Tips to help you stay well this winter and get the care you need. Winter comes with a higher risk of health issues, particularly for older people or those with long-term conditions and compromised immune systems.  Being cold can raise the risk of higher blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. The cold, damp weather can aggravate existing health problems, making you more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses. But there are things you can do to stay well.  Top tips to stay well from the NHS Get your vaccines and boosters.  Protect yourself and others by getting your  COVID-19 booster  and  flu vaccination . Keep warm during the day.  Wrap up in lots of layers of thin clothes, even when you go to bed. Keep doors closed to block draughts. Try to heat rooms you regularly use to at least 18°C.  Make sure you're getting the help you're entitled to with your heating costs. Keep moving.  Move around indoors and try to get outside for a walk. Avoid sitting for more than one hour.  Wrap up at night.  Wear layers to bed, including socks. Use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket. (Don't use a hot water bottle and electric blanket together.) Keep your windows closed at night. Eat well.  Make sure you eat a balanced diet with lots of seasonal fruit and vegetables. And try to eat at least one hot meal a day.   Stay hydrated.  Regular meals and hot drinks can help you keep warm. Have your medication on hand.  Make   sure you have the right medicines at home in case you get poorly. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure what medications you should have.  Stop the spread of germs.  Protect yourself and others by washing your hands with warm, soapy water, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wearing a mask in public spaces. Look after your mental health.  The winter months can take a toll on our mental wellbeing, so make sure you're looking after your mental health, just as you do your physical health. If you are feeling down, speak to someone – a friend, family member, or a healthcare professional like your doctor. Looking for mental health advice We have several advice articles on how to look after your mental health.  Where can I go for support for my mental health as a new parent? Looking after your mental health all year round How to access mental health support if you have gender, sexuality or relationship diversity Looking after your health during the cost of living crisis If you get ill If you need medical help right now, call 111 or use  NHS 111 online . If it is a real emergency and life-threatening, then you can call 999. If it's less urgent, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Find out how your pharmacy can support you. Need more advice? Want to learn more about how to look after yourself this winter? Check out these valuable resources:   NHS - Seasonal vaccinations and winter health Age UK - How to keep warm and well in winter Marie Curie - 16 tips on how to stay warm in cold weather British Heart Foundation - Winter wellness: how to keep healthy and warm

The continuing cost of living crisis is negatively affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on lower incomes hit the hardest. As the cost of living crisis challenges our basic human needs, rising costs mean many of us are having to adapt our spending to keep on top of expenses.   You might be having to make tough decisions, cutting back on what you're spending on food, heating and your health to pay your bills. The cost of living crisis shouldn't be a barrier to care.  Prioritise your health . If you have a chronic condition, a new illness causing concern or feel under the weather, seek the  appropriate professional healthcare  support. Many  pharmacists can support you  with everyday health concerns, meaning you may not need to visit your GP. You should only go to a hospital in an emergency. Take your medication . Many of us take medication to stay healthy and manage existing health conditions. With the recent increase in prescription charges, rationing medicines to save money may seem like a good idea, but it can lead to health complications in the long run. You might be eligible for support with your prescription with a  Prescription Prepayment Certificate . Prescriptions are free for those over 60.   Keep your appointments.  Please attend any pre-arranged or regular appointments with your GP, dentist, optician or hospital. If you're worried about the increase in transport fares, check out what support is available when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services  here . Talk to someone.  Lots of charities offer free support if you need to talk to someone about your physical or mental health, and some give financial advice if you're struggling. Many charities will gladly point you towards further help in your community or local area.  Get the support you're entitled to . Make sure you're getting all the benefits and grants you're eligible for.  Citizens Advice  is a great place to start if you want help on anything from housing to debt management. Speak to your local council . Most local councils offer residents support and advice about the cost of living crisis. They may have a dedicated hotline you can phone or pop-up information events. Check out your local council website to find out more.  