Without your voice, we can’t champion and campaign for changes in health and social care within Somerset. Let us know what is important to you, Have Your Say by sharing your experiences with us. Have your say Sharing your opinions and telling your stories about your experiences with health and social care helps us to see the bigger picture. This helps health and social care services to see what's going right and what's not, which allows them to focus on providing the best possible service to you. Complete the short form below to have your say ... What type of service would you like to tell us about? (select all that apply) * Required GP services Dentist Pharmacies Hospital inpatient (day treatment or overnight) Hospital outpatients' appointments Mental health support Social care eg care homes Accident and emergency/minor injury units Ambulances and paramedics NHS 111 Other (please tell us about it in the message box below) Enter your first name here (Optional) Enter your last name here (Optional) Enter your email address here (Optional) Enter your message here I want to subscribe to the newsletter. (Please add your name and email address above). I agree to my data being stored and used in line with the privacy policy. Click here to see the privacy policy Submit Thank you for sharing your views with us

Healthwatch Somerset is the independent champion for people who use health and social care services. We’re here to make sure that those running services put people of Somerset at the heart of care. We want to hear from you We're collecting your stories and experiences about GP surgeries, Dentists, Pharmacies and all other health and social care services. Tell us about your experiences and help shape the future of care. Have your say As the NHS 10 Year Plan develops, Healthwatch continues to deliver its work plan and work closely with communities and partners across health and care services. We look forward to continuing to listen to local voices and work alongside people and organisations to support positive change. News & Views To see all news posts, click here Thank you so much for all your help. I had been sent around in circles before coming to you; for you to be so kind and determined was a breath of fresh air. Parent who struggled to find an NHS dentist Upcoming events To see all events, click here No events at the moment subscribe Sign up for our news letter Email First Name Last Name I agree to my data being stored and used in line with the privacy policy. Click here to see the privacy policy Subscribe Thank you for subscribing

Health and Social care services in Somerset don’t always get things right. Speaking up when things go wrong is important. Here you can find ways to help you have your say and make a complaint. Help making a complaint Resources to help when you have concerns or a complaint about the NHS NHS Complaints Advocacy is a statutory right, meaning that the general public can receive free, independent and confidential support to get any NHS complaint resolved. Advocacy helps you to understand your options, your rights and helps to make sure your voice is heard. The provider of NHS complaints advocacy in this area is: South West Advocacy Network South West Advocacy Network More information about NHS & social care complaints Healthwatch England have put together some very useful information and guidance on making complaints or raising concerns to the NHS and other health and social care service providers. Visit Healthwatch England's website Whilst the Care Quality Commission (CQC) don't investigate complaints, they do want to hear about concerns, in case they are beginning an investigation. Visit the CQC website

Catch up with the latest news about our work and updates about local health and care services. Welcome hut, Ark at Egwood, Merriott May 2026 in numbers A brief summary of team achievements in May. One delivery of Enter and View training to another Healthwatch Two requests for our volunteer Readers Panel to review NHS documentation 18 Events 47 Meetings 121 direct engagements with people These figures may be higher because it can be hard to record every contact and all feedback. Supporting you across the county On Monday 18 May we were at the Glastonbury Community Appointment Day for people with musculo skeletal (MSK) issues. Organised by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust physiotherapy team, patients have a booked appointment with a physiotherapist and are then able to access a variety of community stalls giving information about health and care. These events take place across the county and help both patients and health and care organisations. Devices and digital help available locally Many people still find it hard to use online services because they do not have a device, internet access, or confidence with technology. This makes it harder to use services like the NHS App or book appointments online, especially for older people, carers and people on low incomes. There is help available in Somerset. SIMPal provides free mobile phones, SIM cards, and connectivity for people who need them. The National Device Bank, run by the Good Things Foundation, works with local organisations across the UK to provide donated devices. They do not give devices directly, so you may need to contact a local organisation to check if support is available. You can also get support from local libraries, community hubs, and digital groups. They can help you set up devices, create an email account, and learn how to use online services safely. Have your say on Somerset Council’s priorities Somerset Council is asking people across the county what matters most to them as it starts planning its 2027/28 budget. This is an early chance for residents, businesses and community groups to help shape the council’s priorities before more detailed proposals are developed later in the year. The council provides services that many people rely on every day, including adult and children’s social care, public health, waste and recycling, highways, libraries, education, and community services. Because of ongoing financial pressures, the council wants to understand which services matter most to local people. We know that decisions about local services can affect people’s health, wellbeing, and daily lives. That is why it is important that everyone has the opportunity to have their say, especially people whose voices are not always heard. You can take part in the Somerset Council’s Summer Budget Consultation online. The consultation is open to everyone and closes on Monday 27 July. Improving cancer care across our region The Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon, and Gloucestershire (SWAG) Cancer Alliance is working