1. Invitation for COVID vaccine extended to unpaid carers between 18-64 years old

    News -

    Across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, unpaid carers aged between 18 and 64 are now being invited for a Covid-19 Vaccination.

  2. NHS acknowledge delays on complaint responses in light of COVID pressures

    News -

    In February, NHS England and Improvement acknowledged that NHS providers may take longer to investigate and respond to complaints. This is to allow providers to concentrate on front-line duties and responsiveness to coronavirus (COVID-19).

  3. Transgender people asked to help improve the NHS Gender Identity Services in the South West

    News -

    Transgender and gender-diverse individuals who are over 16 years old and live in the South West area are being encouraged to take part in an online survey to help improve NHS Gender Identity Services.

  4. Back to School resources for parents and students

    Advice and Information -

    As of the 8th March, all primary school and secondary school students in England began to return to school. In support, safety measures have been put in place; from lateral flow testing to wearing masks in class. Here, we share some resources.

  5. Improvements needed at Royal United Hospital Bath emergency department

    News -

    The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published a report following a focused inspection of the urgent and emergency service at Royal United Hospital Bath, part of Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust.

  6. Thames Valley Cancer Alliance calls for you to Know Your Cancer Risk

    News -

    The Thames Valley Cancer Alliance is calling on the public to know their lung cancer risk as they launch a localised campaign to increase awareness of symptoms and speed up diagnosis.

  7. COVID-19 - One year on from the declaration of a global pandemic

    News -

    Thursday 11th March marked a year since the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

  8. COVID-19 Vaccine Report

    Report -

    At the beginning of February, we invited people across B&NES to take part in a month-long survey to find out their views, attitudes, and concerns towards the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and the communications that have supported this.

  9. New Health Authority to be led by former Director of Public Health, Swindon, Dr. Jenny Harries

    News -

    A new agency that will plan for, prevent, and respond to external health threats such as infectious diseases, will be led by former, Director of Public Health, NHS Swindon, and Swindon Borough Council, Dr. Jenny Harries.

  10. Government leads an action to improve nation's mental and physical health through a new office

    News -

    The new Office for Health Promotion is to lead a national effort to improve the health of the nation; by improving our mental health and promoting physical activity, which in turn is hoped will help the nation tackle the rise in obesity.

  11. Quality Account Report 2020/21

    Report -

    A Quality Account is a report about the quality of services offered by an NHS healthcare provider. Each year local Healthwatch are given the opportunity to respond to these. Find out more about this and read our responses to providers.

  12. April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month

    News -

    This April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Do you know the five key symptoms to look out for? Bowel Cancer UK has launched a campaign to raise awareness and help you look out for the early signs.

  13. Responding to the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

    Response -

    Sir Robert Francis QC, Chair of Healthwatch England responds on behalf of our staff and volunteers.

  14. Virtual visit to Newbridge Towers Care Home report

    Report -

    We have been unable to undertake Enter and View visits to care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Executive Board decided that we should undertake a virtual visit to a care home to hear residents lived experience of the pandemic.

  15. Dental Care Briefing for April 2021

    Report -

    Over the last year, we have been hearing from members of the public about their issues with dental care. Here is our Dental Care Briefing for April 2021.

  16. Participation opportunity - How inclusive is community based social care for older LGB people?

    News -

    Liz Wands-Murray, the Ph.D. researcher at the University of York, is asking for help with a research project on the accessibility of community-based social care services, groups, and activities for older (50+) lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons.

  17. Symptom free testing for COVID-19 made available to everyone

    News -

    Everyone in Bath & North East Somerset is now entitled to COVID-19 symptom-free testing. Find out where you can collect the home testing kits from and their opening hours here.

  18. A guide to Video Consultation with the NHS in various languages

    Advice and Information -

    The last year has seen a great deal of change in the provision of health and social care services. Both patients and health care professionals have had to adapt how we communicate. Here, we provide a quick guide to one-way - video consultations.

  19. Healthwatch BANES News Bites April 2021

    News -

    In this month's newsletter, we will be sharing news on the new mobile COVID vaccination clinic, symptom-free testing being made available to everyone, and the lifting of further lockdown restrictions.

  20. Clinic takes to the water to ensure no crewmate is left behind on vaccination rollout

    News -

    A floating clinic has taken to the water in a bid to ensure that no one is left behind in the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. The launch was a joint initiative from local councils, GP's, housing charities, and Clinical Commissioning Groups.

  21. Focus on Mental Health - Connect With Nature

    News -

    The last year put a sharp focus on mental health as we have all been faced with challenges and change. This year's theme for Mental Health Awareness week is nature. We take a look at how nature can help well-being and tips to manage your wellbeing.

  22. Mouth Cancer prevention and spotting the symptoms

    Advice and Information -

    Mouth cancer is otherwise known as oral cancer and is where a tumour forms in the mouth. Regular self-checks and awareness of symptoms are key to early detection and resolution. We explore what to look out for and how to keep your mouth healthy.

  23. Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showmen communities focus of new COVID vaccine film

    News -

    A new film featuring renowned Romany journalist, Jake Bowers, explores what traveling communities can do to help with the pandemic and encourages them to have the COVID vaccine.