Seek help from a food bank . Many people buy less food because of current financial pressures, which can significantly impact physical and mental health. If you're struggling to feed yourself or your family, there is no shame in asking for help from a food bank. You can find food banks near you on the  Trussell Trust website .  Find a warm hub.  Set up and run by community groups, charities or voluntary organisations, warm hubs turn public spaces into welcoming spaces where people can go to stay warm in the colder months. Set up to support people struggling with rising costs and loneliness, hubs offer warm food, snacks or hot drinks to visitors. They also provide a space for people to come together and interact with others. Some may offer other facilities like Wi-Fi, access to financial advice and activities to pass the time. You can find your nearest warm hub by checking with your local council or through the  Warm Space website  to find somewhere near you. Speak to your local Healthwatch.  Need advice and information about health and care services, or what support is available from your local council? Healthwatch Somerset  is here to help you. Need more support?  Check out these helpful links for further advice and information on coping with the cost of living crisis: Gov.uk - Cost of living support Citizens Advice - Get help with the cost of living  Turn2Us - Cost of living support Mental Health Foundation - The Cost of Living Crisis and Your Mental Health  AgeUK - Cost of Living Crisis Money Saving Expert - Get help with the cost of living crisis Hygiene poverty is on the rise. Are you affected? Hygiene poverty has steadily risen since the start of the pandemic and has only worsened during the cost of living crisis. A reported 3,150,000 adults in the UK are now affected. That's  6% of UK adults , 5% of which are classed as 'working adults'. "Hygiene poverty is not being able to afford many of the everyday hygiene and personal grooming...leaving us caught between being able to heat our homes, pay the rent, eat or be clean." -  The Hygiene Bank  If you are struggling to afford personal hygiene products, help is available: The Hygiene Bank Baby Basics Bloody Good Period  provide free personal hygiene products that can be collected from some community services such as food banks and drop in services.

Take a look at what you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccination programme, including where to go and why it's important. What is COVID-19? Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people who catch COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without needing special treatment. However, some people get seriously ill and need medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems are more likely to develop serious illness. Prevent the spread of COVID-19 The best way to prevent and slow down the spread of COVID-19 transmission is to be well-informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by: Keeping your distance from others, one metre where possible Wearing a properly fitted mask in public spaces, e.g. public transport Practising good respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze Washing your hands regularly with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds Using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser frequently Getting vaccinated when you can. Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine? The following groups are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine booster: Residents and staff in care homes for older adults All adults aged 65 years and over People aged 6 months to 64 years who are clinically vulnerable Frontline health and social care staff People aged 12 to 64 years who are close contacts of at-risk individuals People aged 16 to 64 years who are carers for older adults. Your COVID-19 booster can be given with the flu jab.  Where can I get the COVID-19 booster? Most people will be invited to book an appointment at a larger vaccination centre, pharmacy, or local NHS service such as a GP surgery. Your GP surgery will contact you when you're eligible for your booster shot. Please don't contact them first. How and when to get your COVID-19 booster vaccine? You'll be offered the booster at least three months after your second dose. Most people will be invited to book an appointment at a larger vaccination centre, pharmacy, or local NHS service such as a GP surgery. Your GP surgery will contact you when you are eligible for your booster shot. Please do not contact them first. Which COVID-19 vaccine will I get? Most people will be offered a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or Moderna vaccine. This means your booster dose may be different from the vaccines you had for your first and second doses. Some people may be offered a booster dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine if they can't have the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine. Are there any side effects? Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short-term, and only some get them. You should not have the vaccine if you've ever had a severe allergic reaction to: Any of the ingredients in the vaccine A previous dose of the same COVID-19 vaccine Severe allergic reactions are rare. If you do react to the vaccine, it usually happens in minutes. Staff giving the vaccine have training to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately. I'm pregnant, can I still get the vaccine? No specific safety concerns concerning pregnancy have been identified with any brand of COVID-19 vaccines.  