1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Report -

    We visited Cleeve Court on 6th September 2024, it is primarily a care home for people diagnosed with Dementia.

    Our Enter and View visits to care homes are a way that we can gather information about services and collect views of service users, their carers, staff and relatives.

    Following on from our visit we have made some recommendations to the service provider based on the feedback we have received and what we observed.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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).


  8. News -

    In this November issue you can find out about:
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. News -

    We have been busy for the last few months find out more in our review.
  13. Advice and Information -

    Did you know you can choose which hospital you go to when referred for a test, diagnosis, or treatment? Find out how.
  14. Report -

    This report is a piece of joint research around EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance) to explore levels of understanding and support from GPs and schools in relation to this issue.
  15. News -

    In this December issue you can find out about:
  16. News -

    Welcome to your Health & Care Digest
  17. 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.
  18. News -

    Our February Newsletter is now available.

  19. News -

    ‘Share for Better Care’, a new campaign launched by Healthwatch to help address health inequalities across England.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. Advice and Information -

    A year ago the Accessible Information Standard came into force. It requires any organisation providing NHS or social care to communicate in a way that everybody can understand. Here's a reminder of what you should expect.
  28. Advice and Information -

    We know from our conversations with the public that some patients report feeling rushed during appointments and struggling to make themselves heard. Here are some tips that could help you get the most out of visiting your GP.
  29. Advice and Information -

    The number of people being cared for in their own homes is increasing but what should you expect from home care services?
  30. Advice and Information -

    Everyone should be able to access good quality NHS dental services. Take a look at our top tips to help you get the most out of your next dental appointment.
  31. Report -

    Read our annual report for 2019/20 and find out about all the brilliant work carried out by our team and our wonderful volunteers throughout the year.
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