iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

📢 Our new pharmacy report is out now. We spoke to people across Somerset about their experiences of local pharmacy services, including Pharmacy First, prescriptions, and access to care. Read the findings and recommendations: bit.ly/4gNulOE

Healthwatch Somerset report cover with pharmacist serving a customer; text reads How is your Pharmacy working for you? August 2026

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Reposted by Healthwatch Somerset

Healthwatch Newcastle @healthwatchncl.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Have you, or someone you support, had a delayed or difficult experience leaving hospital? If so - Healthwatch England want to hear about your experience:

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

📢 Our new Enter and View report on Ivelhurst Nursing Home is now available. Residents spoke positively about caring staff, good food and activities, while we highlighted opportunities for further improvement. #Somerset #NursingHome Read the report here: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/post/enter-a...

Photograph of Ivelhurst Nursing Home, a brick building with multiple windows, flower pots, and a blue sign displaying the nursing home’s name. Below, a promotional text announces availability of the latest Enter and View report for Ivelhurst Nursing Home with a website link, branded by Healthwatch Somerset.

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Unfortunately due to staff shortages we will be closed on Friday 14 August 2026. We'll be back to normal on Monday 17 August and respond to any enquiries we may have received while we were away. Have a wonderful weekend everyone 😎 See less

A notice poster from Healthwatch Somerset announcing closure on Friday 14 August due to staff shortages, with service resuming on Monday 17 August. The poster features a prominent sign with bold white and orange text on a dark background stating in capital letters "Sorry we're closed but still awesome."

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

'School's out for summer'! But we are still busy..... • How your feedback is making a difference • What is NHS Quicker? • Hospital parking: Could you get a discount or free parking? • Keeping children with allergies safe And much more...... Read it online, or download a PDF copy: bit.ly/4g6UdpD

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Healthwatch Somerset newsletter July 2026

Catch up with the latest news about our work and updates about local health and care services.

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

A great image to show the important parts of making #AccessibleCommunications thanks @rnib.bsky.social I'll be sharing this with our communities 🩷

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

After the scorching weather in June our latest newsletter is hot off the press. • May 2026 in numbers • Improving cancer care across our region • Emmie’s story from The Bold and the Brave • Help make work fair for unpaid carers Read online, or download your PDF copy using this link: bit.ly/4arIT4e

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

The @ukhsa.bsky.social (Health Security Agency) have issued a red heat-health alert ⚠️ for the South West from 24 to 25 June. Below is some advice we should all be following. Stay well everyone.🥵🚰🕶️

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Centre for Ageing Better @ageingbetter.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

It's @agewithoutlimits.bsky.social Day! Today is all about questioning common assumptions about age and ageing, because when we question ageism, we challenge it. And the more we challenge it, the more we start to change it.

It's Age Without Limits Day! Let's question ageism

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

All volunteers deserve appreciation. They give their time and effort by getting involved in our work. To all our volunteers, we just can't say it enough, thank you for everything you do - you are amazing. 💜🤗 #VolunteersWeek

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Asthma + Lung UK @asthmaandlung.org.uk · 04/06/2026

Our condition specific support groups are here for you. We have groups for COPD, Bronchiectasis and Long Covid. When asked if our support group attendees have learned something new about their condition, in the COPD and bronchiectasis group 100% said yes, and in our long covid group 95% agreed!

Elderly couple around a laptop smiling at the screen.

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Volunteering changes lives, for communities and volunteers alike. It's #PowerOfYouthDay, a celebration of the #IWill movement and power of #YoungPeople changing their communities. Thank you young people supporting our research through micro-volunteering and making your voices count. #VolunteersWeek

Poster promoting Volunteers' Week featuring bold text thanking young people for their contributions. Design includes colourful star shapes in orange, blue, green, purple, and yellow, with a hashtag #VolunteersWeek in a black banner.

Photograph promoting Volunteers' Week, featuring two young people engaged in writing or filling out forms on a green table. The design includes an orange background with black and green star graphics, bold text reading "Micro volunteers," and a hashtag #VolunteersWeek highlighting appreciation for small-scale volunteer efforts.

