Preventing Falls and Helping People Stay Well A Sloppy Slippers campaign is being launched in Somerset today, by Our Somerset to raise awareness of the importance of staying fit and well to reduce the number of people who fall and end up in hospital. Our Sloppy Slippers campaign is being delivered in partnership with Somerset…

Planning approval has been given for a new diagnostic centre adjacent to Yeovil District Hospital (YDH) that will deliver over 70,000 diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments a year. Building work is expected to begin in February and the centre is planned to open in winter 2024. The modern state-of-the-art, stand-alone centre on the hospital site…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being introduced to GP practices across the South West to help them offer earlier support to people at risk of hospital admission. The “Brave AI” system, which helps staff to identify vulnerable patients who may otherwise go under the radar, will be rolled out to 30 areas over the next few…

NHS Somerset Board will be holding its next meeting in public at 9.30 am on Thursday 30 November 2023 at Wynford House, Lufton Way, Yeovil, BA22 8HR. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting to listen to the items being discussed and there is an opportunity to submit questions prior to the…

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is urging communities across the region to use its services responsibly this winter, as it prepares for a challenging period. The Trust is expecting a winter period of significant and sustained demand across its 999 services – a position that is reflected across other health and…

A groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing crucial support and guidance to new fathers and non-birthing partners has been launched in the Bridgwater area. While mothers often receive support before, during, and after childbirth, fathers frequently miss out on a similar level of care and guidance. The New Fathers’ Project is set to change this narrative,…

Parents and carers of 2–3-year-olds are being encouraged to book their children in for a free flu vaccination, with only a month left before the school holidays start. The nasal spray flu vaccine is free on the NHS for children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2023, all primary school aged children, secondary school…

AI will spot patients at risk of needing to go to hospital so community NHS teams can get to them first and reduce pressures on A&Es, as part of a range of tech and data solutions being rolled out across the NHS ahead of winter. Four GP practices in Somerset are trialling an AI system…

Self-care week is a perfect time to think about how we live our lives and make small changes that will improve our health and wellbeing, and that of our family too. Our Somerset have put together a list of ten ideas to inspire you. Jeremy Imms, Associate Clinical Director Primary Care at NHS Somerset said:…

More than half of the 255,000 people in Somerset eligible for a COVID-19 booster have had their vital top-up dose ahead of winter. Somerset began its autumn booster campaign just two months ago and has already given maximum protection from COVID-19 to 137,000 people and from flu to 170,000 people. As the weather turns colder,…