Bounce back in winter viruses as NHS top doctor warns ‘the worst is far from over’
Christmas and New Year gatherings may have caused a bounce back in winter viruses, as the health service also grapples with a vicious cold snap. Figures published today show that the number of patients in hospital beds with flu has risen by 9% on the previous week (2,924), following two weeks where that number had…
Read MoreHelp us, help you, as demand for NHS services increase during the cold weather spell – January 2026
The NHS is here for you, so don’t delay if you need us, but please help us help you, by choosing the right service during this busy cold weather period (January 2026). You can help us, help you by: Please Be Patient Be Kind We will do our best to see you as quickly as…
Read MoreAppointment of Cluster Executive team
Following a comprehensive recruitment process we are pleased to announce that a new single Executive team has now been formally appointed to the new Integrated Care Board (ICB) cluster across NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) ICB, NHS Dorset ICB and NHS Somerset ICB. The new executive team, who are listed below,…
Read MoreDecember edition of Our Somerset newsletter is out now!
The latest edition of Our Somerset is now available. Our monthly newsletter brings together news and updates from across Somerset’s health and care organisations, providing you with a range of helpful updates, news and events from across the county. This month we are sharing information and resources to support you during the festive season and…
Read MoreTop Tips for looking after yourself over the festive season
Including information around which health and care services are open over the bank holidays As Christmas approaches, Somerset health and care partners are sharing top tips on how to stay healthy and happy over the festive season. From ordering repeat prescriptions early and accessing mental health support, to making the most of local services like…
Read MoreStill time for children and over-65s to get protected against deadly flu virus before Christmas
Doctors in Somerset are urging people aged 65 and over to get their flu vaccination now to protect against illness over Christmas and New Year as flu hospitalisations across the South West surge by three quarters (76%) in just one week. Parents of children and young people are also being encouraged to approve school consent…
Read MoreNew Somerset dental practices to provide NHS care for up to 20,000 more people
Up to 20,000 more people across Somerset will be able to access NHS dental care thanks to three new practices opening across the county. Wellington Dental Care (run by Dentistry For You) began treating patients in October 2025, while One Smile Dental – Chard saw its first patients this week. A further new practice is…
Read MorePositive progress made towards safely reopening the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and inpatient maternity service at Yeovil District Hospital (YDH) at six-month review
It has been six months since Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) temporarily closed the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and inpatient maternity services at Yeovil District Hospital (YDH). As the commissioner of the services, we held a formal six-month review with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to hear about their progress to safely reopen the services.…
Read MoreNovember edition of Our Somerset newsletter is out now!
The latest edition of Our Somerset is now available. Our monthly newsletter brings together news and updates from across Somerset’s health and care organisations, providing you with a range of helpful updates, news and events from across the county. This month we talk about the importance of looking after your mental health, providing you with…
Read MoreNHS Somerset urges families to get their flu vaccinations now to avoid ruining Christmas
In Somerset, we have set ourselves ambitious targets for vaccinating people against flu. Although we are doing well, there are still lots more people including over 65s, school children, immuno-suppressed and 2-3 years-olds, who have not yet been vaccinated. We want to make sure as many people as possible, are protected through having the flu…
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