Pregnant women in the UK should be offered the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.  I've had COVID-19. Do I still need to get a booster? An effective vaccine is the best way to protect people from COVID-19, reduce hospitalisations and save lives. Vaccines are the only way to eradicate the disease.  People who've already had COVID-19 should still get vaccinated. It's still just as important for those who've already had COVID-19 as it is for those who haven’t. What does a vaccine do? Vaccines teach your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from diseases. It's much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching and treating the diseases.  Are vaccines safe? Vaccines are now safer than ever before. Any vaccine has to go through a rigorous testing and development process, and comply with strict standards for safety, quality and effectiveness. Need more information? If you have more questions about the COVID-19 vaccination programme or want more information about the vaccine, check out these useful resources:  NHS website COVID-19 symptoms and what to do - NHS What is Coronavirus? (COVID-19) - symptoms and prevention | Age UK

You've told us that you've experienced problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what to do if you're refused the right to register. GP access is an ongoing issue you tell us about. We want to help you understand your rights when registering with your GP, using  NHS guidelines . Do I need proof of address to register with my GP? NHS guidelines state that you don't need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number to register with a GP. However, some GP surgeries ask for supporting documentation. They might have a few reasons to do this: It can help the surgery find your medical records or transfer them from another practice. It confirms that you live in the surgery's practice area if they do not accept patients from outside this area. If you don't have a permanent address, you can still register using a temporary address or the address of the GP surgery. Do I need identification to register with my GP? You do not have to provide an ID when registering with a GP, but it does help. Below is a list of documents that you can use as ID:  Passport Birth certificate Biometric residence permit Travel document HC2 certificate ARC card Utility bill What could stop me from being able to register at my GP? A GP must explain why they refuse your request to register in writing. The GP has the right to refuse if:  The practice isn't currently accepting new patients.  The practice only accepts patients living within its practice area.  What to do if you're refused the right to register There could be several reasons a GP may refuse your registration. But they must explain why in writing within 14 days. If you have problems registering with a GP surgery:  Call the NHS England Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 22 33 Contact Healthwatch Somerset  Here are some ways that you can make a complaint: By  email  (for the attention of the complaints manager in subject line)  By post: NHS England, P.O. Box 16738, Redditch, B97 9PT By phone: 0300 311 2233 (Telephone Interpreter Service available) Further information can be found from your local  Citizens Advice  or  contact Healthwatch Somerset . This information can be made available in alternative formats, such as easy read or large print and may be available in alternative languages upon request. To receive this, contact 0300 311 2233 or send an  email to NHS England . I want to change my GP practice. Do I have to give a reason? No, you don't have to tell your practice why you want to change or your new one why you made that decision.  You'll need to fill in a registration form. A request will then be made to your current GP to transfer your medical records to the new GP surgery.  Read more information  on registering with a practice further away from your residence. Registering as a temporary patient You can register with a GP practice as a temporary patient. You can register as a temporary resident with a GP surgery for up to three months. To register, you must fill out a temporary services form (GMS3) from GP surgeries. After three months, you must reapply to register as a temporary resident or become a permanent patient. Accessing GP care as a student If you become unwell or need other medical treatment when you're at home or not staying near your university GP, you can  contact your nearest practice  to ask for treatment. You can receive emergency treatment for 14 days. After that, you will have to register as a temporary resident or permanent patient. You can also visit an  NHS urgent treatment centre . You don't need an appointment, and you don't need to be registered. They can treat minor injuries or illnesses such as cuts, bruises and rashes. They aren't designed for treating long-term conditions or life-threatening problems. More information Are you an asylum seeker, refugee, homeless or an overseas visitor, whether lawfully in the UK or not?  Find out how to register with a GP surgery .

