1. Try January - we're aiming high to get even better patient outcomes

    News -

    Happy New Year and we’re counting down to our big virtual launch event on February 28 to promote priorities for each of our three areas…

  2. GP survey to help people get better access to the care they need

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    Practice makes perfect – do you want a more convenient GP service that fits around you? Feedback on how easy you are finding it to get an appointment at your local surgery in this survey from the local clinical commissioning group.

  3. Make 2020 a healthy one - tell us your views on services to make changes happen

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    Tell us about your experiences of health and social care, and the changes that you would like to see made locally, in our online survey #SpeakUp2020

  4. Hospitals need to 'shift the mindset' so patients know their complaints will bring about positive changes

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    More hospitals should use their complaints system in a positive way to demonstrate to the public they can make improvements. Healthwatch wants hospitals to build patient trust so they know comments can bring about clear results.

  5. Updated Guide to Dementia Services in South Gloucestershire – January 2020

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    The aim of this Guide is to provide an introduction to organisations, who can provide advice, information and support services, for people with dementia and their carers, family and friends.

  6. Celebrating LGBT History Month

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    Our Healthwatch team Maisy and Vicky winged their way down to Bristol Aerospace to the event run by the Diversity Trust. Maisy is seen standing next to Concorde, which was brought to its new home in Bristol, three years ago - Feb 7th, 2017.

  7. Healthwatch dives into new work areas with video launch at The Wave

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    Our team launched the 2020 vision for South Glos with a new project focusing on people with learning disabilities. Watch our new video about new ways of working across three Healthwatch areas which will make a difference to health services near you.

  8. Coronavirus - important advice

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    Coronavirus (Covid-19) information and advice - read our rundown of some of the frequently asked questions and what to do if you or your loved ones become unwell and start showing potential symptoms.

  9. Coronavirus support from your HW team

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    We can help you find the latest advice on what to do to protect yourself and your loved ones as well as a friendly ear if you are self-isolating and feel cut off and confused.

  10. Latest NHS Coronavirus Guidance | Over 30 Translations Now Available

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    Latest NHS Coronavirus Guidance | Over 30 Translations Now Available

  11. Safeguarding Tips

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    Safeguarding tips, which we recommend community groups adhere to and suggest people familiarise themselves with these tips to keep themselves safe too.

  12. Newsletter

    News -

    Read our Newsletter for February and March 2020. Containing information regarding Coronavirus and how we are helping the community along with local information for support groups and aid. It also contains updates from our launch events.

  13. Do your bit for the NHS - go to the right place for medical care

    News -

    Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire CCG have launched a campaign to help local A&E services, encouraging people to go to the right place for minor injuries and illnesses.

  14. How to get emergency dental care

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    People who need emergency dental treatment are advised to contact their regular surgery - and their case will assessed on a priority basis. They will then be referred to two new dental hubs, one in Bristol and one in Weston, for treatment.

  15. Nominate your carer or provider who has been your lifeline during the pandemic

    News -

    Share your stories of care with Healthwatch - we want to recognise all the wonderful work being done to help people in their homes and the wider community. A virtual hug from us to all the social care sector.

  16. Our pharmacy service to you - call Healthwatch for prescription deliveries

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    If you are self isolating and need your prescription delivered to your door Healthwatch South Glos is here to help.

  17. Support available for children and their families

    News -

    Only a small fraction of “at risk” children are taking up the emergency school places which are open to them, prompting concerns that they are facing increased danger during the lockdown.

  18. Mental health service 'gaps' during Covid-19

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    The health pandemic has resulted in many mental health support services either being suspended or becoming ‘self-service’ over the internet due to social distancing.

  19. Concerns over patient transport services during pandemic

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    People with disabilities and those who are less mobile may be struggling to attend necessary medical appointments due to reduced transport services.

  20. A big hearty thanks to all our volunteers

    News -

    We are celebrating Volunteers' Week June 1st to 7th by saying a big thank you to our 30 volunteers and 7 trustees who help us at Healthwatch Bristol, North Somerset and South Glos.

  21. Action needed after report shows BAME groups adversely affected by pandemic

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    Large scale research and data collection is needed to tackle “humbling inequalities" in Covid-19 death rates, according to the new Public Health England report. We want our feedback to build an understanding of health experiences of BAME groups.

  22. How two special companions have supported those in need during pandemic

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    Two new nominations in our Share Your Care campaign are for Mark and Margreth, who have selflessly been at the side of people that needed them during this pandemic. Well done to both of you.

  23. NHS Race and Health Observatory

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    A new NHS centre to investigate the effects of race and ethnicity on people’s health has got the go ahead after Covid 19 helped to focus minds on the continuing problem of racism in medicine.

  24. New 24-hour helpline launches for those struggling with affects of pandemic

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    A new 24/7 phoneline to help people cope with the pressures of Covid-19 and beyond has been launched for people in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Glos region.

