Healthwatch Southglos

Test and Trace - tell us your experiences of getting the advice and care you need

Healthwatch has joined discussions on how track and trace can improve in the South West. Tell us your positive or negative experiences of accessing a test and getting the advice and any further treatment to get better or stay safe.

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Zoom in for our update on how we're working for you

We are sadly unable to hold a face-to-face AGM, but there's still a chance to hear how we are working to help health and care services cope and adapt in these difficult times. The outbreak of Covid-19 saw us working to help and support people to get medicine and supplies. We'd love to virtually meet you to bring you up-to-date in South Glos - October 12th, 6-7pm email rebecca@healthwatchbnssg.co.uk for Zoom link.

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Speaking up can mean better health and care - here's how we've worked in 2019/2020

Here is our latest Annual Report where we reveal our best bits of the year and how we have worked to ensure your views make a difference to local health and social care services.

We are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services.

Healthwatch South Glos. is here to make sure that those running services, and the government, put people at the heart of care. The more people share their experiences of health or social care, the more these services can understand what works and what doesn't.

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Southern Brooks Community Partnership

Working in partnership with South Glos. Council and CVS South Gloucesterhsire, Southern Brooks Community Partnership can put you in touch with Mutual Aid groups in your area or provide help with shopping, prescriptions and wellbeing if it's not possible for other groups to do this. Tel: 07773 209943 (8am-8pm 7 days a week) or email: communitysupport@southernbrooks.org.uk

Social distancing and domestic abuse

Domestic abuse charity Refuge has seen an increase in calls and online contact since social distancing measures came into effect. If you, or someone you know is at risk from abuse you can call them 24/7 on: (freephone) 0808 2000 247. If you are in an emergency situation call 999.

Shielding Letter

If you are aware of anyone who you believe may be in the group of people the Government has advised should be shielded, you may want to check if they have received a shielding letter. The letter asks them to register if they have medical conditions that make them extremely vulnerable to the virus and have no support to help them get food or medical supplies. They can register on the GOV.UK website or call 08000 288 327.

Advice from Avon Local Pharmaceutical Committee

Information for patients and customers: * Don't expect to pick up your script from the pharmacy for at least 5-7 days after ordering. * Don't over order medications e.g. if you currently receive medication at monthly intervals, this should continue. * Don't order medications just in case e.g. inhalers should only be requested when there's a clinical need. * Don't panic-buy over the counter items such as paracetamol. There will be enough for everyone if people don't purchase more than needed. * Don't bulk buy other items such as soap, hand gel & toilet rolls.

Three women standing outside a hospital talking

How we're making a difference

Read how Healthwatch South Gloucestershire has been helping to improve people's experiences of health and social care in our annual report for 2018-19

For a copy of the Annual Report