People are often in need of out-of-hours medical assistance. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed. If you need support for your health outside of the standard opening hours of your local GP, there are places that you can go for support. Where you can go to get help out of hours The NHS pledges to provide services at a time that's convenient for you. They have produced  guidance  on how best to access services outside of hours. Phone  NHS 111 : This service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides medical advice and the details of the services closest to you that help you deal with your need following a medical assessment.  Visit your local pharmacy:  Your pharmacist can help you with some issues. Find  out how . Visit your nearest NHS walk-in centre:  If you need treatment for minor injuries or illnesses such as cuts, bruises and rashes, you can visit your nearest  NHS walk-in centre ,  urgent care centre  or  minor injuries unit . These are not suitable for treating long-term conditions. You do not need an appointment or to be registered to be seen at one of these services. You may be referred to one of these services by NHS 111, or walk in. When to visit an urgent care centre Take a look at the NHS guidance on when to visit an urgent care centre (walk in centre) to find out if this is the right service for your health needs.  Should I go to A&E? Accident and Emergency departments are for serious or life-threatening emergencies and aren't an alternative to a GP appointment. You should go to your nearest A&E if you require urgent medical attention. For example, if you're experiencing: loss of consciousness chest pain breathing difficulties fits that are not stopping severe bleeding that won't stop severe allergic reactions severe burns or scalds stroke major trauma Not all hospitals have an A&E department. Use the A&E service search to  find your nearest A&E department , or read the guidance from the NHS to  learn more about when to go to A&E . Out-of-hours medicines Running out of your medication during the holidays or over the weekend can be a big worry. If you run out the medication you need outside of your GP practice’s normal opening hours and need some urgently, there are a few steps you can take to get an emergency supply.   Where you can get medication from will depend on whether you already have a prescription or whether a prescription is needed. Take a look at the guidance from the NHS to find out more.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by seasonal changes. One in twenty people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition, with men more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than women. The seasonal nature of SAD means symptoms are often overlooked or dismissed. Those suffering might not know they have the condition, or be unsure where they can turn for support.  Here's what you should know about SAD and how to care of yourself or someone else experiencing it. Why do people get SAD? Some of the triggers for SAD are the decrease in daylight hours and worsening weather. According to the NHS, you're also more likely to suffer from SAD if you have a family member with the disorder or a mental health condition such as depression. The  NHS explain that SAD , sometimes known as 'winter depression', is usually more apparent and severe during the winter. Some SAD sufferers experience it during the summer. If you need support now... Whatever you're going through,  Samaritans  will face it with you. They're available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, call 116 123 for free. What signs should we look out for? If you think you may be living with Seasonal Affective Disorder, these are some of the signs that you should be looking out for: losing interest in everyday activities feeling anxious or irritable sleeping for longer than usual and finding it hard to get up trouble sleeping despite low energy levels increased appetite and craving for stodgy or sugary carbohydrates finding it hard to stay connected with family and friends not wanting to go outside. Are you sure it’s Seasonal Affective Disorder? While SAD is a seasonally triggered mental health condition, don't dismiss feelings of depression or anxiety if you find you have symptoms for longer than the winter season. It's normal to have good and bad days. If you're having more bad days than good and feel down for extended periods, talk to a healthcare professional about further support. How do you manage Seasonal Affective Disorder? Make the most of daylight hours . Exposure to natural light can boost serotonin and melatonin levels, lifting our moods and improving our sleep. Try sitting by a window indoors or getting out for a brief walk during the day. Keep your space bright and airy . Make sure your work and home environments are as light and airy as possible. These spaces should be comfortable and supportive of work or relaxation. Stay active.  Getting outside during daylight hours or exercising indoors, even briefly, can improve your mental health and overall well-being.  Eat well to stay well . When we're feeling low, cooking and eating might not be priorities, which means we can go for 'unhealthier' or convenient food choices. Avoid alcohol and processed foods in favour of nutrient-dense foods packed with vitamins that boost your energy levels and support your physical and mental well-being. Reach out . Staying connected with friends and family can be more of a challenge when we feel isolated or low. But reaching out and talking about how you are feeling to someone you trust, like a friend, family member, colleague or healthcare professional, can open avenues to more support. Do you need extra support? If you'd like further support with SAD or more advice on how to care for yourself or someone else, take a look at these helpful resources: What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? (Mind) NIMH » Seasonal Affective Disorder ( nih.gov ) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) ( mentalhealth.org.uk ) Six self-help tips for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) ( bupa.co.uk )

