3. FREE NHS HEALTH CHECKS
You are eligible for a free NHS Health Check if:
You are aged between 40 and 74 years old
You are registered with a Somerset GP Practice
You have not had an NHS health check in the last 5 years
You have not been diagnosed with or are not taking medication for heart disease (including blood pressure tables), stroke, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or dementia or are on a statin.
To find out more Call or visit

4. Please see reception to register for Patient Access today
Order your repeat medication from your mobile or computer
Change your contact details
View sections from your medical record
Beat the phone queue- Book your appointment on line
Online 24 hours a day
Free mobile app
Please note that you will be required to show valid Photo ID to be able to sign up for Patient Access.
Online appointment booking is not yet available but will be coming soon!

5.                                                                                           
THE STOWEY SHUTTLE
The Stowey Shuttle provides a car service to the people of Nether Stowey and Over Stowey. To take advantage of the service you need to complete a registration form  available from Belinda Penn at 50 Castle Street Nether Stowey  Tel
You will then receive the telephone number of the Co-ordinator who will deal with your booking. 
The costs are £2 to book a journey and 50 pence per mile for the petrol.  As a rough guide a return trip to Bridgwater would be about £10. 
To book a journey you should telephone 48 hours before your intended journey.
Our drivers are all unpaid volunteers who just receive their petrol money and we would  very much welcome hearing from anyone who would like to volunteer as a driver.
If you are interested please call our Chief Co-ordinator Jackie Drew on and she will supply the forms which require to be completed to enable you to become a driver.   It is completely up to the driver as to when and how often they are able to undertake journeys.
If anyone requires more information please contact Belinda  Penn on between 9.a.m. and 5 p.m.

6. Stogursey Parish Stagecoach
Community Car Scheme
Stogursey Parish Stagecoach
Booking fee for each journey will be £1.
Regular destinations:
Nether Stowey; £3 with pass £4 without
Cannington £3.75 with pass £6.50 without
Bridgwater £6 with pass (hospital £7) £11 without (hospital £12)
Taunton £10 with pass (hospital £11) £19 without (hospital£20)
Fares to different destinations are available on request
(calculated at 50p per mile to cover fuel costs).

7. WHEN SHOULD I VISIT MINOR INJURIES?
Less severe injuries can be treated in minor injuries units and NHS walk-in centres, both of which can treat patients without an appointment. You can go to your local minor injuries unit with the following symptoms:
Injuries to upper and lower limbs
Broken bones, sprains, bruises and wounds
Bites – human, animal and insect
Abscesses and wound infections
Minor head injuries
Foreign bodies in the eyes, nose and ear
Emergency contraception
Asthma attacks
Our nearest Minor Injuries Unit is at Bridgwater Hospital, Bower Lane
Opening Hours: 8am – 8.30pm, 7 days a week

8. Our local A&E service is at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton
WHEN SHOULD I VISIT A&E?
A&E departments assess and treat patients with serious injuries or illnesses.
You should only visit A&E or call 999 for life-threatening emergencies, such as:
Loss of consciousness
Acute confused state and fits that are not stopping
Persistent severe chest pain
Breathing difficulties
Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
Our local A&E service is at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton

10. WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?
Health Care Assistant (HCA): Blood tests, blood pressure checks, dressings and wound care, ECG’s, spirometry, ear syringing and some injections. Practice Nurse As above plus: cervical smears, warfarin monitoring childhood immunisations, contraception and sexual health advice, Long term Conditions for Diabetes, COPD, Asthma, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, Travel health advice, immunisations, minor illness and a wide range of other medical problems.

11. HEARING AID BATTERIES Get your Hearing Aid Batteries Here!
Ask at Reception or Dispensary.
Please bring your card/book that was supplied with your hearing aid. You can not have batteries without this information.
If you have lost your booklet you will need to contact Audiology at Musgrove Park Hospital on
for a replacement.

