1. Registering with your GP: understanding your rights

    Advice and Information -

    People have told us they can have problems registering with a GP. This article explains more about your rights and what do to if you are refused the right to register.

  2. Where can I go to get help for my health out of hours?

    Advice and Information -

    Health issues unfortunately don't leave us alone at the weekend and people are often in need of medical assistance out of hours. Using NHS guidelines, we have provided some advice and information on where you can go for help when your GP is closed.

  3. Do you need help travelling to NHS services?

    Advice and Information -

    Find out what support is available to help you when travelling to your GP, hospital or other NHS services.

  4. Someone I love has died - where can I find support

    Advice and Information -

    Take a look at our advice article on the organisations and groups that can support you if you’re grieving.

  5. What is domestic abuse and how can I get support?

    Advice and Information -

    If you are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse, or are worried about someone who might be, find out where you can go for advice and help.

  6. What support can I get as a carer?

    Advice and Information -

    Many people who provide unpaid care are unaware of their rights. Find out more about the help and support you are entitled to.

  7. How to stay informed while you wait for care

    Advice and Information -

    The wait for planned medical care or surgery can be frustrating. That’s why you must get regular and accessible updates while you wait.

  8. What should I expect after being referred for mental health support?

    Advice and Information -

    Your mental wellness is as important as your physical health but seeking help can be daunting. Here's what to expect when you seek support for your mental health.

  9. What is adult social care?

    Advice and Information -

    Do you or a loved one need help with social care? Read the article below and find out answers to key questions about who can access adult social care and how to pay for it.

  10. How to access mental health support if you have gender, sexuality or relationship diversity

    Advice and Information -

    Mental health problems are more common among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people. If you are struggling, feel alone or need a little help, then check out our guide on how you can get the support you need.

  11. What is Long Covid and what help is available?

    Advice and Information -

    Confused about Long Covid? Find out the common symptoms and how to get support.

  12. Does the NHS have to provide an interpreter?

    Advice and Information -

    Do you know about your rights to language support in NHS settings?

  13. How can you find an NHS dentist?

    Advice and Information -

    Are you having trouble finding an NHS funded dentist? Read our tips on what to do if you’re facing problems.

  14. What the new dental recovery plan means for you

    Advice and Information -

    Are you struggling to find an NHS dentist? The new dental recovery plan might help you get the dental care you need.

  15. What can the Pharmacy First scheme do for me?

    Advice and Information -

    The new Pharmacy First scheme enables your local pharmacy to treat some common conditions with prescription-only medicines, without you visiting your GP. Find out everything you need to know.

  16. Can I access my GP records online?

    Advice and Information -

    From 31 October 2023, GP surgeries must give patients online access to their new health record entries. Find out what information is in your record and how to access it.

  17. Referrals and your right to choose

    Advice and Information -

    Did you know you can choose which hospital you go to when referred for a test, diagnosis, or treatment? Find out how.

  18. What is social prescribing?

    Advice and Information -

    NHS social prescribing link workers can connect you to the right community groups and services to help support you.

  19. What can you expect when you're discharged from hospital?

    Advice and Information -

    The usual processes the NHS follows to discharge you from hospital have changed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you can expect when it’s time to leave hospital.

  20. What help can you get to pay for your prescriptions?

    Advice and Information -

    The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some can afford. Find out what help is out there to help you cover the cost of your medication.

  21. Adults with autism: People's experiences of the autism assessment process in Gloucestershire

    Report -

    Since COVID-19, Gloucestershire’s autism assessment service has experienced a 77% increase in referrals. The current service cannot keep up with demand and waiting times are now on average 3.2 years.

  22. Accessing GP Services in Gloucestershire

    Report -

    Based on feedback from 824 people representing Gloucestershire’s diverse communities, we identified key issues affecting access to GP services.

  23. Visit Report: Wotton Lawn Hospital, Gloucester

    Report -

    Our volunteers visited Wotton Lawn hospital, which provides mental health inpatient services, to understand what it feels like to be a patient there.

  24. Enter and View Report: Cirencester Minor Injuries Unit (MIU)

    Report -

    Our volunteers carried out an enter and view visit at Cirencester Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).