  25. Rise in coronavirus cases in South Glos - but under national average

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    People are being warned to take more care following Covid-19 guidelines after 33 reported cases in the last week in South Glos This is a jump of 8 from the previous week and a rate of 12 per 100,000 people just below the England average of 15.

  26. Open letter shows progress in reopening health services ahead of winter

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    An open letter outlining plans to get services back to their pre-pandemic levels but still ensure everyone’s safety has been released.

  27. Zoom in for our first virtual AGM

    News -

    Join us on Zoon for our virtual AGM on Monday, October 12, 6-7pm, to reflect on our 19/20 year with updates on the latest news and project work being carried out in South Gloucestershire.

  28. Learning Disability Annual Health Checks Project

    News -

    We need your help to improve Learning Disability Annual Health Checks. We are creating a set of pre-check questions, tailored to the needs of those in South Gloucestershire and to help individuals get the most out of these checks.

  29. Celebrating 10 Years of The Equality Act

    News -

    Healthwatch South Gloucestershire joins other local organisations to mark 10 years since the introduction of the Equality Act.

  30. We'd like to hear from you about your experience of Bladder and Bowel services during coronavirus

    News -

    Bladder and Bowel problems are not openly talked about and affect many people. Please help us to understand your needs, experiences and concerns by completing our survey.

  31. Test and Trace - how can it be improved?

    News -

    Contact tracing is working well in the South West with an 83.3 per cent success rate compared to a national average of 77 per cent.

  32. Webinar: Busking the Myth of Risk and InAbility with Adam Pearson

    News -

    Following the success of their last webinar, South Gloucestershire Disability Equality Forum are hosting a session with disability rights campaigner, Adam Pearson.

  33. Latest guidance on attending appointments and new visitor restrictions at local hospitals

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    Hospitals trusts covering Bristol, South Glos and Weston hospitals have said appointments are continuing as normal there is no need to ring and check. However, visiting patients has been suspended except in certain circumstances.

  34. Dementia carers - our ambitious project to hear your experiences and ensure you have support

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    Caring for someone with dementia takes patience and kindness. It can also take its toll physically and mentally - and if it's a family member you may not get any time off. But is there anyone to care for the carer? Tell HW...your views matter.

  35. COVID-19 update: advice in different languages

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    CASS have been working closely with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (BNSSG CCG) over the last few months to ensure all communities in Bristol receive accessible information about COVID-19.

  36. Flu vaccinations - making a point about protection from viruses this winter

    News -

    Adults at high risk from flu are also more susceptible to coronavirus so having the flu vaccine is more important than ever, to help protect everyone this winter. Read the information in 12 different languages.

  37. Healthwatch is making a difference nationally

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    Healthwatch’s work, highlighting people’s experiences of health and care, has formed part of a major House of Lords report on learning key lessons from the health pandemic.

  38. Connecting Kingswood | Your Winter Warmer

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    Stay warm this winter - 'Connecting Kingswood' have created a magazine full of fun activities & FREE local services!

  39. NHS Nightingale Bristol will open to day patients

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    The NHS Nightingale Hospital in Bristol is to open for children and adults’ routine appointments to ease pressures on hospitals in the region caused by Covid-19.

  40. New Checklist to help people get the most from their Learning Disability Annual Health Check

    News -

    The new Learning Disability Annual Health Check ‘Checklist’ for South Gloucestershire is here.

  41. Do you need A&E? Ring NHS 111 for urgent care if not life-threatening

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    Many patients who go to A&E could be treated more appropriately, often more quickly by another NHS service. This is why NHS 111 First has launched to get you and your family the care you need without waiting a long time at A&E.

  42. Historic point - Covid vaccines rolled out to first patients at Southmead Hospital

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    The new Covid-19 vaccine has been rolled out in Bristol today – with the over 80s and care home staff first on the list to receive it.

  43. Healthier Together recognised for collaborative working

    News -

    The Healthier Together Partnership has been officially recognised as an Integrated Care System as a group of 10 organisations working collaboratively to improve health and care across Bristol, North Somerset and South Glos.

  44. Healthier Together recognised for collaborative working

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    The Healthier Together Partnership has been officially recognised as an Integrated Care System by NHS England/Improvement. This group of 10 organisations works collaboratively to improve health and care across Bristol, North Somerset and South Glos.

  45. Equality, Diversity and Unconscious Bias Training for VCSE groups in South Glos

    News -

    Southern Brooks Community Partnerships and CVS South Gloucestershire have organised FREE training for VCSE groups, particularly Mutual Aid Groups, new community groups and groups involved in the COVID crisis response.

  46. Phased roll-out for Covid-19 vaccinations

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    Local vaccination services run by GPs will open across the area this week, as the roll-out of the biggest immunisation programme in NHS history starts