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Today is the start of #VolunteersWeek Week. We want to say thank you to all our brilliant volunteers ❤ who've supported us engaging the public, promoting our research, and raising awareness of important causes. We simply couldn't do our work without you.🤗

A colourful graphic poster for Volunteers' Week featuring large, bold text saying "Thank you" and "We couldn't manage without you!" surrounded by variously sized and coloured star outlines. The design includes a hashtag #VolunteersWeek on a black banner, emphasising appreciation and celebration of volunteers.

Photograph showing two people standing and talking in a kitchen area with wooden table and chairs, fire extinguishers, and a microwave visible. Text on a green background highlights Volunteers' Week, thanking Jane and Mike for carrying out an Enter and View visit, with decorative stars and hashtag #VolunteersWeek.

Photograph featuring a volunteer named Tim at an event, highlighted as part of Volunteers' Week celebration. Design includes blue background with black star outlines, text "Tim supporting us at events," and hashtags #VolunteersWeek and "Thank You" to acknowledge volunteer contributions.

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

As May ends it's the start of meteorological summer and our next newsletter. Here are a few of the great articles inside: • April 2026 in numbers • Our priorities for 2026/27 • How the Without Borders Café brings people together Get your PDF copy through this link: bit.ly/4xcShTh

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

The @ukhsa.bsky.social UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced an amber heat health alert for the South West. Information and advice about how to #BeatTheHeat go to: bit.ly/4nOFPVb Alternative formats including different languages, #EasyRead, and #BSL videos go to: www.gov.uk/government/p...

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Macmillan Cancer Support and the Royal College of Pharmacy are inviting patients and healthcare professionals to complete a short survey about experiences of managing medicines during cancer care. Surveys close: 5pm on 27th May 2026 Survey links in comments below.

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

The May Half Term will soon be here and The Community Inclusion and Activity Team's calendar is out now! There are loads of inclusive activities but most require booking so don't miss out book now. For further information and to download the calendar go to: www.somerset.gov.uk/children-fam...

Poster showing front cover of the Community Inclusion and Activity Team activity calendar for May half term 2026. Calendar shows photgraphs of young people on a blue background with illustrated flowers at the bottom. Text on the poster reads: 'SEND Somerset's Local Offer. For full details and to download the PDF calendar go to: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/children-families-and-education/the-local-offer/leisure/activities-for-families/'

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Come and talk to us this week at the following drop in events: Bridgwater Library: Tuesday 12 May, 11.00am - 1.00pm. Mental Health Awareness Cafe: Wednesday 13 May, 10:00am to 13:00pm. St Andrew's Church, Burnham-on-Sea Frome Library: Friday 15 May, 11.00am - 1.00pm.

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Ever waited way too long for test results or felt like NHS staff weren’t hearing you? Read our new blog on what people want most from NHS communication: bit.ly/48LgVQf

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

To celebrate #DeafAwarenessWeek we are remembering our British Sign Language training for Frontline Workers that we completed a few years ago. Thank you Deafinate Matters CIC for delivering our training. Please note that SignLive are now known as Convo UK.

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Healthwatch Somerset BSL

YouTube video by Healthwatch Somerset

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Important information about a shortage of Ramipril 1.25mg capsules, a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and other heart and kidney conditions. For more details including an #EasyRead version read our website page. www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/post/shortag...

healthwatchsomerset.co.uk

Shortage of Ramipril 1.25mg capsules - what you need to know

There are supply problems with Ramipril 1.25mg capsules (a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and other heart and kidney conditions). A national ‘Serious Shortage Protocol’ means your pharmac...

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

On International Day of the Midwife we say thank you to all #Midwives for their amzing work and dedication. Happy #IDM2026 🤗

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

We can’t believe it’s the end of April, our latest newsletter is out now. Here are a few of the great articles inside: Farewell Karen: Fewer meetings, more walkies! 2026–28 Young Carers Strategy Free phone calls to help prevent loneliness in later life Download your free copy: bit.ly/3PXH6ws

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

We are dedicated to listening to, and supporting, as many people as possible. Almost every week members of the team are out and about in #Somerset. This is where we are in the week beginning Monday 27 April.

