During the planned industrial action, the NHS in Somerset is working hard to keep services running and people safe. This will be especially important during the planned industrial action taking place on Wednesday 18, and Thursday 19 January.
Anyone who has a planned appointment on these dates should continue to attend them unless they are contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule. This includes appointments at GP practices.
The safety of patients and staff is paramount and NHS trusts in Somerset are committed to keeping disruption to their services to a minimum during this time.
It is also important that, regardless of any industrial action taking place, patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
Despite this people are being reminded to use NHS services wisely to help ease pressure on the health and care sector in Somerset. Choosing the right service can help ensure that key services remain available for those who genuinely need urgent healthcare support and advice.
What services can I access?
- For medical care and advice: people are advised to visit 111 online first before calling 111, leaving 999 for life-threatening medical or mental health emergencies.
- Have a minor health condition: speak to a local pharmacist – as qualified healthcare professionals, they can help with a wide range of minor health conditions, offering clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses.
- For symptoms that won’t go away: Call your GP for symptoms that will not go away, to follow up on blood test results and prescriptions.
- Struggling with your mental health: If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available through Open Mental Health which offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure that anyone can access the right support at the right time. If you need to speak to someone, please contact Mindline Somerset locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
- Worried about your child: Parents can also find advice and guidance on common childhood illnesses on the HANDi App which is available for Android phones on Google Play or on the App store for iPhone and iPad.
More information is available on the NHS Somerset website, under Injured or unwell? Choose Well – NHS Somerset and Stay Well this Winter – NHS Somerset
Getting your loved ones home from hospital
While health and social care services in Somerset are working together to discharge patients who are medically fit to leave hospital, families are also being urged to support their loved ones to leave hospital so they can be more comfortable and recover more quickly at home.
Being in hospital during a period of serious illness is the right place to be but evidence shows that once the critical phase of the illness is over, hospital is not the best place for recovery and rehabilitation. The, no place like home campaign promotes the benefits of recovering at home to patients and their families.
Useful Links
Visit the NHS England website for further information about the strikes, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
The NHS UK website has information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E.