Somerset doctor: Help local NHS by avoiding A&E

The current pressure upon Somerset's health and social care services is not simply a district hospital problem, but involves social care, GP’s, NHS111 and community services. There is some capacity in the community for patients to be treated but we are finding that some patients prefer to stay in the acute hospitals rather than be discharged into a community placement that is not their choice.

I would like to remind the public that they can help their local NHS by avoiding district hospital A&E Departments with only minor illness or ailments and making use of the many other services options available to them. If they are not sure what is the right health service for their needs they can use their local pharmacy or telephone NHS111, the free 24 hour NHS health helpline.