HEALTH INFORMATION
Volunteer in Somerset - your time, your way
Working in partnership with organisations across Somerset, Spark Somerset's campaign aims to make volunteering more accessible and flexible for everyone. Together, we can break down barriers and showcase the diverse range of opportunities our county has to offer.
Watch the campaign video to see the inspiring stories and key messages behind this initiative.
For more information on how to get involved, check out the dedicated page on the Spark a Change website: Volunteer Campaign | Spark a Change
Brave AI
This practice is using the “Brave AI” which helps staff to identify vulnerablepatients who may otherwise go under the radar. Following a successful pilot in care homes in Somerset which reducedresident falls by 35%, attendances to Emergency Departments by 60%, andambulance callouts by 8.7% the Brave AI device will be rolled out to over 30areas in the South West in 2024.
By using a machine learning (AI) algorithm to look for patterns in registeredpatients’ records, the technology assesses an individual’s risk of unplannedhospital admission in the next year.
Integrated neighbourhood teams of nurses, pharmacists, therapists, healthcoaches, social prescribers and doctors then use the information to reachout to those in need.
They can then offer to put in place personalised support and create apersonalised care and support plan. This may include other ways of workingsetting up remote health monitors, offering apps to self-report wellbeing,or linking up with voluntary groups or classes to avoid loneliness.
To find out more about how the tool works and what this means for you, please visit the NHS Somerset Website. If you would like to speak to someone in person, please speak to our reception team.
The Hope Programme
Help for people living with a long-term condition. Please visit their website for more information and online course dates. Hope for the Community
Healthier Eating
This leaflet supports a gradual step by step approach to include more minimally processed foods in our diet.It supports people with what to eat more of, whilst being mindful of the associations of added sugar, refined grains and ultra processed foods. Moving towards more whole foods
HAYFEVER?
Please click on this poster HAYFEVER for more information regarding hayfever and why you don't need to see a GP or have a prescription for hayfever medicines.
NHS App walk through videos
Video guidance showing how to use the NHS App step by step. These videos show you how to navigate the NHS App and use its services.
Cervical Screening - Don't fear the smear
If you are worried about getting your cervical smear or just want to know more, please watch these helpful videos.
What happens when you attend a cervical screening
Answering the embarrassing questions
LONG-TERM MEDICAL CONDITIONS
As of 1st April 2024 we are changing the annual review of long term medical conditions to the month of your birthday. This may mean you will have two reviews quite close together if you have already had one at the beginning of the year, or it may mean you will have a slightly longer wait until your birthday month for your next review. If you are called, please do attend, these reviews are important for managing your medical condition.
There are also changes to guidance from the NHS which may mean that you no longer need an interim 6 monthly review depending on your long-term medical condition.
You will receive a text message invite or phone call from the Surgery to book in for your review with one of the nurses for initial checks, you may also be asked to book a further appointment with a doctor when all results are back.
All conditions will be reviewed in the initial appointment which will save having to return for several visits if you have more than one long term medical condition.
getUbetter
getUbetter is an evidence-based, CE marked digital self-management support platform for all common musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and conditions and women’s pelvic health.
For more information please visit getUbetter
Monitor your health through loanable equipment through your library
Patients looking to improve their health can get extra help for free from their local library. Libraries now loan activity tracker watches (Taunton, Bridgwater, Burnham, Chard, Yeovil, Glastonbury, Frome and Minehead), and all libraries loan blood pressure monitors, iPads preloaded with health apps, and a fantastic selection of health and cookery books for different health needs. We also have stand-on health monitors to measure blood pressure, weight, height and BMI at Taunton, Burnham and shortly in Bridgwater and Glastonbury, which are free.
Please visit Libraries for more information.
Somerset Council - Orange Button - Community Awareness Scheme
Let's keep talking to prevent suicide - Please click the link for more information. Orange Button
NEW Oakhill Talking Cafe
Talking cafes are a place to meet new people, make friends and chat to a Health Connector about activities, support groups and services in your community. Talking Cafe Locations
Need help with your muscle or joint problems?
NHS Somerset MSK app is now available to all patients. It’s a FREE, easy-to-use tool
helping you to self-manage your muscle, bone, and joint (MSK) injuries and conditions.
No need to wait for an appointment, Need help with your muscle or joint problems?
NHS Somerset MSK app is now available to all patients. It’s a FREE, easy-to-use tool
helping you to self-manage your muscle, bone, and joint (MSK) injuries and conditions.
- No need to wait for an appointment
- Instant access to a personalised plan
- Safe and effective
What is getUBetter?
getUBetter is an app helping you self-manage at home, work, and on the move. It
can be accessed on a Smartphone or via the Web.
It covers a range of MSK injuries and condition, like back pain and ankle pain, and is
designed to help you recover, understand when and where to seek help, and prevent
further injuries.
Who is getUBetter for?
- Anyone over 18
- Anyone who's been advised or chose to self-manage
- Anyone waiting for treatment
What will I get?
- A personalised recovery plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Exercises based on your condition
- Advice to seek help, if needed.
- Referral to your local healthcare providers, treatments, and services, if needed.
How do I download and use getUBetter?
Follow the link to access your local health service
With the same email, create an account on the app
Follow the instructions on the app, get your recovery plan and get better!
Need more help? Get in touch: contact@getubetter.com
NHS APP - REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS
Did you know you can manage repeat prescriptions from Oakhill Surgery in the NHS App?
You can easily choose where your prescriptions are sent. So, if you know you'll be away from home or you are moving home, you can change your nominated pharmacy from within the app.
You can also order your prescription at any time that suits you. There’s no need to wait to join a telephone queue or wait until the GP surgery opens.
It’s easy to use, and, if you hit a snag, you can go to ‘Help’ in the top right-hand corner of the app or visit nhs.uk/helpmeapp.
Find out more about the NHS App at: www.nhs.uk/nhsapp
SOMERSET URGENT COMMUNITY RESPONSE
Somerset UCR provides urgent care in your home (or the home of the person you care for) within two hours of receiving a referral from a health professional such as a GP, 111 or 999 - when you need urgent but not emergency care. It will mean that you won’t need to wait for an ambulance or for care in A&E. Watch this short video for more information. Somerset urgent community response
Move More Together
Are you over 50 and need support to get moving?
Move More Together encourages inactive adults over 50 to get moving again through the support of a volunteer who can motivate, guide and of course, provide some friendly conversation! Visit the website for more information. Move more together
Treatment escalation plan (TEP) video for patients
In September 2022 a group came together from the End of Life Care Programme board to create a set of materials to help better explain the importance of treatment escalation planning to individuals with a learning disability.
In partnership with Discovery, they were able to create a video, with subtitles and BSL translation that explains the process. TEP Guide
Open Mental Health
Mental health organisations have come together to provide 24/7 support to adults in Somerset. Whatever is worrying you – anxiety, debt, employment, housing, low mood, addiction - we’re here to help. Please see this leaflet for more information Open Mental Health Leaflet
Screening Programmes
Please see below some links to useful information regarding NHS screening programmes
Female Lifetime Screening Pathway