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 appointments both for patients and health and care professionals. What is a virtual ward? A virtual ward , also known as  hospital at home ,  is a safe, efficient alternative to NHS in-hospital care. It allows patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes. Patients can also be treated on virtual wards if they reside in a hospice or care home. Treating patients in surroundings familiar to them, with the support of friends or family or other care support nearby, can speed up their recovery. It also frees up beds for those patients who require in-hospital care. What can be treated on a virtual ward? Virtual Wards can monitor a range of conditions including but not limited to: Osteoporosis, Frailty & Falls Recovery Treatment Wound Care & Pressure Injury Management Respiratory Illnesses & Infections Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Diabetes Oncology Mental health Learning disabilities Virtual wards are also set to expand to treat  people experiencing heart health conditions or heart failure . Using people's experiences, we have created top tips for both patients, health and care professionals on how to get the most out of digital consultations. Top tips for patients Ask for a timeslot for when your remote consultation will take place. Let your health care provider know how you prefer to talk by phone, video or in-person. Find somewhere quiet and confidential and, if this isn’t possible or is tricky, make this clear when you are making your appointment. Start with a phone call if you’re not confident with video technology. Ask for help if you need it and, if possible, do a practice run with a friend. Take some time to prepare in advance, consider what you want to say and key questions you would like to ask. Ask your health care provider to summarise the next steps at the end of the appointment. Remote consultations can be useful for routine appointments or ongoing care with a health care practitioner. Not all appointments are suitable for remote consultations, if you would like to see someone in-person please say so. Top tips for healthcare professionals: Provide a precise time window for appointments. Check that the person is in a confidential and safe place to have the phone or video call. Understand the person’s level of confidence using technology and give people a choice of how to communicate. Proactively check what the patient needs, clarify what is happening next and who is responsible for the next stages of care. Slow down the pace of the consultation, demonstrate active listening. Use the chat function in video calls to make the appointment more interactive, share links to information or summarise next steps. Don’t ask people to provide information you already have access to. Give guidance about how the appointment will work, offer demonstrations, provide an opportunity for a test run/provide some training. Seek feedback about peoples’ experiences and use this to improve the service. Download a copy of these top tips or go to report Read the findings from the report that looked into people's experience of virtual consultations as they rapidly increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the report

We have been working with our young volunteers to investigate how accessible young people’s mental health services are in Somerset, and to understand how access to support could be improved. Many young people clearly feel they need support with their feelings but are facing many barriers in their journey to receiving help including long waits. Both young people and adults have shown there is a lack of clarity and knowledge about service provision and confusion about how to obtain assistance from certain services. Key messages 80% of young people felt they needed support with their feelings in the past 12 months. 47% of young people who felt they needed support did not ask or look for it. 11% of respondents had not heard of any of the Somerset services offering direct support. Young Somerset was the most contacted Somerset support service. Schools are a crucial source of information and signposting for both young people and adults. Many comments indicated a lack or limited knowledge of available support in Somerset. Read our report If you need this report in a different format, please email  info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk  or call 0800 999 1286.

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 people living with diabetes is at an all-time high. Knowing more about the condition and its symptoms can help you take steps to support your health.  What is diabetes?  Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes high blood sugar levels. When there is sugar in our blood, the pancreas produces insulin to help our bodies absorb it. People with diabetes aren't able to produce insulin or can't produce enough to help regulate their blood sugar levels.  What types of diabetes are there?   Type 1  diabetes:  People with Type 1 can't produce insulin. Type 1 is considered an autoimmune disease. If you have a family history of diabetes, you're at a higher risk of developing Type 1. However, it's far less common than Type 2 diabetes. Only 8% of people with diabetes are diagnosed with it.  Type 2  diabetes:  People with Type 2 may not produce enough insulin, or the insulin they produce can't effectively manage their blood sugar levels. 90% of people diagnosed with diabetes will be diagnosed with Type 2. Certain lifestyle factors, including weight and age, can cause Type 2 diabetes, but some ethnicities are more likely to develop it than others.   