As we move into the spring and summer months, our focus continues to be on caring for you and your families in the right way, in the right place, and at the right time.
Community Pharmacies
Visiting your local pharmacy when you feel like you’re coming down with something or affected by over 40 common conditions from eye an ear ache to sore throats, hay fever or skin conditions can be the best and quickest way to help you recover and get back to normal.
Repeat prescriptions
If you need a prescription to see you through the bank holiday you will need to put your order in urgently.
GPs and many pharmacies close for the bank holidays so it’s important you have enough medication to see you through the bank holiday weekend.
You can request your repeat prescription through the NHS App, via your GP practice which can be filled at a community pharmacy of your choice.
Community pharmacy bank holiday opening hours
Some pharmacies will be open over the bank holidays during the festive season for more information on which community pharmacies will be open over the bank holidays visit NHS England — South West » Pharmacy opening hours
Handiapps
There are apps you can download with advice to help you look after you child. Visit our apps page to download the apps.
Hospital and emergency services
There are some occasions when coming to the emergency department (A&E) is the safest option. Our emergency departments at Musgrove Park and Yeovil District hospitals, and our local ambulance service, are available 24/7, 365 days a year for life-threatening illnesses or injuries.
Maternity
If you become unwell or have any concerns about your heath, including your baby’s movements, we advise you to call us as soon as possible for advice. Our maternity services will be open 24/7, including weekends and Bank Holidays, for anyone who needs us. Please do not wait until the situation becomes serious, we want to be able to see you early and ensure you get the care and support you need.
These support lines are 24 hours a day 7 days a week:
Musgrove Triage: 01823 343985
Yeovil Triage: 01935 384350
For more information about our maternity services visit the Maternity webpages(somersetft.nhs.uk)
Live Well in Somerset
You can find information on the huge range of services available in Somerset over on the Live Well in Somerset pack.
Mental health support
If you’re struggling with your mental health our Open Mental Health service in Somerset is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including over bank holidays.
The Somerset Mindline support line offers more than just a listening ear. It can also provide a safe place to talk for anyone experiencing distress or seeking information about mental health and local support services.
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, anxiety, or PTSD, and you’re registered with a GP in Somerset, you can also self-refer into our Talking Therapies service.
NHS 111
If you’re unsure where to go, NHS 111, will advise you of the best place to go depending on what you need, and which service is in the best position to care for you.
You can either call 111, or use NHS 111 Online
Urgent Community Response
If you or someone you care for needs urgent care at home for example because you have had a fall, having become increasingly confused or have had a sudden deterioration in your health, we can come to your home within two hours of receiving a referral. You can ask for a referral by contacting 111, your GP, you alarm response service or when you contact 999.
The service is here for anyone over 18 and are open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Watch our video for more information around how the service works
Urgent Treatment Centres and community services
While it’s important to go to hospital if you are very ill or need surgery, we have hundreds of services that can bring healthcare either closer to, or directly to, your home.
We have six Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) in our community hospitals based at Frome, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Chard, Bridgwater and Minehead, as well as one Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) based at Burnham-on-Sea.
Please make sure to check your local UTC/MIU page for up-to-date opening information before attending.
Dr Bernie Marden Chief Medical Officer at NHS Somerset says;
“Somerset has a wide range of services to help everyone stay fit and healthy over the Early May Bank Holiday.
Please keep our emergency services such as our accident and emergency services at our hospitals and our ambulance services free for those who urgently need them – if your illness or injury isn’t life-threatening, consider using a different healthcare service such as your local pharmacy or urgent treatment centre instead”.
“Don’t forget to get your repeat prescriptions in early so you have enough medication to last you over this coming Bank Holiday weekend”.
