Improving access to NHS dentistry remains a key ambition for NHS Somerset.

In December, NHS Somerset worked with two independent providers to formally open two new practices in the county.

Wellington Dental Care (run by Dentistry For You) began treating patients in October 2025 and held a ceremonial
opening on 5 December, while guests gathered (see picture) to mark the opening of ‘One Smile Dental – Chard’ in the same week.

A further new practice is planned to begin seeing patients in Crewkerne from spring 2026. Together it is expected that these new practices will provide care for up to 20,000 people each year.

The openings attracted widespread coverage in local and regional news and was promoted on social media. For full detail click here

Extra appointments are now available for people in Somerset who need urgent or unscheduled dental care – to request an urgent appointment, visit NHS111 or phone NHS 111.

Appointments are for urgent conditions including:

• Severe toothache: persistent and intense pain that cannot be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
• Dental abscess: infection causing swelling, pain, and possibly fever.
• Broken or knocked-out tooth: trauma resulting in a fractured or completely dislodged tooth.
• Bleeding in mouth following a dental procedure or an injury that doesn’t stop by itself but can be self-controlled using local measures. Note that if bleeding cannot be self-controlled in any way, emergency care may be necessary.
• Swelling: significant swelling in the mouth or face that could indicate an infection.
• Fractured, loose or displaced fillings causing pain.
• Severe bleeding from gums, or acute conditions affecting other soft areas of the mouth (such as cheeks or tongue) which require urgent treatment.
• Other treatments may be available at the discretion of the dentist. These treatments may require extra visits and costs.

More information on urgent dental conditions at: NHS.uk/urgentdentalcare

Crispin Community Centre in Street welcomed BBC Points West into their bustling 'Warm Welcome' space.

Guests and volunteers spoke with reporter Georgia Eadie about what the space means to them. Watch again here

The visit offered a great opportunity to showcase these essential community spaces as part of national #WarmWelcomeWeek.

Hosted in community venues such as village halls, community centres and places of worship, Warm Welcome spaces provide somewhere for people to socialise, enjoy a hot drink and take part in activities.

Want to find a Warm Welcome Space or set one up for your local community? Visit Warm Welcome Somerset - Spark Somerset 

A new diagnostic centre was officially opened next to Yeovil District Hospital this month.

Yeovil Diagnostic Centre, run by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with InHealth, will provide over 70,000 diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments every year for people in Yeovil, North Dorset and the surrounding area.

It follows the opening of the Taunton Diagnostic Centre in 2021, as well as the ongoing development of the Bridgwater Diagnostic Centre, which is expected to open later in 2026.

Read more here

The first patients were examined by Minehead Community Hospital’s new x-ray machine in December – three weeks ahead of schedule.

The machine is estimated to scan an average of 25 patients a day, including people cared for on the hospital ward, outpatient and diagnostic clinics, and urgent treatment centre. Patients can also be referred from local GP practices for a scan.

Read more here

NHS Somerset is urging 15,000 eligible over 75s in Somerset to take up the RSV vaccination to help keep them out of hospital this winter.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), is a winter virus which can be much more serious for over 75s, and for anyone with a weaker immune system or long-term health condition. It often starts like a simple cold, but can quickly lead to pneumonia and breathing problems, which can lead to hospital stays – especially in colder months.

Read more here

Somerset’s Open Mental Health service is offering support to anyone feeling overwhelmed by ‘New Year, New Me’ messages at this time of year.

It is common to feel a little low, tired, or anxious in January and February – we might find ourselves worrying about money, reflecting on a difficult year, or simply feeling the weight of the winter months.

Open Mental Health wants everyone to know they aren't alone in feeling this way. They have recently updated their Festive Wellbeing Kit with a special focus on the New Year. Instead of focusing on unrealistic goals, the kit is full of kind, practical advice to help you stay well during the colder months.

Inside the kit, you’ll find:

• Tips from people with lived experience who understand how tough this time of year can be.
• Guidance from local partners on managing stress and low mood.
• Information on how to reach out for support whenever it’s needed.

You can find the kit here: bit.ly/omh-stay-well

If you are struggling right now, don't wait to reach out. You can call Mindline Somerset any time on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.