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Patients Association @patients-association.org.uk · 21/04/2026

It's Black maternal health awareness week! Black women are still 2.3 times likely to die in pregnancy, childbirth and 6 weeks after in the UK (MBRRACE, 2025). Find out more from Five X More: buff.ly/62E66lG #BMHAW26

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Patients Association @patients-association.org.uk · 20/04/2026

When patients experience poor communication, or are on the receiving end of administration errors, their care becomes increasingly unco-ordinated. Latest report from @thekingsfund.bsky.social paints a grim picture but offers 10 actions for government and healthcare leaders:

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Still lost in the system: the urgent need for better NHS admin | The King's Fund

A year on from our December 2024 poll, our latest research shows no improvement in people’s experiences of NHS admin. NHS admin plays a central role in shaping how people experience and perceive the…

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Did you know that on average women born in Somerset are likely to live four years longer than men born in Somerset? See how #Somerset compare tonational figures on the @healthfoundation.bsky.social local authority dashboard.

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

This free event is a chance for everyone to find out more about NHS Digital Hospitals. Make sure you keep yourself informed about changes to the wat ou #NHS devliver your care.

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

April is #TesticularCancerAwarenessMonth. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer of men aged 15-45 in the UK. For more information about support available check out the It's In the Bag website: itsinthebag.org.uk #TCAM #TYACAM #CheckYourBalls #ItsInTheBag #MensHealthMatters

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A guide on how to check your balls once a month - With BSL.

YouTube video by It's in the Bag Testicular Cancer Support

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Our March newsletter is out now! Here are just a few of the great articles inside: 🔵 Learn more about our Volunteer Development Day 🔵 How to join the new #Somerset Wheelchair Users forum 🔵 The purpose of local Cancer Awareness and Support Cafes. Downloand your copy at: bit.ly/3PXH6ws

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Somerset Public Health @somersetpubhealth.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Your Health. Your Voice. Your Somerset. We want to hear from you. What matters most to you when it comes to your health and wellbeing? Your views will help shape future services in Somerset. 📝 Take the survey here: tinyurl.com/29keymn5 Please share with friends, family and your community 💚

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Carers UK @carers-uk.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Have you experienced a Carer's Allowance overpayment? We're gathering insights from carers and advisers to build strong evidence for why the system needs to change and better meet carers' needs. Share your experience carersuk.pulse.ly/i65lmmkddl

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Patients Association @patients-association.org.uk · 01/04/2026

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has developed a new leaflet that can help patients decide what to do if they think a midwife, nurse or nursing associate may have done something wrong. buff.ly/TJOeQ7S

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British Dental Association @thebda.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Tomorrow NHS dental charges in England will rise once again. Remember, this won't put an extra penny into a service on the brink. Patients will pay more to cover for stealth cuts. 👇 www.bda.org/news-and-opinion/news/e…

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Patients Association @patients-association.org.uk · 31/03/2026

A new report from Arthritis UK highlights growing concerns about access to joint replacement surgery in England, with some patients facing delays or being refused treatment based on their weight.

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Beyond BMI: Removing Harmful Barriers to Joint Replacement Surgery

Beyond BMI sets out the evidence and impact of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England using body mass index (BMI) thresholds as a way of rationing joint replacement surgery.

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Rethink Mental Illness @rethinkcharity.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Mania and hypomania are symptoms of living with bipolar disorder. They can involve high energy, impulsivity, reduced sleep, racing thoughts, irritability, and sometimes psychosis. For #WorldBipolarDay, share this to spread practical ways to help someone going through a manic episode.

Infographic titled 'What to do when someone experiences a manic episode' with six illustrated tips: 1) Stay calm and non-confrontational. 2) Take them away from noise or overstimulation. 3) Remind them that you're there to help. 4) Ask helpful questions to offer practical support. 5) Encourage plenty of rest and healthy routines. 6) Seek professional support if you need it.

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Your voice matters! Sharing your feedback about NHS and social care can make a huge difference in #somerset. Take 3 minutes to give feedback through our website: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/have-your-say, freephone 0800 9991286, or email info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk. #ShareforBetterCare

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Carers UK @carers-uk.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

💬 We need carers to be part of the conversation, for better health and care across the nation. cqc.pulse.ly/cak1chgto8 #ShareForBetterCare

An elderly woman smiles warmly on the left side of the image. The right side features logos of Healthwatch, Care Quality Commission, and Carers UK. A stopwatch graphic shows "3 minutes" alongside thumbs-up and thumbs-down icons. Text reads "Share for Better Care Week 2026, 23-29 March" on a gray background.

