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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

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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.

Catch up with the latest news about our work and updates about local health and care services. Swans on Bridgwater Canal. ©Healthwatch Somerset 2026 July 2026 in numbers A short summary of team achievements in June. One report launch One Advisory Board meeting Three requests for our volunteer Readers Panel to review NHS documentation 28 Events 44 Meetings 55 Enquiries to our inbox or telephone number 643 direct engagements with people These figures may be higher because it can be hard to record every contact and all feedback. Local voices, real impact Sheila at a carers event. ©Healthwatch Somerset 2026 After hearing concerns from local people about unexpected closures at some Urgent Treatment Centres and the Minor Injuries Unit in Burnham-on-Sea, we took those concerns directly to NHS Somerset. As a result, NHS Somerset provided a public response explaining the reasons for the closures, the staffing challenges affecting services, and the action being taken to improve resilience. Local feedback helped highlight how important accessible urgent care services are to Somerset communities and ensured these concerns were heard by decision-makers. Read the full story on our news pages. Kindness, community, and care at Ivelhurst Nursing Home Exterior of Ivelhurst Nursing Home. ©Healthwatch Somerset 2026 We recently carried out an Enter and View visit to Ivelhurst Nursing Home in Yeovil to hear directly from residents, relatives, and staff about their experiences. We found a welcoming, homely environment where residents told us they feel safe, valued and well cared for. Staff were observed treating people with kindness, dignity and respect, and there was a strong sense of community throughout the home. Residents enjoyed a range of activities, outings and opportunities to stay connected with local groups, schools and volunteers. We also made several recommendations to support continued improvement. To find out more about our visit, download the full report. Stay Well This Winter with Flu and COVID Vaccines Paediatrician administering vaccine | Free Photo The NHS has opened bookings for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to help people protect themselves before winter illnesses start spreading. From 1 September, flu vaccinations will be available for pregnant women, young children, school-aged children, and children with certain health conditions. From 1 October, the flu vaccine will also be available for people aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions, carers, care home residents, people experiencing homelessness, close contacts of people with weakened immune systems, and frontline healthcare workers. COVID-19 vaccinations will be available from 1 October for people aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed. Booking is quick and easy through the NHS website, the NHS App or by calling 119. If you know you're eligible, you don't need to wait for an invitation before booking your appointment. Who you gonna call...? Donna! AI generated image. ©Healthwatch Somerset 2026 Say hello to Donna, the friendly voice behind our phone and email enquiries. Donna joined the Healthwatch team in June as our Information and Advice Officer, after volunteering with us since 2023. With a background in health and care, Donna brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping people find the right support. Whether you're sharing an experience, looking for information, or need help finding the right service, Donna is often the first person you'll speak to. She's here to listen, offer advice, and help make sure people's voices are heard. Donna's favourite animal is a donkey and she's a big fan of Greek food, so we couldn't resist having a little fun with her staff photo and AI. Sorry, Donna! 🤣 Do you Know Your Numbers? 7 to 13 September is Know Your Numbers! Week, the UK’s biggest blood pressure awareness campaign. Somerset Healthier Lifestyles Team is encouraging people of all ages to take a few minutes to get their blood pressure checked. Around 1 in 3 people have high blood pressure without knowing it because it often has no symptoms. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. The good news is that checking your blood pressure is quick, easy, and free. You can: Borrow a monitor from your local library. Ask for a check at your local pharmacy. Use a monitor at your GP surgery. Don’t wait until you feel unwell. Check your blood pressure and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your reading. Are you part of a community group or workplace? The Healthier Lifestyles Team can visit to provide blood pressure checks and healthy lifestyle information. To arrange a visit, email workplacehealth@somerset.gov.uk or andrea.osborne@somerset.gov.uk Could you help change a local child’s life? ©Somerset Council Copyright 2026 Could you give a local child a safe, stable home, and help them thrive? Somerset urgently needs more foster carers, and even a small commitment can make a big difference. As well as full-time fostering, there are flexible options such as short-stay or occasional care, which could involve welcoming a child into your home for just one weekend a month. This gives children the chance to build trusted relationships, enjoy new experiences, and feel part of a supportive community. Foster carers must be aged 21 or over and have a spare bedroom. You do not need previous fostering experience, as full training, ongoing support from a dedicated social worker, and financial allowances are provided. Find out more about the different ways you can help a local child, click the image above or visit www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk. Have your say on the future of adult social care ©Crown Copyright 2026 The Casey Commission wants to hear what people think adult social care should look like in the future. This is your chance to share what matters to you, your family or people you support. You can take part online by adding a proposal, voting on other people’s ideas, or both. Each proposal must start with “we should…” and is limited to 140 characters, so keep it short and clear. New proposals can be submitted until 9 September. After this, the platform will move into a vote-only phase until 23 September, giving people more time to respond to the ideas already shared. Find out more on the Big Conversation on Care webpage. If you