News and reports

Read the minutes of our May 4 2022 Prioritisation Panel, when we came together to discuss the health and social care issues you've raised, and what Healthwatch Bristol can do to bring about change.

We've collated the experiences of 141 patients, families, carers, and NHS staff involved with the hospital discharge process. More than 75% of respondents said they felt delays in admission or discharge had a negative psychological effect.

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.

Smokers and former smokers (more than 100 cigarettes in your lifetime) aged between 55 and 74 and registered with an eligible GP practice will be invited for a lung health check by the NHS to help identify lung cancer at an early stage.

See how we work out the main health and care priorities for Bristol from your feedback. Our meeting at 11:30am on May 4 is where we action your comments or concerns with providers to ensure what you tell us makes a difference.

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.

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.

On February 2 2022, our Prioritisation Panel came together to discuss the health and social care issues you've raised, and what Healthwatch Bristol can do to bring about change.

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.

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.

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.

Vaccination, voluntary protective behaviour such as maintaining good hand hygiene, and anti-virals and treatments are key priorities as the country prepares for the removal of the remaining COVID-19 measures on the April 1.