We know that the current pandemic has had a big impact on everyone, including the NHS, and we are trying to resume routine services and keep patients safe, at the same time as we continue to treat people with Covid-19.

We would like to assure you that we are reviewing all patients who are waiting for a routine operation or procedure, to understand their current position and treatment wishes, and to help us prioritise those in most urgent need.

If you are waiting for a routine operation or procedure, we are doing our utmost to ensure you get the treatment you require as soon as possible.

Everyone in Somerset who is waiting for a routine operation or treatment is being prioritised according to their clinical need.

The most urgent cases will be seen in line with the clinical prioritisation. However due to the nature of the current situation, we can’t be certain how long people will have to wait for non-urgent operations. For routine care many patients may have to wait longer than 12 months, particularly if they require a procedure.

All NHS organisations have a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) which is there to provide support and advice for patients. The PALS service for the hospitals in our area are as follows:

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (including Musgrove Park Hospital)

Email: PALS.Acute@SomersetFT.nhs.uk

Telephone: 01823 343536

Write to: Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS), Block 51, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, Somerset TA1 5DA

Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Email: pals@ydh.nhs.uk

Telephone: 01935 384706

Write to: PALS team, Level 3, Yeovil District Hospital, Higher Kingston, Somerset BA21 4AT.

Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group

Email: somccg.pals@nhs.net

Telephone: 08000 851067

Write to: NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, Freepost RRKL-XKSC-ACSG, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8HR

If your symptoms get worse while you are waiting for your operation or procedure you should contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice.

There is a range of guidance to help you manage your condition and your wellbeing while waiting for a routine operation or treatment.

• Fitter, Better Sooner Toolkit

These resources from The Royal College of Anaesthetists’ will provide you with the information you need to become fitter and better prepared for your operation.

• Managing your bone, joint or muscle pain

Advice, guidance and exercises from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy to help you manage your pain.

• Having an operation during Covid-19

These frequently asked questions may address some of your concerns about going to hospital during the pandemic and how you can prepare.

• What to do if you’re worried about your mental health

How to access support, local therapies and online services to help you to look after your mental health.

Anyone with concerns around mental health issues and emotional wellbeing can be supported by calling Somerset Mindline on 01823 276 892. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• 5 steps to mental wellbeing

Try these 5 steps to help improve your mental health, feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

• Stop smoking support

Reducing or stopping smoking will make a huge difference to your health and wellbeing. Why not try our FREE stop smoking service for Somerset residents.

• Weight management support

Maintaining a healthy weight can bring a positive lifestyle; increasing confidence, health and happiness. If you weigh too much or too little it can be bad for your health. It can even cause serious conditions, such as heart disease and cancer. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your weight to make sure you stay within a healthy range.

• Practical support

There is a huge amount of support available in Somerset. You can call The Coronavirus Helpline on 0300 790 6275 for help with food, prescriptions, housing, financial support, emotional support, employment, transport, waste and more. It is open 8am to 6pm, seven days a week, including over Christmas and New Year.

The CCS Village Agents can provide confidential, practical community-based solutions for food and other support. Visit somersetagents.org

You can also volunteer or request help with the likes of grocery shopping, collecting medication, combatting loneliness or walking the dog by visiting corona-helpers.co.uk