connector Ann-Marie Gould, Director of Sedgemoor Community Connector CIC, told us: We hope the space will become a welcoming, accessible base for activities, support, conversations and community-led ideas. The space will officially open in August. To find out more visit the Sedgemoor Community Connector website. What is NHS Quicker? NHS Quicker is a free tool that helps people find and access the right NHS service for their needs. It can be used on your computer or as an app on your phone. It provides information about local health and care services, including Urgent Treatment Centres, pharmacies, GP services, and other support available in your area. NHS Quicker is simple to use and helps people make informed choices about where to go for advice, treatment or support. By helping people find the right service, the app can get them care sooner and help reduce A&E demand. AI: Love it or hate It? Have your say Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere right now – from helping with homework and creating content to powering apps and games. But what do you think about it? Somerset Youth Forum wants to hear from young people aged 11–18 (up to 25 for those with SEND). Are you excited about AI and the opportunities it brings, or concerned about its impact on jobs, mental health, the environment and learning? This is your chance to share your views, influence local discussions, and make sure young people's voices are heard. The next Youth Forum session takes place on Wednesday 26 August, from 5.00–6.30pm on Microsoft Teams. Get involved: https://tinyurl.com/JoinYouthForum Can't make it? You can still share your views through the Youth Forum Linktree. Somerset Youth Alliance action day On 7 July, we attended the Somerset Youth Alliance (SYA) action day: Navigating Emerging Challenges. The event brought together Somerset organisations to share learning, build connections, and discuss the challenges facing young people today. The day included workshops on neurodiversity from Bibic and NeuroConnect, Somerset’s Violence Reduction Hubs from Young Somerset and In The Mix Project, and the influence of the online “manosphere” from M-Path. Jack Harrison, workshop facilitator at M-Path, highlighted the importance of listening to boys and young men. He said: If we start talking to our boys, instead of just talking about them, you'll find they have quite a lot to say about it. Jack explained that M-Path’s approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and listening, helping young people feel heard while encouraging open conversations about masculinity and online influences. Thank you to all the facilitators, and to Somerset Youth Theatre for starting the day with an engaging networking activity. What to expect while waiting for NHS treatment Image credit: Free stock photo by Samia Javed from Pexels People waiting for planned NHS treatment should soon receive clearer information and better support thanks to new standards introduced by NHS England. The standards set out what patients and unpaid carers can expect from the moment a referral is received until treatment begins, is no longer needed, or a patient chooses not to continue. Under the new standards, patients should hear what happens next within 28 days of their referral being received. They should also be told who to contact if they have questions about appointments, accessibility needs, or their care. Patients can expect information in formats that meet their needs, including large print, braille, audio, or British Sign Language support. With consent, information can also be shared with a trusted family member, friend, or unpaid carer. While waiting, patients should receive advice on managing their condition, guidance on what to do if their health changes, and updates at least every 12 weeks confirming they remain on the waiting list. The standards sit alongside existing NHS rights, including the right to clear information, involvement in decisions about care, and fair treatment without discrimination. Healthwatch tips Keep your contact details up to date with your GP practice and hospital. Read and respond promptly to letters, texts or NHS App messages. Let the hospital know if you no longer need an appointment or cannot attend. Ask for information in a format that works for you. If your symptoms get worse while you are waiting, contact your GP practice or NHS 111 rather than waiting for your next update. Keep a note of any questions you want to ask at your next appointment. Find out more: Visit our website Information and Advice page to read our plain language summary of the full NHS guidance. Free MenB Vaccine for Young People A free vaccine is now available to help protect young people from MenB, a serious infection that can cause meningitis and sepsis. You may be able to get the vaccine if you: Live in England or Wales and were born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008. Are under 25 and starting university or living away from home in further education for the first time in autumn 2026. Starting college or university often means meeting lots of new people and living in shared accommodation. This can make it easier for infections to spread. Having the MenB vaccine before you start can help protect both you and the people around you. What you need to know You need two doses for the best protection. The doses must be at least 28 days apart. The first dose is available from community pharmacies in England from 20 July 2026. If you are an international student, try to get vaccinated in your home country before you begin your studies. Getting vaccinated is a simple way to help protect your health as you start a new chapter at college or university. Book your free vaccine online with MenB NHS vaccination appointment, at a pharmacy near you, or by calling 119. Around and about in August 😎 Come and talk to us about your experiences or for information and advice about health and care services in Somerset. Date and times Details August 4, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30pm Taunton Library Paul Street, Taunton, TA1 3XZ August 5, 2026 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Bridgwater Play Day St Mathews Field, Bridgwater, TA6 7BT August 14, 2026 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Blackbrook Community Fun Day – booking required, call 01823 333435 Blackbrook Leisure Centre, Taunton, TA1 2PX August 17, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Minehead Talking Café Methodist Church, 31 The