need to contact the Casey Commission, use the contact details on the Casey Commission website. Working Together for Veterans in Somerset Armed Forces Strategic Forum. ©Healthwatch Somerset 2026 We recently attended the latest Armed Forces Strategic Forum, held in true military style outdoors under canvas at Ark at Egwood. The forum brings together organisations from across Somerset that are committed to supporting current and former members of the Armed Forces, as well as their families. Teri, NHS Somerset's Armed Forces Programme Lead, organises these meetings, which offer a great opportunity to share information, learn about new services, and make valuable connections. We heard from Armed Forces Link Workers, who are meeting veterans across Somerset through a growing network of outreach hubs. There are currently 10 hubs running across the county, helping veterans access the services they need. We also learned that Somerset Council has applied through the VALOUR programme to host a recognised veteran’s support centre, which could provide more help for local veterans in the future. Several useful local services were highlighted during the meeting, including: A Royal British Legion volunteer visitor based at Yeovil District Hospital, offering friendship and support to Armed Forces community members who may be feeling lonely or isolated during a hospital stay. A programme from Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership for children from Armed Forces families, using sport, mentoring and group activities to bring young people together. Green Spirit Retreat on the Somerset Levels, run by former Royal Marine Paul, which welcomes veterans and military families seeking support and connection. New Bridgwater diagnostic centre opens to help patients get faster tests ©Somerset NHS Foundation Trust 2026. People across Bridgwater and Somerset can now get more health scans and tests closer to home thanks to the new Bridgwater Diagnostic Centre, which has opened next to Bridgwater Community Hospital. The £17.8 million NHS facility is expected to provide almost 25,000 additional scans each year, helping people get answers about their health more quickly. The centre offers MRI and CT scans and will also be home to Somerset's first dedicated urology investigations unit later this year. The aim is to make it easier for people to access diagnostic services without having to travel to larger hospitals. Adam Turner, Head of Imaging at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: This facility will help us provide faster access to vital diagnostic tests, support earlier diagnosis, and make it easier for patients to be cared for closer to home. The centre has been designed to provide a modern, comfortable environment with the latest diagnostic technology. It is also expected to help free up capacity at Somerset's acute hospitals, benefiting patients across the county. How do I book a scan? ©Somerset NHS Foundation Trust 2026. Most MRI and CT scans cannot be booked directly by patients. You will usually need a referral from a GP, hospital consultant or another healthcare professional. If a scan is needed, the NHS team caring for you will arrange a referral and you will be contacted about your appointment. The new centre is helping increase local capacity so that more people can be seen closer to home. Read the full story on the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust website. New free CONNECTPlus app offers ADHD support for adults in Somerset ©Health and Care Innovations Limited 2026 Adults in Somerset who are experiencing ADHD symptoms can now access free information, tools, and support through the new CONNECTPlus app. Developed by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and HCI, the app is the first of its kind to be introduced by an adult ADHD service in England. The app provides reliable information about ADHD, including myth-busting content, self-help resources, appointment tracking and note-taking tools. Users can also access support for wellbeing, mental health, financial wellbeing and local services. Content is tailored to different stages of a person’s journey, with information on medication introduced after diagnosis. Much of the information and support in the app can be helpful whether or not someone receives an ADHD diagnosis. A member of our team investigated the app to test how easy it is to access and use, they said: There is a lot of useful information, that may be difficult for some people to focus on. The content is labelled appropriately so you can click on topics of interest. I find it user friendly, though worth noting how others view the app that have or may have ADHD. The app aims to help people better understand their symptoms, find useful information, and feel more confident about accessing support. It is not a replacement for professional healthcare or medical advice. We would be interested to hear from local people who use the app and whether they find it helpful. You can download the CONNECTPlus app to your mobile phone from App Store or Google Play, or scan the QR code. Somerset Health and Care Academy: Investing in Somerset’s future workforce A new Somerset Health and Care Academy is being developed to help people start, grow and progress careers in health and care. Led by partners across the NHS, social care, education and local government, the Academy aims to make training more accessible and create clearer career pathways for local people. High angle adults studying together | Free Photo A major part of the project is the redevelopment of the former Bridgwater Community Hospital site into a dedicated training hub, alongside virtual learning opportunities available across Somerset. The Academy is expected to deliver around 3,000 training sessions each year, supporting health and care staff to develop the skills needed to meet future demand. Development timeline January 2023: £19.7 million ‘Levelling Up’ funding announced. 2026/27: First learning offer planned and development work continues. 2027: Construction expected following planning approval. 2028: Academy expected to open. AI scribes in healthcare: what do patients think? Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a growing role in healthcare, including helping clinicians manage records, supporting diagnosis and treatment, and virtual receptionists. One of the latest developments is the use of AI scribes, which can create notes and summaries during appointments, giving clinicians more time to focus on patients. Healthwatch England recently explored what people think about this technology. While many recognise the potential benefits, the research found that trust, transparency and accuracy remain important. Most people wanted to be told when AI scribes are being used and asked for their consent, particularly during discussions about sensitive health issues. Read the full blog to learn more about the findings and what they could mean for the future of NHS care. Join Us for Walk for a Life 2026 This September marks a special milestone for Walk for a Life, with the fifth annual walk in Taunton and the first ever Walk for a Life in Shepton Mallet. The events bring people together to remember loved ones lost to suicide, raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Tanya at Walk for a Life 2025. ©Healthwatch Somerset 2026. We have proudly supported and attended Walk for a Life since the very first event. We have seen first-hand how these walks create a safe, welcoming space for reflection, connection and hope. The Taunton walk will take place on Saturday 5 September, starting from the Quaker Meeting House. The route is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs and includes time for reflection and remembrance. We are especially pleased to see the launch of the first Walk for a Life in Shepton Mallet on Thursday 17 September. Starting from Shepton Mallet Library, the walk follows an accessible route around Collett Park before participants return to the library for refreshments and an opportunity to connect with others, reflect, and find support. The Walk for a Life website also provides a range of helpful resources, including personal stories, information to help people understand suicide, support resources, messages of hope, and a Book of Hope where people can share experiences and encouragement. These resources aim to help people feel less alone and encourage conversations about mental health and wellbeing. Whether you are walking in memory of someone, showing support for suicide prevention, or simply want to be part of your community, we would love you to join us. Look out for our team at both events and come and say hello. Speak to us in September 😀 Come and talk to us about your experiences or for information and advice about health and care services in Somerset. Date and times Details September 1, 2026 11:00 am to 12:30 pm Taunton Library Paul Street, Taunton, TA1 3XZ September 2, 2026 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Burnham-on-Sea Library 1 Princess St, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 1EH September 5, 2026 10:30 am – 1:00 pm Taunton Walk For a Life Quaker Meeting House, 13 Bath Place, Taunton, TA1 4EP September 16, 2026 10:30 am - 5:30 pm Women & Girls Health & Wellbeing Event - Minehead Methodist Church, 31 The Avenue, Minehead, TA24 5AY September 17, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Somerset NHS Foundation Trust AGM Annual General Meeting and Marketplace Somerset County Cricket Ground, Colin Atkinson Pavillion, Taunton, TA1 1JT September 17, 2026 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm Shepton Mallet Walk For a Life Shepton Mallet Library, 2 Market Place, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AZ September 22, 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 September 24, 2026 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Somerton Library Cox's Yard, West St, Somerton, TA11 7PR Other important dates Date What Find out more 5 September International Day of Charity https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_Charity 7 – 13 September Know your numbers week https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/know-your-numbers/know-your-numbers-week/ 10 September World Suicide Prevention Day https://www.iasp.info/wspd/ 13 September World Sepsis Day https://www.worldsepsisday.org/ 17 September World Patient Safety Day https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-patient-safety-day 25 September World Pharmacists Day https://www.fip.org/world-pharmacists-day 1 – 30 September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month https://www.cclg.org.uk/childhood-cancer-awareness-month 1-30 September Blood Cancer Awareness Month https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/blood-cancer-awareness-month Want us to share your news? Do you have any health and care news or events you would like us to include in our August 2026 newsletter? If so, please send us you text with an accompanying image to info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk before Friday 18 September 2026. Get in touch If you have been sent this newsletter and would like to join our mailing list, please follow this sign up to our newsletter link. 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 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

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/

In June 2026, Healthwatch carried out an Enter and View visit to Ivelhurst Nursing Home in Yeovil. During our visit, we observed the quality of care and spoke with people who use the service, including residents, relatives, and staff. What we found All Authorised Representatives reported positive first impressions of the home, its environment, and its culture. The manager was visible throughout the home and readily available to speak with residents and staff. Residents told us they enjoy living at the home and feel safe. They said staff are friendly, kind, and take time to get to know them. We observed staff treating residents with dignity, respect, and courtesy. The home has strong links with the local community. Our recommendations Consider introducing a staff photo board to help residents, relatives and visitors become more familiar with members of the care team. Add more photographs and displays around the home, particularly those that showcase residents' activities and achievements. We were pleased to see the home supporting the wider community by hosting a local loneliness group that meets regularly on site. We also welcomed the home's positive links with the local college, including volunteer and work placement opportunities. James Dale, Registered Manager, Ivelhurst Nursing Home told us: We welcome the recommendations made and will use these constructively as part of our ongoing improvement plans, including further developing displays around the home, reviewing signage, and continuing to strengthen opportunities for companionship and community involvement. Read our report If you need this report in a different format, please email info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk or call 0800 999 1286.