Somerset Bowel Service

If you are concerned about symptoms, you don’t need to contact your GP. Instead, you can complete the online self-referral form and refer yourself directly to the Somerset Bowel Service. You can also text “POO” to 82228 to access on your phone.

This service is only available if you are

• Between the ages of 40 to 49
• Registered with a Bridgwater or Yeovil GP. If you are not registered with a GP visit the NHS website for support in how to register with a GP.

You do not have to go to your GP in the first instance.

There are some symptoms that are not normal and need to be investigated these are:

• bleeding from your bottom
• blood in your poo
• a change in your pooing habits. You might be going more or less often, or have diarrhoea or constipation that might come and go
• losing weight but you’re not sure why
• a pain in your tummy

Some of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions. Having the symptoms does not mean you have bowel cancer, but it’s important to get checked. If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it’s easier to treat.

The self-referral form can be complete online or over the telephone.

The Somerset Bowel Service operates from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, please call 0300 131 8772.

Based on your answers you will be told if you are eligible to complete a poo test (FIT) or not. The Somerset Bowel Service office team will arrange for a poo test to be posted to you. It will arrive in plan packaging for privacy. You need to return your test within 28 days.

Please watch the following video which will show you how to complete a poo test and how to return it.

This test looks for blood in the poo even if it is too small to be seen by the naked eye.

Once your poo sample has been returned then the lab will process it and you will be informed of the result of your poo test. If your results are positive, then we will arrange a follow up call to discuss next steps and arrange for further investigations.