13. HEALTH VISITOR CLINICS & SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN 0-5 YEARS
CLINICS are held at the following Venues:
Nether Stowey Children’s Centre (near the school)
on the 1st Tuesday of the 10am – 11.00am, or
Cannington Health Centre
on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the 10am – 11.00am
The Health Visitors are happy to see Parents and Children at other times by appointment
Please contact the Health Visitors on:
Duty Health Visitor Number

14. HANDi – Paediatric Specialist Advice When and Where You Need it
the Paediatric team at Musgrove Park Hospital have developed an app to provide expert support to parents/carers and medical professionals looking after children with the most common childhood illnesses:
Parent/career guidance includes illness specific home assessment guidelines, signposting to the appropriate healthcare setting, and illness information. Each of the 6 common childhood illnesses has a home care plan to help parents/carers provide the best support for their child.
The conditions covered are:
Diarrhoea (Gastroenteritis)
Chesty Baby (Bronchiolitis)
Chesty Child (Wheeze and Asthma)
High temperature
Abdominal Pain
Common newborn problems

15. To download HANDi for free, please use the following links:
For those with an Android phone please either click - or alternatively search for HANDi Taunton on the Google Play Store.
For those with an iPhone please either click- or alternatively search for HANDi Taunton on the Apple App Store.

16. SHINGLES VACCINATION
A free shingles vaccination is being offered to patients in their 70’s, and a catch up campaign for those who are 78 & 79 years of age. Eligibility depends on your age on 1 September. For more information or to ask if you are eligible for the shingles vaccination, please ask at reception.

17. Village Agents - Have you heard of them?
We have 2 Village agents in the area who are able to support people offering free confidential practical support to link local people with services available to help you, a bit like ‘Citizens Advice’
Alison Hoare or (Stowey Area)
Izzy Silvester (Sogursey area)

18. HEARING AID BATTERIES Get your Hearing Aid Batteries Here!
Ask at Reception or Dispensary.
Please bring your card/book that was supplied with your hearing aid. You can not have batteries without this information.
If you have lost your booklet you will need to contact Audiology at Musgrove Park Hospital on
for a replacement.

19. CHAIR FITNESS CLASSES
Chair based fitness classes designed for those with limitations preventing them from taking part in standard sessions. These classes are aimed to help improve core strength, posture and mobility.
THURSDAYS 1.15pm – 2.00pm (includes optional Quantock Medical Centre - £4.00 per session
WEDNESDAYS 2.00pm – Holford Village Hall - £2
Run by a qualified instruction (Sian – )

20. MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR APPOINTMENT
An average GP appointment is 10 minutes.
If you feel you have many things to discuss please ask for a ‘double appointment’.
Things to consider when making your Appointment
Is your issue urgent? Do you need to see a specific GP? Is it important you are seen quickly or would you rather wait for an appointment with a particular GP? If you have a long-term illness would you benefit from seeing a GP who knows your history personally?
Take notes to help you Before you see your GP, be clear in your own mind what you want to say.
Make a note of your symptoms, worries and any questions that you would like to ask.

21. MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR APPOINTMENT cont’
Take a list of your medicines – prescribed or otherwise (herbal, vitamins etc as these may affect the way your medication works) Bring a list of any medication you are taking, including over-the-counter and/or alternative medicines, or anything prescribed after a hospital visit. This includes tablets, liquids or creams. Your GP needs to know about everything you are taking.
Discuss important things first and stick to the point Make sure you tell the doctor about the important things first and try to get to the point. Do not feel you have to justify being there or leave your main concern to the end.
Not clear on treatment plan? Ask again Make sure you fully understand the next steps before you leave the room. If you don’t, then don’t be afraid of asking your GP to go through the plan again.
Ask who to contact if you have any more questions? You may think of questions that you would like to ask after your appointment. Find out who you can contact to ask questions, as well as any support groups that can provide reliable information. 

22. MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR APPOINTMENT cont’
If you need support, take a relative, carer or friend If you feel your situation needs it, take a relative or friend for support. They can help you understand or explain.
Unhappy? Ask to see another GP If you’re not happy, you can ask to see another GP in the practice. You can also change GP practices, but you should as a first step always discuss your concerns with a practice staff member first.
Could the practice nurse deal with your problem? In many cases, a practice nurse could deal with your concern, so consider this as an alternative to making an appointment with a GP. The surgery may also run special clinics such as asthma and diabetes, so make sure you find out.

23. Checklist of questions to ask at your appointment
Tests, such as blood tests or scans
What are the tests for?
How and when will I get the results? You will only hear form the Practice if there is a problem with your results.
Who do I contact if I don’t get the results? You can contact Reception after 2pm for your results.
Treatment
Are there other ways to treat my condition?
What do you recommend?
Are there any side effects or risks? If so, what are they?
How long will I need treatment for?
How will I know if the treatment is working?
What will happen if I don’t have any treatment?
Is there anything I should stop or avoid doing?
Is there anything I can do to help myself?

24. Checklist of questions to ask at your appointment cont’ What next
 Checklist of questions to ask at your appointment cont’
What next
What happens next?
Do I need to come back and see you? If so, when?
Who do I contact if things get worse?
Do you have any written information?
Where can I go for more information?
Is there a support group or any other source of help?

25. Top tips for your Appointment
Before your appointment
Write down your two or three most important questions.
List or bring all your medicines and pills – including vitamins and supplements.
Write down details of your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
Ask your hospital or surgery for an interpreter or communication support if needed.
Ask a friend or family member to come with you, if you like.
During your appointment
Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand. For example, ‘Can you say that again? I still don’t understand.’?
If you don’t understand any words, ask for them to be written down and explained.
Write things down, or ask a family member or friend to take notes.

26. Before you leave your appointment
Check:
You’ve covered everything on your list
You understand, for example ‘Can I just check I understood what you said?’
You know what should happen next – and when. Write it down.
Ask:
Who to contact if you have any more problems or questions
About support groups and where to go for reliable information
For copies of letters written about you – you are entitled to see these.
 After your appointment, don't forget the following
Write down what you discussed and what happens next. Keep your notes.
Book any tests that you can and put the dates in your diary.
‘What happens if I’m not sent my appointment details?’
‘Can I have the results of any tests?’ If you don’t get the results when you expect – ask for them. Ask what the results mean

27. BRIDGWATER LIBRARY EVENTS
Adult Reading Group 
Tales on the Riverbank
2nd Monday of the Month - 11: :00 noon 
Firecrackers WI
1st Wednesday of the month 15: :00 pm
Ancestry Family History Computer Group
2nd Friday of the month from March
Telephone to book your  

28. BRIDGWATER LIBRARY EVENTS
Parchment Class
Free Computer Classes.
Monthly on a Tuesday :00 pm – 16:00 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Monthly on a Wednesday
13:00 pm – 16:00 pm
9:30 am – 12:00 noon
See a member of staff to book your place
Telephone
to book your place
Jewellery Class
Workshop
Twice a month on a Tuesday
Craft Classes
Firecrackers WI -
Sewing Group
Knit & Natter
1st & 3rd Monday of the month
Fortnightly Wednesday
10:00 am – 12:00 noon
14:00 pm – 15:30 pm

29. BRIDGWATER LIBRARY EVENTS
For the Children
Mega Bloks and Stories
Every Monday 11:00am – 11:45am
Stories, Rhymes, Mega Blok & Duplo play
Toddler time
Every Friday 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Stories and songs for the very young
Lego Club
Fortnightly Saturday
11:00 am – 11:45am
Telephone to book your place

31. AAA Screening sessions held here every 6 months

32. HAS YOUR CHILD HAD A SIGHT TEST IN THE LAST YEAR?
The NHS fund children’s eye tests from birth. All children age 2-3 years should have their sight tested as this is the best time to pick up any vision problems that may then be fully correctable. Make time to take your child for a sight test.