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Do you care about the future of Burnham Hospital? We're visiting Burnham Library on 25 March 10am-12pm to listen to your ideas views on how patient rooms & facilities should be used. Contact us: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/have-your-say, email: info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk, tel: 0800 9991286.

This shows a photo of a doctor smiling at a patient. Healthwatch Somerset is your local healthcare champion. Future of Burnham Memorial Hospital Help shape the future of Burnham Hospital. We are listening, share your ideas with us. How should the patient rooms and facilities be used? We will be visiting Burnham on Sea Library on: Thursday 25th March 12:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. healthwatch Freephone: 0800 999 286 Email: Info@healthwatchsomersot.co.uk Somerset Website: www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Somerset Council’s Public Health - Health & Wellbeing Survey is now live. Fill in & share what matters most to you when it comes to your health & wellbeing - from accessing support & reliable information, to opportunities to live healthier, more active lives. Fill in the survey here: bit.ly/4swAmUJ

This is a photo of a person's hands using a laptop.

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

In just 3 minutes you could: -Boil a kettle -Scroll on your phone -Leave feedback about your care Take 3 minutes to make a difference and feedback about health and social care in your community. #ShareForBetterCare www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

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Asthma + Lung UK @asthmaandlung.org.uk · 24/03/2026

We are supporting world TB day in raising awareness for Tuberculosis (TB). TB is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. It’s caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is spread by breathing in bacteria that are coughed out by people with TB in their lungs.

Women smiling with the text World TB Day next to her

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

It’s Share for Better Care Week! This week, take three minutes of your time to help us improve health and social care for everyone. Share your feedback about your NHS or adult social care services. www.healthwatch.co.uk/have-your-say

healthwatch.co.uk

Have your say | Healthwatch

Two women stand outside talking. One is facing away from the camera. The other faces the camera and is wearing sunglasses.

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Healthwatch England @healthwatchengland.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Unsure what to expect from your healthcare? Healthwatch is here for you. Chat to your friendly local team today for straightforward information and advice. www.healthwatch.co.uk/your-local-he…

Confused about your care?

Have a chat with your local Healthwatch and see how they can help you.

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Healthwatch Somerset @healthwatchsom.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Today we’re bringing together our amazing Volunteers for our annual Volunteer Conference — a chance to connect, share ideas, enjoy some coffee and cake. Our volunteers make such a difference. Would you like to volunteer? Contact us: bit.ly/476JiYe, info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk, tel 0800 999 1286

This is a photo of our volunteers at a previous volunteer event. The people are sat around tables smiling.

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Carers UK @carers-uk.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Have you read out ‘Looking after someone’ guide? The guide outlines your rights as a carer and gives an overview of the practical and financial support available. Download here: carersuk.pulse.ly/bwl6ebc7ok

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Rethink Mental Illness @rethinkcharity.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is experienced by 1 in 50 people in the UK. Despite this, it continues to be highly stigmatised and misunderstood. Share this post so people get the facts on OCD symptoms.

An infographic titled "OCD can look like this" featuring icons and labels: "Obsessive intrusive thoughts," "Compulsive behaviors or rituals," and "Unhelpful beliefs." Below, it says "And like this..." with icons labeled: "Symmetry and ordering," "Feeling like everything must be perfect," "Worrying about friendships or relationships," "Checking repeatedly," "Hoarding," and "Fear of contamination." The background is burgundy with blue and white graphics.

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Somerset Public Health @somersetpubhealth.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

🚭 Thinking about quitting smoking? The Smoke Free app offers free 1-to-1 support, motivation tools and progress tracking for Somerset residents (18+). Search “Smokefree App” in your app store or visit: smokefreesomerset.org.uk #SmokefreeSomerset #WhatsYourWhy

A man drinking a smoothie through a straw in a kitchen, with text encouraging people to make it another smoke-free day and quit with their local stop smoking service.

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