Somerset health services down from 'black alert' to 'red'

Health and social care services across Somerset have been downgraded from a ‘system wide black alert’, showing the highest possible level of demand, down to 'red alert' status.

It means there is no longer severe pressure on Yeovil and Musgrove Park hospitals. Additional beds have been opened in local community hospitals, like Bridgwater, to relieve demand.

Being on 'red alert' still allows new patients to be admitted, but is designed to prioritise those who are most in need.

The county's Clinical Commissioning Group have been asking members of the public to think first before calling a 999 ambulance, and to attend hospital A&E with only minor ailments or illness.