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News -
Deep-dive analysis of experiences of 2,693 new mothers and birthing parents shows that six-week postnatal checks – required of GPs in England - are failing many new mothers. We call for action. -
Report -
My Voice Matters is ensuring the voice of people with diverse lived experiences & backgrounds are heard. We are proud to be able to give the opportunity for seldom heard voices to be heard by providers & wider organisations in their own words
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News -
In this issue we feature 10 years of Healthwatch, upcoming research on the experience of refugees new to the UK and much much more!
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News -
The latest NHS data shows that a record number of people are waiting for care. However, new research indicates that there is also a hidden waiting list, and more needs to be done to understand what it's like for people trying to get referred. -
Advice and Information -
The continuing cost of living crisis is adversely affecting people's physical and mental wellbeing, with vulnerable people and those on lower incomes hit the hardest. -
News -
Why not volunteer with us!
As a Community Engagement and Outreach volunteer, you will play an important role in speaking and listening to people in the community about their views on local health and care services. -
News -
Your experiences of maternal mental health care continue to shape NHS services, with NHS England recently announcing improvements to maternity and neo-natal services. -
News -
Whether your highlight for the month is the Coronation, seeing local parks & gardens begin to blossom, or enjoying a special anniversary we hope you find something in our health & care news update to add extra colour or sparkle to your month. -
Report -
My Voice Matters is ensuring the voice of people with diverse lived experiences & backgrounds are heard. We are proud to be able to give the opportunity for seldom heard voices to be heard by providers & wider organisations in their own words
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Advice and Information -
Looking for mental health or wellbeing support in Bath and North East Somerset? -
Advice and Information -
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a life-changing event, but knowing what support is available to you and what steps to take next can help you or a loved one process the diagnosis and plan for the future. -
Blog -
NHS England has recently published its "Delivery plan for recovering access to primary care". We outline what the planned changes will mean for you. -
Advice and Information -
A new scheme could see women across England save hundreds of pounds yearly on their Hormone Replacement Therapy with a prepayment certificate. -
News -
We welcome the creation of an independent public inquiry to learn lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic. The lessons from this inquiry could improve how government, NHS England, health and care providers and commissioners respond to future pandemics. -
News -
Professor David Croisdale-Appleby has been appointed as the new Chair of Healthwatch England, the independent champion for people who use health and social care. -
News -
All change !
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News -
With the NHS turning 75 this week, our Chief Executive reflects on why listening to users of health and care services is so integral to improving the quality and safety of care. -
News -
June is shaping up to be a busy month for Healthwatch in Bath & NES as it will be for many - whether this is the challenge of exams, getting on with outdoor tasks or planning days out.
In this issue:
Volunteer Week
Social isolation in children and young people
Carers Week
Playlist for Life
Have your say
Out & about with Healthwatch in June
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Advice and Information -
Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to. -
Advice and Information -
Mental health problems are more common among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people. If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need. -
Advice and Information -
From 1 July 2022, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists can legally certify and issue a statement of fitness for work, or informally known as a ‘fit note’. Find out what a ‘fit note’ is, when you might need one and how to go about getting one. Previously only GPs or hospital doctors could issue fit notes. -
Advice and Information -
The wait for planned medical care or surgery can be frustrating. That’s why you must get regular, clear and accessible updates to help you plan your next steps while you wait. -
Advice and Information -
Many of you have told us that you have experienced problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what do to if you are refused the right to register.
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Blog -
The commitment to personalised care has been a cornerstone of NHS policy on maternity care for many years. A crucial part of personalised care is good communication, listening and agreeing on actions together. In this blog, we share new mothers' stories highlighting the role of communication and choice. -
News -
A new report by MPs into dental care, which draws upon the experiences people have shared with us, has called for urgent reform so more people can access an NHS dentist. -
Advice and Information -
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. -
Report -
Healthwatch Bath & North East Somerset joined this year’s South West Charity Conference and Expo to share the work of Healthwatch with delegates from business and the Third sector. -
News -
Whether you are home or away this month we hope you find plenty of interest and use in our August news update.
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News -
Interested in volunteering with us and want to find out more take a look at our new easy read guide. -
News -
Our new research highlights that pressures in the NHS have serious consequences on people's lives and widen health inequalities. -
Blog -
Our research on GP referrals highlighted the frustration patients experience due to long waits and a lack of support. This latest analysis looks at people’s experience of getting a cancer referral. -
Advice and Information -
Living with autism affects people in different ways. It can bring strengths and challenges that can affect how comfortable, healthy, and happy you feel. Here's what you should expect from an autism assessment, diagnosis and getting the proper support. -
Blog -
Neurodiversity is a word used to describe the different thinking styles that affect how people communicate with the world around them. It includes dyslexia, autism, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette's Syndrome and more. Neurodivergent people encounter challenges accessing services which meet their needs. -
News -
New figures published today in the annual report on NHS Dental Statistics for England in 2022-23, show that NHS dentists still see fewer people than pre-pandemic. Read our response. -
News -
September sees a new start for many - especially for children and young people as they move up a school year or start a new phase in their education, whilst for others it signals the start of Autumn. Whatever the month of September means for you we hope our Healthwatch news for Bath & North East Somerset provides some useful information and updates.
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News -
NHS England is moving forward the timetable for the autumn COVID-19 and flu vaccine rollouts. -
Response -
We're backing calls to introduce 'Martha's Rule' in NHS hospitals. Find out what it is and why we are supporting it. -
Advice and Information -
The cost-of-living crisis is putting many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some people can afford to pay. Find out what help is available to help you cover the cost of your medication.
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Advice and Information -
Each cancer support group is different, but many people find it helpful to have support during and after diagnosis. Some also offer advice and support to family and friends of people going through cancer care and beyond.
Listed below are some local and national support groups that people might find helpful. The ones listed are mostly for adult support groups. -
Report -
A review was undertaken by one of our Young Healthwatch Volunteers asking five questions to understand what online support is offered via the GP surgeries locally. Our findings have been published in a report. -
News -
Our new research shows worryingly low public confidence in being able to access NHS services. A third of adults in England lack confidence that they can access timely care, including GP services, mental health support and hospital care. Read the findings and our calls to action. -
Report -
Over the past 8 months Healthwatch Bath and North East Somerset has attended sessions with Southside 'family food and play', a number of the local food pantries and in the Summer joined in the fun at one of Bath Area Play Project's playdays.
This report brings together anonymous feedback and key findings from these engagements and a series of recommendations and next steps for Healthwatch in Bath and North East Somerset. -
News -
In this Autumn issue you can find out about:
Our Enter and View visit , our latest findings from feedback - 'What Matters to Families?' and about organisations which may be new to you plus where to meet us in October. -
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.
This report is data analysis which has been researched and written by a Young Healthwatch volunteer who is studying the University of West of England (UWE).
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News -
In this November issue you can find out about:
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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.
This report was written by Dr Aanchal Rana as a practice track report for the degree of MSc Global and Public Health Policy at the University of Bath.
We offered her access to our team and engagement pathways to support her delivering this piece of work. All opinions and findings are her own. -
Advice and Information -
Around one in five GP visits are for non-medical problems. Many things that affect our health can’t be treated by doctors or medicine alone. This includes loneliness, money problems, housing, education or employment status. NHS social prescribing link workers can connect you to the right community groups and services to help support you. -
News -
We have been busy for the last few months.
Find out more about who we have spoken to, what people have told us and more.