  24. Foster Care Fortnight 2021 - putting fostering under the spotlight

    News -

    In recognition of Foster Care Fortnight, we are putting the spotlight on fostering a child, sharing foster care stories, and how you can get involved.

  25. More GP appointments to be offered face-to-face to those who need it

    News -

    NHS England has issued new guidance to GP practices across the country on facilitating more face-to-face appointments for patients.

  26. New Integrated Care System to hold their first public board meeting

    News -

    Health and care organisations from across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire will come together later this month for the first official board meeting in public as the region’s new integrated care system.

  27. Twin crisis of access and affordability calls for a radical rethink of NHS dentistry

    News -

    New data indicates the dental crisis shows no signs of slowing, with four in five people (80%) struggling to access timely care during the last COVID-19 lockdown.

  28. Collecting GP data - advice for the public

    News -

    NHS Digital's collection of GP data will support vital health and care planning and research. Here we share how and why your data is being used, and what to do if you don't want your data shared.

  29. Hospital Discharge report - November 2020

    Report -

    The process the NHS follow to discharge people from hospital changed during the coronavirus pandemic. We launched a one-month-long hospital discharge survey in July to find out your experiences during the height of the pandemic, below is our report.

  30. 3SG Community Pot Project 2019/20

    Report -

    3SG received funding from our 2019/20 Community Pot fund and used this funding to recruit a coordinator to support and train the 1,900 volunteers who offered their support during COVID-19. Find out more.

  31. Community Pot Project 2019/20: Action for M.E.

    Report -

    At the beginning of 2020 we invited organisations across B&NES to apply for our Community Pot fund. Action for M.E. received funding to address health and social inequalities for adults with M.E. by providing a number of channels of support.

  32. Community Pot Project 2019/20: Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases

    Report -

    At the beginning of 2020 we invited organisations across B&NES to apply for our Community Pot fund. Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases was awarded funding from this to produce a series of four podcasts about rheumatic diseases. Read more.

  33. Community Pot Project 2019/20: Bath Rugby Foundation

    Report -

    At the beginning of 2020 we invited organisations across B&NES to apply for our Community Pot fund. Bath Rugby Foundation received funding to look at the barriers to employment for young adults with SEND transitioning from school or college.

  34. Community Pot Project 2019/20: Carers' Centre Bath and North East Somerset

    Report -

    At the beginning of 2020 we invited organisations across B&NES to apply for our Community Pot fund. The B&NES Carers' Centre received funding to extend their support line hours, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.

  35. Community Pot Project 2019/20: Citizens Advice

    Report -

    In 2020 Citizens Advice received funding from our Community Pot. The project aimed to work with the Compassionate Communities hub in Peasedown St John where local people can raise issues about services or be signposted to help them find services.

  36. Community Pot Project 2019/20: The Diversity Trust

    Report -

    At the beginning of 2020 we invited organisations across B&NES to apply for our Community Pot fund. The Diversity Trust received funding to improve representation of LGBT+ people across B&NES through engagement work and an 'Out in B&NES' booklet.

  37. Community Pot Project 2019/20: Swallow Charity

    Report -

    At the beginning of 2020 we invited organisations across B&NES to apply for our Community Pot fund. SWALLOW received funding to support adults with learning disabilities to transition back to 'normal life' after the COVID-19 lockdown. Find out more.

  38. Share your experience on discharge from the Royal United Hospitals, Bath (RUH)

    News -

    If you have been discharged from the RUH during the last 12 months or someone you care for has been an inpatient during the last 12 months, they want to hear from you.

  39. Are you or your loved ones waiting for hospital care? Share you views

    News -

    Millions of people have had their treatment delayed by the pandemic – are you one of them? We want to know if you’re getting the advice, information and support you need while you wait.

  40. Integrated Care Alliance (ICA) - Away Day

    News -

    The Care Forum (TCF) is proud to represent the voices of the public in the development of health alliances in Bath and North East Somerset

  41. Access to NHS Dental Treatment

    Advice and Information -

    With so many NHS Dentists at capacity, find out how to access urgent Dental care here.

  42. CEO Appointed to Lead Partnership of Health and Care Organisations

    News -

    Sue Harriman, CEO of Solent NHS Community and Mental Health Trust in Hampshire, has been appointed designate Chief Executive of the NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Integrated Care Board

  43. Public Urged to Know Self-Care Basics Ahead of Colder Winter Months

    Advice and Information -

    Public urged to know self-care basics ahead of colder winter months

  44. Shaping a Healthier Future

    News -

    Shaping a Healthier Future

    The NHS in England is changing, with plans in place to change the way that health and care services are managed.

  45. Help BSW Partnership shape a healthier future

    News -

    Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Partnership want your opinion on their ideas to improve local health and social care.

  46. Louise Ansari appointed as our new National Director

    News -

    We're delighted to announce that Louise Ansari has been appointed as our new National Director at Healthwatch England.

  47. Healthwatch BaNES December News bites

    News -

    In this month's news you can hear what we have been up to and find out about what is happening in BaNES.