HEALTH services in Somerset saw increased pressure over the weekend and the early part of this week.

Patients are being urged to use the appropriate NHS services for their needs following the high levels of demand for local urgent and emergency care services.

Health and care organisations in the county are operating at close to peak levels and the NHS and local authorities are working together to manage demand and ensure patients continue to receive safe, effective care.

Patients are being asked to only use A&E for serious and life-threatening emergencies.

Dr Justin Harrington, chief clinical information officer at Somerset CCG, said: "We have seen an increased pressure on our health services in Somerset over the weekend and the start of this week.

"The plans we've put in place are being acted on and our staff are working hard to ensure that everyone who needs help gets the care they need.

"We are also working with partners across health and social care to ensure that when patients are medically well enough to leave us they do so with the right care package at the appropriate time.

"We would ask that people use the excellent range of local health services available.

"GP practices, minor injuries units and pharmacies are open and available to help with non-emergency conditions. Waiting times will often be shorter and you are likely to be able to be seen closer to where you live."

For information on what health services you need for your illness or ailment, phone the 24/7 NHS 111 service.

Pharmacists can advise on minor ailments and conditions and also provide help with managing long-term conditions. Many have confidential consultation rooms and no appointment is needed.

NHS 111 is for people who urgently need medical help or advice and aren’t sure where to go, but the situation is not life-threatening. The service can book an appointment for patients to see a GP out of hours if appropriate.

There are minor injury units in Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Chard, Frome, Minehead, Shepton Mallet and West Mendip Hospital. They can help with throat and chest infections, eye infections, urinary infections, emergency contraception, sprains and strains, broken bones as well as wounds and bites.

Call 999 in an emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.