to deliver the ambitions set out in the new National Cancer Plan for England. ©Thank you to SWAG Cancer Alliance for use of their image This national plan aims to ensure that by 2035, three in four people diagnosed with cancer will be living well five years after diagnosis. Across our region, around 50,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, so improving services is vital. Earlier diagnosis and faster care are key priorities. More cancers are now being diagnosed at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. In the SWAG area, early diagnosis rates are already higher than the national average. Work is also taking place to reduce waiting times and speed up access to tests and treatment. For example, new ways of working, like checking skin conditions using photos (teledermatology), are helping people get quicker answers and avoid unnecessary trips to hospital. Innovation is playing an important role. Local projects include digital self-referral services, which allow people with concerns (such as breast symptoms) to refer themselves directly for checks, helping them access care sooner. The Alliance is also supporting national improvements such as better use of technology, more personalised care, and new treatments based on genetic testing. Helping you find the right cancer support If you or someone you care for needs cancer support, it can be hard to know where to start. At Healthwatch, we’re here to help you find the right service and information quickly and with confidence. We are proud to be a Macmillan Affiliate Member. This gives us access to trusted training and clear, up-to-date resources, so we can support people before, during and after a cancer diagnosis. We can guide you to reliable information and connect you with other local support, including Cancer Awareness and Support Cafés (CASC) and other community services. Whether you’re unsure about services or where to turn next, we can help you understand your options and navigate the care you’re entitled to. Get in touch with us for free, independent support. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Outstanding Care, Still Going Strong A care home in Burnham-on-Sea is celebrating nearly a decade of top-quality care after once again being rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Frith House, which supports people living with dementia as well as those needing residential or respite care, has held this highest rating since 2017. The latest inspection highlighted a calm and welcoming environment where people are treated with dignity, kindness and respect. Inspectors found that compassionate staff make a real difference to residents’ lives, helping to improve wellbeing, reduce distress and build meaningful relationships. Residents said they feel safe and cared for, describing the home as having a strong sense of family and belonging. One family member shared: There is a generally good atmosphere in the home, staff upbeat and smiling. Activities are appropriate, and they keep me updated on how he’s been during the day. The team was also praised for helping people stay independent and involved, creating a positive culture where individuals feel valued. Kerry Stevens, Head of Residential and Nursing Services at Somerset Care, says: I am so proud of the Frith House team for retaining their outstanding rating at their latest CQC inspection. This is testament to the determination of each and every colleague to provide the highest standards of care for their residents, whilst also offering compassionate support for their loved ones. Experiences like these show us what good care looks like in practice: people being listened to, treated with respect and supported to live the life they choose. © Images kindly provided by Somerset care Bold & Brave: Helping Young People Build Confidence for Work Bold & Brave is a supported employment programme run by Young Somerset. It helps young people gain the skills, confidence and experience they need to move towards work. Through a shop and café, young people learn practical skills such as customer service, food preparation and running a business. Emmie’s story Emmie, age 20, joined the programme in September 2024. She lives with several conditions, including autism and anxiety, which affect her daily life. Before joining Bold & Brave, Emmie found it hard to speak to others and lacked confidence. College was a difficult time, and everyday tasks often felt overwhelming. When she started her internship, Emmie felt nervous and unsure. At first, she kept to herself. Over time, with support and real work experience, she began to grow in confidence. She learned to communicate more, share her ideas and connect with others. At the end of the internship, Emmie was offered a job as an Enterprise Assistant. She accepted and now works at Bold & Brave, while also volunteering in a charity shop. Emmie says the experience has helped her build confidence, develop friendships, and feel more hopeful about the future. She still faces challenges, especially in busy or unfamiliar situations, but feels more able to manage them. With clear routines and support, she continues to grow in confidence and independence. Emmie’s journey shows how the right support can help young people overcome barriers and reach their potential. © Images kindly provided by Young Somerset. Somerset adult social care ‘requires improvement’ – what people told inspectors The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its latest assessment of Somerset Council’s adult social care. Overall, the council is rated “requires improvement.” People shared both positive and negative experiences. Some said support had improved over time, and many valued community-based services such as village agents, who help people access information and connect with local support.There is also evidence of stronger partnership working and committed staff, with leaders taking steps to improve how services are managed and delivered. However, not everyone is getting the support they need when they need it. Some people said it was hard to contact the council or felt they had to fit around services instead of getting care that works for them. Delays are a key concern, including long waits for assessments, reviews, and equipment. Unpaid carers also reported challenges. Inspectors heard that carers are not always aware of their right to an assessment, and some experience delays or a lack of support planning. What this means for people in Somerset This report reflects a system that is improving but still under pressure. There are positive examples of joined up working and community support, but people do not always receive prompt, consistent, or personalised care. What we are hearing