Medical and Social Care

Accident & Emergency (A&E)

The following Hospital has a major A&E department which offers access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. TA1 5DA
Tel: 01823 333444

Minor Injuries Units (MIUs)

Less severe injuries can be treated in Minor Injuries services and NHS walk-in centres, which can treat patients without an appointment. MIU staff treat a range of minor injuries including:

  • minor broken bones
  • sprains and minor injuries
  • minor burns and scalds
  • minor head injuries
  • insect and animal bites
  • eye complaints and infections
  • dental pain
  • emergency contraception.

The minor injury unit is based at:
Minehead Community Hospital (TA24 6DF) – 01643 701701) –  24 hours, 7 days a week.

The service can also see other minor complaints and can prescribe appropriate medicines.  However they cannot supply repeat prescriptions – if patients need repeat medicines over the holiday period they should contact their surgery in good time.

GP Surgeries

For illnesses that are not life threatening you should first contact your GP surgery.  Outside of normal surgery hours you can still phone your GP, but you will usually be directed to an out-of-hours service. (Telephone 111 between 6.30 pm and 8 am))

Somerset Partnership

The Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides a wide range of integrated community health, mental health, learning disability and social care services to people of all ages.

Link: Specialist Services
The Somerset Partnership has developed an extensive range of specialist 
services across community and mental health services, from Early 
Interventions in Psychosis; Employment Support; Court Assessment through
to Podiatry; Primary Care Dentistry and Prison Health Services.  To 
find out more please read the individual service pages.

Health Visitor – Minehead – 01643 707868
The Health Visiting Service provides a home visiting and community based service to support children and families in promoting health and wellbeing.

The Carers Service – Taunton – 01823 368396
The Carers’ Services Team support unpaid carers and family members to ensure that they feel valued and supported, empowering them to begin to take control of their lives.

Crisis and Home Treatment Services
These services are provided to people living in the community who require intensive, daily support and who may be otherwise likely to be admitted to in-patient care.

Services generally operate from 08.30 – 21.00 (with night assessor Out of Hours and who can access a duty Doctor/consultant service available 24/7).  Contact the team for Adults and Older People in your area.

Emergency Duty Team (EDT)

The Local Authority out of hours service (available from 17.30 – 08.30) deals with emergency or urgently distressing situations.  The team covers the Local Authority’s statutory responsibilities under mental health, child care and welfare legislation.  It is provided on an out of hours basis, including weekends and bank holidays.
Tel: 01458 253241

Other Sources of Help

MIND Line
Is a local helpline for anyone who is experiencing emotional distress – 01823 276892. Mind infoline 0300 123 3393 provide information on a range of topics including types of mental distress, where to get help, drug and alternative treatments and advocacy. MIND provides details of help and support for people in their own area

Samaritans
Samaritans provides confidential emotional support to those experiencing despair, distress or suicidal feelings.  They are open 24 hours a day.
Tel: 08457 90 90 90

Saneline
Emotional support line for people in mental distress.  They are open between 18.00 – 23.00 everyday.
Tel:0845 767 8000

Somerset Suicide Bereavement Service
If you are distressed by a suicide, need support and guidance or just a listening ear please call 0300 330 5463 or email bereaved@mindtws.org.uk