Rethink Advice Day
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In July 2016, Healthwatch Somerset attended a Rethink Connect Advice Day to raise awareness of its work and hear from people using mental health services and their carers. The event included a presentation about Healthwatch Somerset and discussions with service users, carers and representatives from a range of local organisations, including the Alzheimer's Society and the fire service.
Participants shared experiences of hospital care and discharge planning. Concerns were raised about a hospital discharge involving a patient with early-stage dementia who felt unsupported when returning home, while another participant described positive support from the British Red Cross following discharge. Feedback was also received about communication within hospital services, including a negative experience of receiving important medical information while recovering from an anaesthetic. The issues raised were recorded to inform Healthwatch Somerset's future work programme and engagement activities.