locally These findings echo what we heard in our “Who Cares?” report. Carers told us they often struggle to find clear, consistent information, and face delays when trying to access support. Many also described feeling overlooked and not fully involved in decisions about care. Our view There are encouraging signs of progress, but more needs to be done to make sure everyone can access the right support at the right time. Listening to people and carers, improving communication and reducing delays will help services work better for local communities. Young people’s creativity celebrated in Somerset © Apples for all by Ellie A recent exhibition at County Hall warmly celebrated the creativity, experiences and voices of children and young people from across Somerset. The artwork was created by members of Somerset Council’s youth participation groups, including the Unstoppables, Somerset in Care and Leaving Care Councils, and Somerset Youth Parliament. © Aurora and Mountains by Holly The collection brought together paintings, poetry, photography, printing, collage and even a papier-mâché whale shark. Through their work, young people shared what mattered to them — from friendship and joy to climate change, care experience, youth voice and feeling connected to the world around them. This exhibition is a powerful reminder that young people have important things to say, and creative ways to say them. You can view the artwork online through the virtual exhibition page, making it easier for more people to see and celebrate young people’s work. © Images kindly provided by Somerset Council Engagement Participation Team Help make work fair for unpaid carers Unpaid carers play a vital role in supporting family, friends and communities, but many struggle to balance caring with work. A new government consultation is exploring how employment rights could be improved, including extended leave, better job protection and paid time off. The proposals also look at support for parents of seriously ill children, recognising the impact this can have on family life and work. Current rights, like unpaid carer’s leave and flexible working, don’t always go far enough, and many people find it hard to access clear information or support. This is your chance to share your experience and help shape future policy. Find out more and take part online. The consultation is open until 1 September 2026. Join us in July 😎 Come and talk to us about your experiences or for information and advice about health and care services in Somerset. Date and times Details July 4, 2026 10:00am to 6:00pm Somerset Armed Forces Day Vivary Park, Upper High Street, Taunton, TA1 3SX July 5, 2026 12:00pm to 5:00pm Yeovil Together at Westlands Entertainment Venue, Westbourne Close, Yeovil, BA20 2DD July 7, 2026 11:00am to 12:30am Taunton Library Paul St, Taunton, TA1 3XZ July 8, 2026 10:00am to 12:00pm Morland Community Hub Pearce Drive, Highbridge, TA9 3FU July 14, 2026 10:00am to 2:00pm The Care Show for Somerset Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Cheddon Road, Taunton, TA2 7QP July 16, 2026 1:00m to 3:00pm Brean Talking Café Brean Village Hall, Church Road, Brean, TA8 2SF July 22, 2026 10:30am to 12:30pm Carers Information Day at Taunton Town Football Club Wordsworth Drive, Taunton, TA1 2HG July 28, 2026 10:00am to 12:00pm Waffle over waffles at The Waffle Hub Community Café Methodist Church, 35A College St, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 1AS July 29, 2026 10:00am to 11:30am Glastonbury Library 1 Orchard Court, Glastonbury, BA6 9JB Other important dates Date What Find out more 6 to 12 July Alcohol Awareness Week https://alcoholchange.org.uk/ 24 July Samaritans Awareness Day https://www.samaritans.org/ 24 July International Self Care Day https://isfglobal.org/ 28 July World Hepatitis Day https://www.worldhepatitisday.org/ 30 July International Day of Friendship https://www.un.org/en/observances/friendship-day 1 to 31 July Sarcoma Awareness Month https://sarcoma.org.uk/ 1 to 31 July Good Care Month https://nationaltoday.com/good-care-month/ 1 to 31 July Disability Pride month https://www.scope.org.uk/disability-pride-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 July2026 newsletter? If so, please send us you text with an accompanying image to info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk before Friday 17 July 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 5 June 2026 as the Serious Shortage Protocol due to end on 29 May 2026 has now been extended to 24 July 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 24 July 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 24 July 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

After a packing error the government have announced a precautionary recall of Crescent Pharma Limited Ramipril 2.5mg capsules. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a precautionary safety recall for one batch of Crescent Pharma Limited Ramipril 2.5mg capsules. A packaging error means some boxes might contain a much higher dose (10mg capsules) instead of the 2.5mg dose. Check Your Medicine Box If you take this medication, look at the outer cardboard box right away. Batch number to look for: GR155023. What to do next: If you have this batch, open the box and look at the foil blister strips inside. What Action to Take If the strips say 10mg: Do not take the medicine. Take the box and the patient leaflet straight back to your dispensing pharmacy for a safe replacement. If the strips say 2.5mg: You do not need to do anything. Your medicine is safe and you can keep taking it as normal. Please see MHRA’s Class 2 recall  for further information and images of the affected product: Class 2 Medicines Recall: Crescent Pharma Limited, Ramipril 2.5 mg Capsules, EL(26)A/25 - GOV.UK What to Look Out For If you think you have accidentally taken a 10mg capsule from an affected pack, watch out for these symptoms: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Fainting. Feeling unusually tired or fatigued. Important Safety Notice If you feel unwell or suspect you took the wrong dose, seek medical advice from your GP or call NHS 111 immediately. Do not stop taking your blood pressure medication without speaking to a healthcare professional first. Please double-check the physical label on your medication box to confirm the batch number before taking any action. If you suspect you have experienced side effects, you can also report them directly via the official UK MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Sources MHRA Press release: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/precautionary-recall-of-blood-pressure-medication-crescent-pharma-limited-ramipril-25mg-capsules-after-packaging-error