The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is calling on communities in Shepton, along with the wider region, to use its services responsibly during the upcoming winter period.

The Trust is bracing for a winter marked by intense and continuous demand on its 999 services, mirroring the situation across other health and care organizations locally, regionally, and nationally.

With the arrival of winter, a surge in flu and other respiratory illnesses is expected. Coupled with falling temperatures and ongoing issues related to ambulance handover delays, these factors are set to intensify the challenges faced by the region's ambulance service.

In preparation, SWASFT has developed an extensive winter plan and is seeking the community's cooperation by advising residents to:

• Only call 999 in serious medical emergencies, such as when someone is unconscious, not breathing, or bleeding heavily.
• Avoid calling 999 for updates if waiting for an ambulance; call back only if the patient's condition worsens or the ambulance is no longer needed. Priority is given to life-threatening conditions.
• For non-life-threatening emergencies, seek care through NHS 111 online, contact a GP, or get advice from a pharmacy.

Wayne Darch, Deputy Director of Operations at SWASFT, emphasised the importance of responsible service use: "This winter is expected to be exceptionally challenging. We urge local communities to use our services responsibly. Please only call 999 in serious situations. For other cases, NHS 111 can provide guidance."

Dr Bernie Marden, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Somerset, highlighted collaborative efforts: "NHS Somerset is tirelessly working with partners, including SWASFT and Somerset Council, to maintain services and safety, especially under the current sustained pressure. We urge people to manage their health proactively, including consulting community pharmacists for minor conditions and using health apps like the NHS App."

The Somerset's Urgent Community Response service is also available, offering urgent care at home within two hours for those over 18 experiencing a health crisis. This service operates daily from 8 am – 8 pm, all year round.

Residents of Shepton are reminded that for non-life-threatening emergencies, appropriate care can be accessed by visiting NHS 111 online, contacting their GP, or getting advice from a pharmacy.