Avenue, Minehead, TA24 5AY August 19, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm Berrow Talking Café at Berrow Village Hall Parsonage Road, Berrow, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 2NL August 25, 2026 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Waffle over waffles at The Waffle Hub Community Café Methodist Church, 35A College St, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 1AS Bridgwater Playday 2026 Get ready for a fantastic day out! Join us at this free family on Wednesday 5 August. With activities for every age, this is guaranteed to be one of the standout days of the summer! Other important dates Date What Find out more 1 to 7 August World breast-feeding week https://waba.org.my/wbw/ 18 August Never Give Up Day https://nevergiveupday.com/ 31 August International Overdose Awareness Day https://www.overdoseday.com/ 31 August Summer bank holiday UK https://www.worldhepatitisday.org/ Want us to share your news? Do you have any health and care news or events you would like us to include in our July2026 newsletter? If so, please send us you text with an accompanying image to info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk before Friday 15 August 2026. Get in touch Share your experiences of health and care services in Somerset so we can help influence change and make services better. Have your say using our website contact form, or call us free on 0800 999 1286. Do you have questions about health and care ‘jargon’? We can help, email you enquiries to info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk or call us free on 0800 999 1286. Our website Find out what we do in a variety of accessible formats https://www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/about-us Read our news and reports https://www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/newsandreports Volunteer with us https://www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/volunteer Contact us https://www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/contact-us Follow us on social media: BlueSky/@healthwatchsom.bsky.social Facebook.com/Healthwatchsomerset @healthwatchsomerset If you have been sent this newsletter and would like to join our mailing list, please follow this sign up to our newsletter link. Healthwatch Somerset, Suite 12, Wellworthys Business Centre, Parrett Way, Colley Lane, Bridgwater, TA6 5LB The Healthwatch Somerset service is run by The Advocacy People, an independent charity - Charity No. 1080679 limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales with Company No. 3963421. The registered office is at PO Box 375, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 9HU

There are supply problems with Ramipril 1.25mg capsules (a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and other heart and kidney conditions). Smiling Pharmacist with Beard · Free Stock Photo This page was updated on 27 July 2026 as the Serious Shortage Protocol due to end on 24 July 2026 has now been extended to 30 October 2026. A national ‘Serious Shortage Protocol’ means your pharmacy may only be able to give you up to one month’s supply at a time. What’s happening Community Pharmacy England has shared information from the Department of Health and Social Care that Ramipril 1.25mg capsules have intermittent supply problems. These problems are expected to continue until Friday 30 October 2026. Who may be affected You may be affected if you take Ramipril 1.25mg capsules. National guidance also asks prescribers not to start new patients on Ramipril 1.25mg capsules until the supply problem has improved. What your pharmacy can do A Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) has been issued for Ramipril 1.25mg capsules (SSP087). This started on 22 April 2026 and is currently due to end on Friday 30 October 2026. If your prescription is for more than one month, your pharmacist may only be allowed to supply up to one month at a time (if stock is available). This is to help make sure more people can get the medicine during the shortage. If the pharmacy supplies a reduced quantity under the SSP, you should not be charged an NHS prescription charge for that supply. What you should do Keep taking your medicine as prescribed. Do not stop taking Ramipril without medical advice. Order your repeat prescription a little earlier than usual if you can, to allow time for your pharmacy to get stock or speak to your prescriber. If you are given less than usual, make a note of when you will run out and order your next supply in good time. Ask your pharmacist for advice if you are worried or you have questions about your supply. If you can’t get Ramipril 1.25mg capsules Some other forms of Ramipril (such as tablets and oral solution) are still available, but national guidance says they may not be able to meet extra demand. If your pharmacy cannot get the capsules, your GP or nurse prescriber may suggest a different medicine instead (for example, another Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an Angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB)). If your medicine is changed, you may need monitoring to make sure your blood pressure stays controlled and you tolerate the new medicine. Seek medical advice if you feel dizzy or light-headed after a switch. The British Heart Foundation have lots of information about types of medicine for heart conditions on their website. Why this is happening Medicine shortages can happen for different reasons, including manufacturing and supply chain problems. National organisations are using extra measures (like the SSP) to manage supplies as fairly as possible until stock levels improve. Where to get help in Somerset Your community pharmacy – they can tell you what is available and what the Serious Shortage Protocol allows them to supply. Your GP practice (or the clinician who prescribes your medicines) – contact them if you are running low and your pharmacy cannot get your usual medicine. NHS 111 – use this if you need urgent advice when your GP practice is closed. Healthwatch Somerset – we can help you find the right service and we want to hear about your experience of accessing medicines in Somerset. If you have had problems getting Ramipril (or another medicine), telling us helps build a picture of what people are experiencing and we will share it with the people who plan local services. Download this information in an Easy Read format. Sources Community Pharmacy England: SSP for Ramipril 1.25mg capsules extended - Community Pharmacy England