Impact of storm Chandra – advice for patients

We are working hard to continue supporting those who need us most, despite the impact of Storm Chandra. Extensive flooding and several road closures across the county are making travel difficult for many staff. Our teams are doing everything they can to maintain services, but some planned appointments and clinics may need to be postponed at short notice.

Advice for patients

• Please attend your planned appointments as usual
• We will contact you directly if your appointment needs to be changed
• If you are unable to attend your appointment, please call the number on your appointment letter
• Further updates and information will be shared on this web page.

If you need medical advice or treatment

Life-threatening emergencies

• 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.
• If you have a life‑threatening emergency, our Emergency Departments are open as usual. For guidance on when to call 999 or when to visit A&E, please see the NHS UK website

Urgent but non life-threatening conditions

• For non‑urgent health concerns, please use NHS 111 online or by phone before attending one of our hospital sites.

• Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) / Minor Injury Units: Attend your local UTC for urgent not life-threatening conditions and injuries such as sprains, fractures and burns. For the latest information on opening hours and services, visit the UTC pages, or call 111.
• Maternity Services: If you become unwell or have any concerns about your heath, including your baby’s movements, we advise you to call our maternity advice and emergency triage line as soon as possible for advice. Call: 01823 343985. Our maternity services are open 24/7.
• Pharmacy: Visit your local pharmacy for headaches, upset stomachs, aches and pains. You can find more information about pharmacies in Somerset on the NHS Somerset ICB website including the “pharmacy first” initiative where you can get help for seven common conditions, and a prescription for antibiotics if you need them without visiting your GP.
• GP surgeries: please continue to contact your GP surgery as usual
• Mental health support: 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.
• Open Mental Health support: The Winter Wellbeing Kit is here to support your mental health. It offers practical advice, resources, and tips from members of the OMH alliance.
• HANDi Paediatric app: If you need instant advice when your child is ill, why not try the free HANDi Paediatric App. It can advise on where to go and what to do based on your child’s symptoms. Get expert advice for common childhood illnesses.
• Self-care: Visit NHS 111 online for self-care advice for things like grazed knees, coughs and colds or uk to access the health A-Z where you can find out about conditions, symptoms, medicines, tests and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.

Additional information about NHS services, opening hours and waiting times is available through the NHS Quicker app.

To find out more about healthcare services across Somerset, please visit the NHS Somerset website.