A new company will be giving people the chance to share their views on healthcare in Somerset from October 1.

Somerset County Council has appointed Evolving Communities to provide Healthwatch Somerset.

The company wants to improve opportunities for volunteers, introduce new ways for people to find out about care digitally, and involve people in how health and care services are run.

Chris Graves, chairman of Evolving Communities, said: “The role of a Healthwatch is to make sure the health and care system in the area meets the need of the people who use it. We gather feedback from patients and their families on services such as GP surgeries, care homes, hospitals, mental health services and care.

“We then take these findings to the organisations which plan, pay for and deliver health and care services.”

The council’s cabinet member for adult social care councillor David Huxtable said: “Together we can deliver real change for the people of Somerset.”