33. ACES (Acute Community Eye-care Service)
ACES offer a free NHS service for all patients with a new eye problem
Local Optometrists offering the service in Bridgwater are:
East Quay Vision – (Mon – Fri)
Turners Optometrists – (Mon – Fri)
If you have a NEW eye problem, please call one of these optometrists to arrange a consultation

34. The dental helpline number is 0300 123 7691
DENTAL EMERGENCY?
If you have a dental emergency, the dental helpline may be able to help.
The dental helpline number is
Or you can
The dental helpline is a service designed to offer dental advice and/or appointments for either emergency or urgent dental treatment.

35. Protect yourself from Fraud
Be aware of ‘Cold Calling’ !
No GP Practice will ever divulge your medical history.
If you receive such a call please report it to:
ActionFraud either via the online fraud reporting form
or make your report by calling
Protect yourself from Fraud
Do not give out personal information (name, address, bank details, or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials. 
Do not trust s asking for your details, even if they look genuine.
Destroy /shred receipts with your card details on and post with your name and address on.
Be extremely wary of post, phone calls or s offering you business deals out of the blue. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always question it.
If you have been a victim of fraud, be aware of fraud recovery fraud. This is when fraudsters pretend to be a lawyer or a law enforcement officer and tell you they can help you recover the money you’ve already lost.

36. KEEP YOUR CONTACT DETAILS
UP TO DATE
It is essential that you let us know if you change your:
Name
Telephone number
Address
Next of Kin Contact Details
Please ask a receptionist for a form to update your details

37. Citizen’s Advice Bureau
Offer Confidential, free and impartial advice.
Phone
for advice Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm,
or visit
Nether Stowey Church Centre every 2nd Tuesday 1pm – 4pm,
United Reform Church, Cannington Thursdays 9.30am – 12.30pm

38. Somerset Wide Integrated Sexual Health Services
Call

39. Are you concerned about someone’s drinking or drug use?
FAMILY & CARERS GROUP
Are you concerned about someone’s drinking or drug use?
Turning Point run a ‘Family & Carers Group’
Date & Time: 2nd Thursday of each month at 5.30pm
Venue: Bridge House, 30 Taunton Rd, Bridgwater, TA6 3LS
For more information, please contact

40. STOP SMOKING SERVICE
Contact NHS Smoking Helpline 7am – 11pm on
Or textphone
Somerset NHS Stop Smoking Service:

41. 0800 69 49 999 Do you want to talk to someone about domestic abuse?
Call the Somerset Domestic Abuse support number (DAFFS)
(calls may be chargeable from mobile phones)
Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm
Saturday 9am to 1pm
More information can also be found on our website:

42. WHEN STOKE STRIKES – ACT F.A.S.T
FACE – Has their face fallen on one side?
ARMS – Can they raise both arms & keep them there?
SPEECH – Is their speech slurred?
TIME – Time to call 999

43. THE STROKE ASSOCIATION
The Stroke Association offers support, provides information and advice and has a social group in Bridgwater.
The group meets once a month
For More information and venue details, please call:
Carol Clifford on

44. ARE YOU A CARER?

45. Carers have health needs too…
Tell us if you are a carer so we can flag your medical record
Ask at reception for our carers’ pack
Watch our carers’ noticeboard for current events
We have a carers’ champion who may be able to provide you with information or signpost you to support. Ask at reception

46. SOMERSET DEMENTIA ADVISER SERVICE
Have you received, or are in the process of receiving a diagnosis of dementia? People with dementia have told us that the most important thing they need after receiving a diagnosis is information:
What will happen?
What comes next?
Where can I get the information I want when I need it?
What support is available for me and for my family?
Contact the Somerset Dementia Adviser Service. The service is designed to ensure you get the most out of life by guiding you to all the information you need, not only about your illness but also where to find the most appropriate services in your local area.
Telephone: for further information

47. Understanding Dementia
There are free on line courses about dementia for anyone who works with people diagnosed with dementia,
anyone who has a friend or family member with dementia
People in the early stages of dementia
Any one interested in learning more about dementia
Dementia care: Staying Connected and living well is a course designed for family , friends and carers off people with dementia

48. Sedgemoor Health Walks
A health walk is a brisk walk done on a regular basis for well-being, it can help you feel good, have more energy, help you sleep better and help manage your weight.
Contact Zing Somerset
for information on walks or the Lifestyle hub on :

49. Sedgemoor Health Walks
Local Walks at :
Stogursey Village Hall
Mondays 9.30am on Feb 13th, March 13th
Steart Marshes
Mondays 2pm Feb 20th March 20th.

