A jumble of white tiles with black letters on them
NHS jargon and acronyms explained
The NHS sometimes uses jargon and acronyms that can be difficult to make sense of. We've found a selection of reliable resources that explain, in plain English, many of the terms that you may see used in NHS correspondence, online, or in the media.
28 October 2021
Image of a nurse. Text reads: help us help you get the care you need
People with learning disabilities and their carers are entitled to a free flu vaccination
Preventing flu can be particularly important for people with a learning disability. Flu can lead to pneumonia and sepsis, which many people with a learning disability are much more vulnerable to than the general population.
21 October 2021
A pink highlighter being used to tick boxes on a list
How to help someone get the most out of their learning disability Annual Health Check
People with a learning disability may find it hard to know when they are unwell, or to tell someone about it. We've put together a checklist to help people with a learning disability and their carers make the most of their annual health check.
6 October 2021
A woman in a dentist's chair, being shown an x-ray by a male dentist
Advice for NHS Dental Contractors: updating your NHS website profile
Many dental practices are not updating their information on the NHS website. The Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, and Healthwatch are urging dental contractors to review their profiles, to help patients find dental care more easily.
27 September 2021
A doctor with a stethoscope listening to a patient's chest
Face-to-face appointments: know your choices
Digital appointments don't work for everyone. Many health care services have moved online, but you can still request a face-to-face appointment. Here's what you can expect from the NHS if you need to be seen in person.
6 August 2021
Image of a stethoscope and a laptop
Snapshot: does your GP have a user-friendly website?
Healthwatch volunteers have reviewed nine GP patient websites in Bristol to see how user friendly they are. Thanks to their hard work, Healthwatch Bristol has produced a new website review tool to help GP practices improve the information available.
13 July 2021
A white woman receiving dental treatment
Dentistry - how Healthwatch Bristol has used your feedback to bring about change
Over 100 people have shared their feedback on NHS dental services with us during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's how we've used your feedback, and how it's made a difference.
25 June 2021
Bar charts with someone using a pen to point to the document
Why do we need to collect demographic information when you share your views with us?
When you share your views with us, we ask for demographic information such as your gender, sexual orientation, age, and ethnicity. Here's why we collect this information, and what we use it for.
18 June 2021
Ade Williams, a man, standing behind a counter in a pharmacy
Pharmacy spotlight: Ade Williams, Bedminster Pharmacy
Ade Williams, multi award-winning pharmacist at Bedminster Pharmacy in Bristol, spoke to Healthwatch Bristol about what pharmacies can offer, and how they can help take the pressure off GPs and A&E departments.
21 May 2021
Alex M Talk
How to cope with lockdown if you have autism
Radio presenter and Asperger's champion Alex Manners spoke to Healthwatch ahead of his talk organised by Bristol Autism Support tomorrow (April 7th). His tips for coping with the pressures of Covid-19? "Find a project and focus on the next few days."
6 April 2021
Comm strategy
How we are communicating what we do
Healthwatch exists to take on board the views of the public so they can influence health and social care locally. Our strategy aims to highlight the importance of leaving feedback and outlines how Healthwatch can use it to make a difference.
30 March 2021
Woman having dental work done
What to do if you can't find an NHS dentist
Our feedback from patients tells us that Dentistry has been massively affected by Coronavirus, and it's been almost impossible to find an NHS dentist that's accepting new patients or doing emergency treatment.
9 March 2021