Photo of someone holding the hand of a newborn baby
"This is another scandal where it’s clear that lessons from past tragedies haven’t been learnt" - Healthwatch England's response to the Ockenden review
Healthwatch England has responded to the Independent Review of Maternity Services at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, led by Donna Ockenden. The review examined almost 1,600 clinical incidents and found repeated failures in care.
13 May 2022
News
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Healthwatch BNSSG's combined safeguarding adults and children's policy
Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone. Healthwatch Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) will work together to prevent and minimise abuse, and protect vulnerable adults, children and young people from harm.
13 May 2022
Report
A person writing in a notebook in front of a laptop
South Gloucestershire Prioritisation Panel February 2022 - minutes
On the February 10 2022, our Prioritisation Panel came together to discuss the health and social care issues you've raised, and what Healthwatch North Somerset can do to bring about change.
9 May 2022
Report
A man sitting in a doctor's office, talking to the doctor
How to register with a GP surgery
GPs offer a range of health services, including advice about physical and mental health, treatment, and prescriptions for medicines. To register with a GP, you don't need a fixed address, proof of your immigration status, or identification.
25 April 2022
Advice and Information
People using headsets and looking at computer screens in a call centre
Provider of NHS 111 services in South Gloucestershire rated 'Outstanding' by independent regulator
Practice Plus Group - NHS 111 South West, who have a contact centre in Bristol and answer NHS 111 calls from people across the South West, were found to be safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led by the Care Quality Commission.
19 April 2022
News
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Protocol for submitting 20-day request response letters to reports and recommendations from Healthwatch
This protocol recognises that Healthwatch acts as an independent consumer voice for people who use health and social care services.
13 April 2022
Report
Logos of Healthwatch Bristol, Heathwatch North Somerset, Healthwatch South Gloucestershire, BabCON, and Bristol Health Partners
Report: how has the COVID-19 pandemic affected people's experiences of bladder and bowel services?
Our collaborative research with Bristol Health Partners' Bladder and Bowel CONfidence Health Integration Team (BABCON HIT) found that one in three people who use bladder and bowel services had been affected by changes to these services during COVID.
6 April 2022
Report
A pulse oximeter on someone's finger with a stethoscope in the background
Pulse oximeter rollout to help people recover from COVID-19 at home
Many people are able to recover from COVID-19 at home. If you are at a higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19, you may be eligible for a free pulse oximeter to monitor your health and ensure you can get medical care if you need it.
24 March 2022
Advice and Information
A red sign which reads 'Emergency Department', in front of a hospital
Report: experiences of attending Southmead A&E during the COVID-19 pandemic
North Bristol NHS Trust asked us to carry out a survey with people attending A&E at Southmead Hospital. We found that the management of people's long-term conditions in the community needs to improve, to reduce some of the pressure on A&E.
18 March 2022
Report
Four individual blue and white banners advertising the COVID-19 information events. The first one is for disabled people, the second is for older people, the third is for pregnant and new mums, and the fourth is for LGBTQ+ people.
Helping you make an informed choice about the COVID-19 vaccination
When COVID-19 vaccination rollout began, there was a great deal of misinformation about the vaccine. To help people to make an informed decision, we hosted a series of webinars with experts who could provide reliable guidance and answer questions.
15 March 2022
Response
A woman standing outside, smiling
Caring for someone with dementia? You can now find support more quickly
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, and carers often report feelings of guilt, confusion, and anger. We spoke to carers across South Glos to find out what help they needed, and put together a resource to help them access support.
17 February 2022
Response
The first two sections on the checklist. The first is 'my name is' with a space to write your name. The second is 'my main carer is' with a space to write their name.
Improving the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities
People with a learning disability can sometimes find it difficult to identify any health issues they may be having. To make this easier, we created a checklist to help people with a learning disability get the most out their annual health check.
17 February 2022
Response