1. Your local Healthwatch update for January 2024

    News -

    Welcome to your Health & Care Digest

  2. What is measles and who can get the vaccine?

    Advice and Information -

    Measles vaccination rates are at a ten-year low as cases rise nationwide. Find out about measles, who can get the vaccine, and what you can do to stay safe.

  3. Your February News

    News -

    Our February Newsletter is now available.

  4. Share your feedback to improve care in your community

    News -

    ‘Share for Better Care’, a new campaign launched by Healthwatch to help address health inequalities across England.

  5. What can the Pharmacy First scheme do for me?

    Advice and Information -

    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.

  6. How easy do people in B&NES find it to order prescriptions?

    Report -

    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.

  7. Your News Update for March

    News -

    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

  8. Your News Update for April

    News -

    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

  9. What is the impact of vaping and access to dentistry on young people?

    Response -

    Two of our volunteers have developed surveys to go alongside engagement work about the impact of Vaping and Dentistry on Young People across Bath and North East Somerset and Swindon.

  10. What the new dental recovery plan means for you

    Advice and Information -

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

  11. Summary Report: Experiences of Refugees accessing and using Health and Social Care in BaNES and Swindon.

    Report -

    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.