50. DIABETIC RETINOPATHY SCREENING
Do you have diabetes?
Diabetes can affect the small blood vessels in the inner part of your eye called the retina; this is known as diabetic retinopathy.
Untreated diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common causes of blindness in the working age population.

51. DIABETIC RETINOPATHY SCREENING
The Department of Health has set up a National Eye Screening Programme to detect the specific changes of diabetic retinopathy that could soon affect your sight.
All people with diabetes aged 12 years and over should have diabetic eye screening.
The Somerset Diabetic Eye Screening Programme provides retinal screening for people with diabetes who are 12 and over and who live in Somerset.

52. DIABETIC RETINOPATHY SCREENING
If you have diabetes, you are over 12 years old and you have not had diabetic eye screening, please speak to your doctor or diabetes specialist nurse.
Alternatively you can contact the Somerset Diabetic Eye Screening Programme Administration Team directly to arrange an appointment on:

53. Getset services are what we are starting to call the help and support for children, young people and their families in Somerset.
They include all the things you can currently find through Children’s Centres across the county and eventually they will include much more.
At the moment the support is mostly for children aged under 5 and their families, including things such as pre-birth parenting classes, health visitor support and parent support groups.
All that good work will carry on. And with Getset we are starting to bring together all the other help that is available for anyone aged under 19 or with children under 19.

55. SHINGLES: ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1: What is shingles?
Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the skin around it. It usually starts with tingling or burning in an area of skin, and is followed by the eruption of a painful rash, usually on one side of the body or face that takes 2 to 4 weeks to resolve. Sometimes the eye can also be affected.
Q2: Why do people develop shingles?
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. After people have chickenpox the virus lies inactive in the nervous system. Later in life the virus can reactivate and cause shingles. The reasons for reactivation aren’t completely known. Reaching an older age or having conditions that affect the immune system make the virus much more likely to reactivate.

56. SHINGLES: ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q4: I have already had shingles, do I still need the vaccine?
Unfortunately some people do get shingles more than once, although the risk is low. Vaccination as part of the national immunisation programme is still recommended for those who have had shingles in the past.
Q3: I’ve never had chickenpox, can I still get shingles?
You can only get shingles if you have had chickenpox. However many people had chickenpox as a child and are unaware of it. The infection can sometimes be so mild that it is nothing but a few spots. Even such a mild infection leaves you at risk of shingles later in life.

57. SHINGLES: ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q5: What are the long-term effects of shingles?
Shingles usually resolves within 4 weeks. However some people go on to develop chronic nerve pain called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). This is an ongoing, severe nerve pain in the area affected by the rash, and is the most common complication of shingles which in some people can go on for months or years. The older you get shingles, the more likely you are to develop PHN.
Q6: How would the vaccine benefit me?
The vaccine reduces the chances of you developing shingles, and even if you do develop shingles then the disease is likely to affect you less severely.

58. SHINGLES: ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q7: Why am I eligible under the national programme?
The national shingles immunisation programme is recommended to be routinely offered to people aged 70 years. A catch-up programme is also being rolled out in those aged years by NHS England, Public Health England (PHE) and the Department of Health (DH), and is being phased in over a period of time due to both vaccine supply and ensuring a manageable implementation process.
Q8: Where can I find more information?
For more information about shingles, treatment of shingles and shingles vaccination:
Speak to your GP, nurse or other healthcare professional
Visit NHS Choices at
Visit