1. People are increasingly avoiding NHS appointments and prescriptions due to cost of living, Healthwatch warns

    News -

    The number of people avoiding an NHS appointment because they can’t afford travel almost doubled between October and December as the cost of living crisis is forcing many to change how they use health and care services.

  2. Supporting older adults to access online health services

    Response -

    In 2022-23, we supported more than 1000 people and held almost 150 learning sessions to help older adults learn about the NHS app and develop the skills to order prescriptions, view test results, book GP appointments, and access online consultations.

  3. Have your say - Easy Read

    Report -

    Download an Easy Read version of our 'Have your say' form.

  4. Annual Report 2022/2023

    Report -

    Last year, 793 people shared their experiences of health and social care services with us. Our annual report sets out how your comments and concerns have had a real impact on local health and social care services.

  5. Stories from new mothers: the importance of good communication

    Blog -

    The commitment to personalised care has been a cornerstone of NHS policy on maternity care for many years. A crucial part of personalised care is good communication, listening and agreeing on actions together.

  6. Report: your NHS menopause experience

    Report -

    A lack of compassion from healthcare professionals, difficulty identifying menopausal symptoms, and confusion around HRT and alternative treatment options are among the issues raised by almost 400 people who shared their experience with us.

  7. Have your say: consultation on draft SEND strategy

    News -

    South Gloucestershire Council want your views on their draft Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) strategy 2023 - 2028.

  8. Healthwatch BNSSG's Equality, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (EDEI) policy

    Report -

    In carrying out our functions as a statutory organisation we promise to ensure that the values of equality, diversity, equity and inclusion are embedded into everything we do. We are committed to creating the right culture, skills and priorities to ensure that no individual is discriminated against in the planning and delivery of any of our activities.

  9. Healthwatch BNSSG's engagement strategy 2023 - 2028

    Report -

    Our engagement strategy sets out how and why we engage with the public; collaboration with other groups and organisations; what we do with your feedback; and our commitment to equalities research and working with 'least heard' communities.

  10. Report: Investigating local health inequalities using the Core20PLUS5 approach

    Report -

    102 people in Knowle West, Hartcliffe and Weston-super-Mare spoke to us about their experiences of health and social care. They shared the barriers and failures that prevented them from accessing local services, and what improvements are needed.

  11. The Accessible Information Standard - What you can expect from services

    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.