Guidance for the bank holiday weekend (24 May to 26 May)

As we head into the bank holiday weekend we may experience a higher demand for our services.

If you do need to wait a little longer to be seen, please be patient. You can also help us by choosing the best place for your needs – please see below as a reminder of where you can get care should you need it.

Which service should I access?

It is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases - when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

For non-urgent care needs, we would encourage you to seek help from NHS 111, before attending our hospital sites. For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to an emergency department (ED), you can also visit the NHS UK website.

• Self-care: Visit NHS 111 online, or download the NHS app for self-care advice for things like grazed knees, coughs and colds. There are also apps such as ‘Handiapp’ which gives advice on looking after your child if they are unwell. Visit the NHS Somerset website parent-zone for more information.
• Somerset’s Open Mental Health Alliance offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – and there really is no wrong door when it comes to accessing mental health support.
• Pharmacies can offer help and advice if you’re affected by one of over 40 common conditions - from earache to sore throats, hay fever and skin conditions.
• Please continue to contact your GP practice as normal.

• If you have an urgent medical problem that isn’t a serious or life-threatening emergency and aren’t sure what to do, contact 111 first by phone or online at 111.nhs.uk – they will provide immediate medical advice and direct you to the best care for your needs.

• Attend your local Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) for urgent, non life-threatening conditions and injuries such as sprains, fractures and burns. For the latest information on opening hours and services, visit the Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) / Minor Injury Units page.

• Our maternity triage line is open 24/7 – if you become unwell or have any concerns about your health, including your baby’s movements, we advise you to call us as soon as possible for advice.

If you have a life-threatening emergency, our EDs at Musgrove Park and Yeovil hospitals are open 24 hours a day.

Support for pregnant women and birthing people

Following the temporary closure of the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and the inpatient maternity services at Yeovil Hospital, any women or birthing people with concerns about their health, including your baby’s movements should contact the maternity triage line on 01823 343985. Full details of the changes and updates to the service can be found here – Important maternity and SCBU temporary services change updates.

You can find more information about accessing healthcare services across Somerset on the NHS website

Thank you for being kind and patient to our colleagues who are working hard to keep our local communities safe and well.