Patients under the care of Yeovil Hospital’s stoma care department are set to benefit from a greatly improved environment, where they can get the care they need in one place.

Although the stoma care team has provided excellent care for years, they previously shared clinic rooms with other specialties, making access difficult.

But this month the team celebrated the official opening of its new department – located in a unit on the former hospital car park next to the day theatre centre – and it’s much more suited to patients’ needs.

Read more here

Baroness Amos, chair of the national maternity and neonatal investigation, is asking women and families across England to share their experiences of maternity and neonatal care through a public Call for Evidence. Responses to the Call for Evidence will be used to inform the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation’s findings and recommendations.

There are two Call for Evidence surveys available:

• One for women and people who have been pregnant to share their own experiences of maternity and neonatal services.
• One for other people to share their experiences supporting someone through pregnancy. This could include fathers, non-birthing partners, family members, friends, or other support people.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is one of 12 trusts that will be reviewed as part of the investigation.

The Call for Evidence is open to the public until 17 March 2026. Responses can be submitted here 

Have you or someone you care for, been affected by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

This might be as a parent whose baby became unwell in their early years, or as an older adult, or carer of an older adult, who experienced complications such as pneumonia or a worsening of an existing lung condition following an RSV infection?

NHS Somerset would like to hear from parents and older adults aged 75+, or those who care for them, who may be willing to share their experiences. Your story could help others understand the impact of RSV and why vaccination is important.

We know these experiences can be personal, so there is absolutely no pressure to take part. An initial conversation would simply be a chance to talk things through and decide what feels right for you. If you would be open to a short, confidential chat, please get in touch by emailing somicb.communications@nhs.net

What role does the voluntary sector play in a world that feels increasingly uncertain? Inspired by the recent Reith Lectures, Spark Somerset’s newly appointed Head of Development, Dr Miranda Millan, reflects on this question in her latest blog.

Drawing on her experience of community-based work in Somerset, she highlights how charities and local organisations quietly step up, connecting communities and demonstrating decency over division when it is needed most.

The inclusive activities calendar is full of fun activities for children and young people who have a disability and/or additional need. Activities include teenage bushcraft, tabletop games, trampolining fun, and many arts and craft sessions. The Community Inclusion Activity Team have organised a family trip to Space Adventurers Soft Play and a Young Person’s Day to Flip Out, Wellington!

Please share the calendar with families who you think may be interested in the activities, as well as on social media, newsletters etc. The calendar, and more information about the Community Inclusion Activity Team, can be found under the Local Offer at Activities for families (somerset.gov.uk)

Two years ago, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust reported that they had been awarded funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s peninsula regional research delivery network for a research associate role in mental health.

Showing a huge passion for research, the trust’s consultant psychotherapist, Dr Adrian Hayes (pictured), was appointed into this role, and he reflects on the incredible progress made in mental health and dementia research across the county during this time.

Read more here

Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) celebrated a special milestone this month - a decade supporting health, wellbeing and connection within the Minehead community.

The Beach Wellness was created with a clear mission: to inspire and support people of all ages and abilities to enjoy physical activity, improve their health and wellbeing, and feel confident in a friendly, inclusive environment. Over the past decade, that mission has grown into something truly special -  a place where people whether returning to activity after illness, living with long-term health conditions, or simply looking to improve fitness can feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged every step of the way.

Read more here

The NHS Excellence Awards have launched, celebrating the most innovative and impactful work that is bringing the 10 Year Health Plan to life and making a real difference for patients and communities.

Entry to the awards is free and open to NHS organisations and providers working in partnership with the NHS to deliver local health and care services in England. This is your chance to share the work you’re proud of and recognise the colleagues who have inspired and supported you.

Find out more and enter before 5pm Friday 6 March 2026.

Since the summer of 2023, patients under the care of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s community stroke rehabilitation service have been getting additional support from a specialist psychological wellbeing practitioner – Dawn Murray (pictured).

So the trust was pleased to see the role mentioned as an example of good practice in the 10 Year Health Plan for England. Dawn facilitates timely access to psychological support, which can enhance engagement in rehabilitation and recovery.

Read more here