  25. Enter and View Report: Forest of Dean Minor Injury & Illness Unit (MIIU)

    Report -

    Our volunteers carried out an enter and view visit of the Forest of Dean MIIU.

  26. How can people's social care needs be better assessed and supported?

    Report -

    The perspectives of those in need and their unpaid carers.

  27. Supporting people to stay healthy and well as the cost of living rises

    Report -

    What are the challenges and what support will make a difference?

  28. Understanding people’s experiences of urgent and emergency care in Gloucestershire

    Report -

    We investigated the demands on urgent and emergency care services by
    supporting our local communities to speak about their experiences.

  29. Joined up health and social care services: Lisa

    News -

    The One Gloucestershire Integrated Care System (ICS) came into power in July 2022. Since then, we have been finding out how well different health and care services are working together to provide quality joined up care for people in Gloucestershire. We will report back regularly to NHS and social care decision makers, and here on our website, on some of the stories you are sharing with us and the issues that are emerging in what we hear from local people.

    Names have been changed to protect the identity of the people in this story. 

  30. Joined up health and social care services: Deirdre and Mike

    News -

    The One Gloucestershire Integrated Care System (ICS) came into power in July 2022. Since then, we have been finding out how well different health and care services are working together to provide quality joined up care for people in Gloucestershire. We will report back regularly to NHS and social care decision makers, and here on our website, on some of the stories you are sharing with us and the issues that are emerging in what we hear from local people.

    Names have been changed to protect the identity of the people in this story. 

  31. Joined up health and social care services: Graham and Jean

    News -

    The One Gloucestershire Integrated Care System (ICS) came into power in July 2022. Since then, we have been finding out how well different health and care services are working together to provide quality joined up care for people in Gloucestershire. We will report back regularly to NHS and social care decision makers, and here on our website, on some of the stories you are sharing with us and the issues that are emerging in what we hear from local people.

    Names have been changed to protect the identity of the people in this story. 

  32. Our complaints process

    Report -

    We are part of The Care Forum and are focused on providing the residents of Gloucestershire with a high quality service. This Complaints Procedure forms part of The Care Forum’s commitment to this.

  33. Enter and View report: Hyperion House, Fairford

    Report -

    Our volunteers carried out an enter and view visit at Hyperion House in Fairford.

  34. Enter and View Report: Bramble House

    Report -

    Our volunteers carried out an enter and view visit at Bramble House, Gloucester.

  35. Enter and View Report: Severnside Medical Practice, Gloucester

    Report -

    Our volunteers carried out an enter and view visit at Severnside Medical Practice in Gloucester.

  36. Enter and View Report: Cirencester Health Group

    Report -

    Our volunteers carried out an enter and view visit at Cirencester Health Group.

  37. Enter and View Report: Dockham Surgery, Cinderford

    Report -

    Our volunteers carried out an enter and view visit at Dockham Surgery in Cinderford.

  38. Annual Report 2023/2024

    Report -

    Read our annual report for 2023/2024 and find out about how our dedicated staff and volunteers have made a difference to health and social care throughout the year.

  39. Healthwatch Gloucestershire's Hidden Homelessness Project

    News -

    Hidden homelessness is a critical issue that often goes unnoticed due to its less visible nature. In Gloucestershire, as in many other regions, this population faces unique barriers to accessing health and social care services.

  40. Access to Community Pharmacy in Gloucestershire: Have your say!

    News -

    Is accessing community pharmacy services becoming more difficult for you? Have recent closures or changes in staff responsibilities affected your ability to get the care or medications you need? We want to hear your experiences so that we can advocate for better pharmacy services and support in Gloucestershire.

  41. Ageing Well in Gloucestershire: Understanding the Needs of Older Adults in a Changing Healthcare Landscape 

    News -

    We want to hear from people aged 65+ living in Gloucestershire to understand what’s important for their quality of life, health, and independence as they age. This project aims to gather experiences and insights from older adults across the county to inform how local health and social care services can better meet their needs.

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

    Advice and Information -

    The Accessible Information Standard is mandatory for all organisations that provide National Health Service (NHS) or adult social care.

  43. How to get the most out of your GP appointment

    Advice and Information -

    Do you struggle to speak to your doctor about your medical concerns? You’re not alone. Take a look at our top tips to make the most out of your GP appointment.