Healthwatch B&NES News October 2019

Health and Social Care in Bath and North East Somerset

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October 2019

Healthwatch News

Last chance to have your say in special care dental services survey!

The special care dental service survey closes on Friday 4 October - this is a final chance for people to have their say.

Special care dentistry is for people who have a condition that means they cannot use a high street dentist. People who might use this service include:

•   People suffering from anxiety and/or extreme phobia of dental treatment
•   People with learning difficulties and/or autism
•   People with physical disabilities
•   People experiencing dementia
•   Patients who need bariatric equipment
•   People undergoing treatment for cancer
•   Some homeless people

Please share with your networks and if you have any queries about eligibility please email the South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit on scwcsu.specialcaredentalsurvey@nhs.net who will be able to advise on this.

This is also a good opportunity to highlight this service to people who may be eligible but are not aware of its existence.

Paper copies of the survey are available, including in Easy Read. Please email info@healthwatchbathnes.co.uk to ask for copies to be sent to you.

Take part in the survey

"What matters to you?" - Open Meeting

We will be holding our next open meeting on Tuesday 8 October from 2.00pm - 4.00pm at Pensford Memorial Hall, Publow Lane, Pensford, BS39 4HW.

We want to know what's important to you in health and social care in B&NES:

What are the big issues for you or the people you work with?
What works well and should be shouted about?
How can we work together to influence local services?

If you have any questions call us on 01225 232 401. Spaces are limited so to help us keep an eye on numbers please book ahead.

Book here

Have your Say

Care and Support Charging and Financial Assessment Framework

Bath & North East Somerset Council is proposing to introduce a Care and Support Charging and Financial Assessment Framework. This will change some of the ways in which they allocate their resources and calculate the charge you will pay.

They want to ensure that they continue to protect the most vulnerable people in the community and by implementing the Care and Support Charging and Financial Assessment Framework they will allocate funding to meet people’s needs.

They want to find out what people think about the proposals and they will ensure that your views are taken into account before a final decision is made.

The consultation will run until 3 December 2019.

Take part in the consultation

Safeguarding News

Local Safeguarding Children Board

The latest information and updates from the Local Safeguarding Children Board for September 2019 for Bath and North East Somerset can be found here.

The Policies/Board information and general safeguarding information can be found by following this link.

The LSCB and LSAB summer newsletter can be read by following this link.

Local Safeguarding Adults Board

The latest information and updates from the Local Safeguarding Adults Board for September 2019 for Bath and North East Somerset has not yet been published.

The Policies/Board information and general safeguarding information can be found by following this link.

Volunteering with us

Why volunteer?

There are so many benefits to volunteering - it can help with developing new skills, self-confidence, career development, meeting new people, giving you a sense of purpose, helping your local community and much more.

It's also flexible so you can fit it in around your studies, your job and times that suit you. You will get lots of support and training as well.

There are a range of volunteering opportunities with us so if you're interested get in touch with our lovely Volunteer Support Officer, Pat Foster.