At least 2% of people are diagnosed with other, rarer forms of diabetes, including  gestational diabetes . Have your say Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes? Or have you been living with the condition for a while? We want to know more about your experiences of diabetes diagnosis, treatment and support. What are the symptoms of diabetes?  The most common symptoms of diabetes that you should look out for are:  Needing to pee a lot, especially at night. Feeling very thirsty. Feeling more tired than usual. Losing weight without trying to. Genital itching or thrush. Cuts and wounds take longer to heal. Blurred eyesight. Increased hunger. Fruity-smelling breath.  Speak to your GP if you're experiencing any of these symptoms. You can also get tested for diabetes for free at your local Pharmacy. What treatments are available?  Diabetes can be carefully managed with a combination of medication, diet and lifestyle changes. Treatments differ slightly depending on the type of diabetes you are diagnosed with.  The main ways you can manage  Type 1  diabetes are:  Insulin injections or insulin pumps  Carb counting and eating well Being physically active Maintaining a healthy weight Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or flash glucose monitor Some people with type 1 diabetes may also use a closed-loop system, also called an artificial pancreas. It’s another way to help you manage your type 1 diabetes without having to do much of the work yourself.  The main ways you can manage  Type 2  diabetes are:   Eating a balanced diet ​​​​​​Exercising and moving regularly Losing weight  Metformin (usually taken as a tablet) Insulin injections  Some people with Type 2 diabetes use a flash glucose monitor or continuous glucose monitor to monitor their blood sugar levels instead of doing multiple finger prick checks.  With most forms of diabetes, people are advised to move more and eat well. Regular activity and a balanced diet can support your body's ability to respond better to insulin. Need more support? If you want to know more about diabetes, treatments and available support, check out these valuable resources:  Diabetes UK NHS - Diabetes British Heart Foundation - Diabetes - causes, symptoms and treatments

Every year Healthwatch Somerset (HWS) Board and Staff members gather information about the delivery and efficiency of local health and social care services. Using the intelligence collected over the course of 12 months, alongside wider national considerations, the HWS Board discuss possible key projects for the next year. As HWS exist to represent the voice of the people, we want to ensure that the key project selections for the year 2024/25 are robust and accountable to those they are intended to inform. Therefore, the shortlist for the 2024/25 projects were publicly shared, and people were given the opportunity to vote on their two preferred subjects. This brief report explains the methods and findings from our public investigation.

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, in most cases, you have the right to choose the hospital where you get the care you need. Few people exercise this right – but if you do, you could cut down on how long you wait for care. In this article, we'll help you understand your rights when choosing a healthcare provider 'at the point of referral' so you can make informed choices about your NHS care. What is patient choice?  Patient choice is central to the NHS. It puts you in control by allowing you to make choices about your care and treatment based on your needs and circumstances. How can I make choices about my care?   When a healthcare professional – like your GP – refers you for a routine health condition, in most cases, you have the right to choose which hospital or service they refer you to.  You may also be able to choose a clinical team led by a specific consultant or healthcare professional as long as the team offers the treatment you need.  Your healthcare professional will share at least five suitable options with you, where possible. You can decide which to choose based on factors like:   How far you'll need to travel to a care provider  The waiting times for your first outpatient appointment  Whether you have friends or family nearby for additional support  How other  patients and healthcare regulators  have rated a care provider  You can choose during your appointment if you want. But if you'd rather take more time to think about your options, you can do that too.   Where can I find information and support to help me choose?  If you'd like to research your options, there are several places where you can get information about hospitals and services:  My Planned Care  is updated each week with information such as waiting times.  You can use the  NHS website to compare information  about hospitals, services and consultants.  You can find information about NHS and independent care providers on the  Care Quality Commission website , including how patients and healthcare regulators rate them.  Once you've decided, there are a couple of ways you can confirm your choice:  Your referring clinician will send you a link via text or email to confirm online through the  NHS e-Referral Service .  If you don't have internet access or would rather talk to someone, you can call the referral helpline on 0345 608 8888 (open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm, and from 8am-4pm on weekends and bank holidays). An operator will talk you through your shortlist and support you to choose the option that will work best for you. Making the decision that's right for you.  If you're choosing where to go for your care and treatment or want to choose your GP, there are places you can find information to help you decide.  