News and reports

Our annual report 2023-24 shares how we've listened and championed the peoples, partners and organisations voices of Bath and North East Somerset to help shape health and social care services.

To champion the public's views, we act on clear, informed evidence of their health and social care experiences. Find out what evidence we use and how.

From 31 October 2023, GP surgeries must give patients online access to their new health record entries. Find out what information is in your record and how to access it.

Each year Healthwatch Bath and North East Somerset sets its priorities for the year ahead based on the experiences that we hear from local people.

Thank you to everyone who helped contribute towards a busy few months.
Here are some key facts we would like to share.

Welcome to Healthwatch in BANES news update. In this month's issue we cover:

My Voice Matters is ensuring the voice of people with diverse lived experiences and backgrounds are heard.
We are proud to be able to give the opportunity for seldom heard voices to be heard by providers and wider organisations in their own words.

Are you struggling to find an NHS dentist? The new dental recovery plan might help you get the dental care you need.

March was filled with engagements, from college events to joining the Livewell team in Keynsham.

In this issue:

Bowel cancer Awareness Month
Where to find help and support including: We Get It, Headway, The Maggie Oliver Foundation
Have your say, including: Health and Wellbeing Board 2nd May, new vaping and dentistry surveys for young people
Useful contacts
Upcoming events

As we head into Spring we share news of upcoming engagements and projects both from Healthwatch BANES and partner organisations.

In this issue:

Prostate cancer awareness and joint BEMSCA and Healthwatch session
Digital access to health - project update
The closure of POD prescription service
Lullaby Trust Safe Sleep Week
Where to find help and support - including the new Hope Guide
Have your say - date for the Integrated Care Board meeting
Useful contacts
Upcoming events

We asked people how they ordered prescriptions in BaNES, how effective they found this process and any challenges they faced. We also asked what would help improve the service.

The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. Find out everything you need to know.