You can compare hospital information, services and consultants on the  NHS website . This includes information about the quality of care, waiting times, parking and travel. You can find information about:  Choice of GP   Choosing a hospital or consultant   Selecting a mental health service   Options in end-of-life care If I choose a provider further away from home, will I have to travel to this hospital for follow-up appointments?  You'll need to travel to the hospital you pick for your first outpatient appointment and any follow-up appointments, so keep this in mind when you choose a provider.  If I choose a non-NHS provider, will this cost the NHS more?  NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board  (ICB) plan and fund local NHS services, may have contracts with non-NHS providers to increase NHS capacity. You have the right to choose any provider that has a contract with the NHS to provide the service you need. This means there won't be an additional cost to the NHS.  If I choose a provider outside my area, am I entitled to travel or accommodation expenses?  The NHS has a scheme called the  Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)  that lets you claim a refund for reasonable travel costs if you're eligible.  If you're eligible for the HTCS, and the healthcare professional who refers you says it's medically necessary for someone to travel with you, that person can also claim travel costs.  Some ICBs may accept claims for help with travel costs if you're the parent or guardian of a child under the age of 16 that you must attend an appointment with.  Will I still be able to choose an alternative provider if I live in a rural area?  If there is limited choice in your area, you'll be able to look at options from other areas of the country.    What if I don't want to choose an alternative provider?   Patient choice is a right, but it's not a requirement. Your healthcare professional can refer you to your local service if you'd like them to.  Are there any times when I won't get a choice?  You have a right to choose your care provider at the point of most routine referrals. However, patient choice rights don't apply where speed of access to diagnosis and treatment is essential, such as an urgent suspected cancer referral.   There are also exceptions if you are:  In need of urgent or emergency treatment  Accessing maternity services  Serving in the armed forces  Detained under the  Mental Health Act Detained or temporarily released from prison, an immigration removal centre or a secure children's home  Referred to high-security psychiatric services or drug and alcohol misuse services provided by the local authority. Want more information?  Take a look at these websites for extra support: Your choices in the NHS   My Planned NHS Care Can I choose where to receive NHS treatment?

Did you know Volunteer Responders can help you access support and services such as collecting prescriptions and shopping delivery? The NHS and Care Volunteer Responders Programme has over 35,000 volunteers who support people in their local community. Find out how Volunteer Responders can help you and how to access them. What is a Volunteer Responder? NHS and Care Volunteer Responders  is a volunteering programme supporting the NHS, its patients, and people who use social care, have caring responsibilities or are experiencing isolation and loneliness. It was initially set up during the pandemic to support NHS professionals and vulnerable people using health services. Now, it also runs to support anyone needing adult social care. What support can volunteers provide? NHS and Care Volunteer Responders can support you with a range of activities, including: Check-In and Chat : Volunteers are available to provide you with a friendly phone call. This will be a call from a different volunteer each time for up to 18 weeks. Check-In and Chat Plus:  Volunteers provide regular friendly phone calls and a listening ear up to three times a week, for up to six weeks. Community Response:  Volunteers can help you collect prescriptions, shop, and get other essential supplies.   If eligible, this service is available as a one-off or for a maximum of six weeks. Pick Up and Deliver:  If you need medication or medical equipment, you can get this delivered to your home, usually before or after a hospital stay. This service requires a health or care professional to refer you. How do I access support? There are different ways to access support. Self-referral : You can call the Volunteer Responder self-referral phone line to make a referral on 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week. Referral through a health or care professional :  A professional referrer such as your GP, other medical practitioner, or adult social care provider  can request a referral for you. Pick Up and Deliver is only available through a professional referral. Local Healthwatch : Healthwatch Somerset is a professional referrer and can refer you to a Volunteer Responder. You can  contact us  for a referral. Am I eligible for these services? Check In and Chat  is available to anyone in need of a friendly phone call and encouragement to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Check In and Chat Plus  is available to anyone who would prefer or benefit from speaking to the same volunteer. Community Response  is available for those with a current health need or in receipt of a care package. These services are not designed to be a treatment service . Anyone with complex vulnerabilities or needs would not be suitable to be referred to the scheme. Examples where the service would not be appropriate: People with complex mental health needs. People who are known to be suicidal. People with severe cognitive impairment. Referrals for those with drug addiction or alcohol dependency. Want more information? If you have more questions, take a look at the NHS responders frequently asked questions (FAQs) for people who would like support. You can also call  0808 196 3646 .