Our work on this programme has now ended. Please contact [email protected] if you wish to discuss the contents of this page.

Detailed Programme Information

Health Innovation South West are supporting the Access to Care programme, which was co-designed between Somerset Integrated Care Board (NHS Somerset) and the West Somerset Neighbourhood board with the support of the community of health and social care providers in West Somerset as well as the wider community. 

The key themes which the programme will be addressing include the following:

Same day access to care 

Developing a baseline provision of Urgent and Emergency core services, tackling local perception that some of these services are not currently meeting the needs of the community. 

The programme aims and creates a ‘no wrong door’ policy where patients are always offered clear pathways to the correct care and services, no matter their point of entry into the system. We will also be aiming for standardisation of urgent care response across practices, ensuring this is made possible by developing mobile services that can support areas of high demand. 

For this programme to be successful, we will aim to break down silos, increasing communication (including digital systems) between community, primary, and secondary care, as well as 111 and 999 services to ensure a fluid system in West Somerset. 

Improving Patient Access 

The programme will also aim to improve patient access, ensure continuity of care, and direct patients to receive appropriate healthcare at the right place and time. The primary goal is to reduce inappropriate attendances at the Minehead Minor Injury Unit (MIU) by thoroughly reviewing patient profiles, understanding their reasons for attendance, and identifying alternative services for their healthcare needs. 

By strategically addressing inappropriate attendances at the Minehead Minor Injury Unit, this programme aims to strategically address inappropriate attendance to the MIU, optimise patient access, enhance continuity of care, and contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare services within the community.  

Exmoor Rural Health Hub 

The Exmoor Rural Health Hub plays a pivotal role in providing accessible health services to the West Somerset community. This programme will focus on tracking and increasing footfall at the Health Hub, encouraging individuals who may not traditionally engage with healthcare services to utilise its offerings for regular health check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, and overall wellbeing maintenance. 

The aim to not only track and promote footfall at the Exmoor Rural Health Hub but also to foster a culture of proactive health management within the West Somerset community. By making healthcare accessible, user-friendly, and community-focused, the Health Hub can become a cornerstone in improving the overall wellbeing of the community. 

Falls Prevention  

This element of the programme is designed to prevent falls within the West Somerset community by establishing a seamless pathway for referrers and patients to access appropriate services, fostering a collaborative systematic approach to eliminate duplication, and improving the transition between various services. The key focus is on setting up a Falls Clinic as a central point for falls assessments, enhancing physical activity, balance, strength, and empowering individuals with the knowledge of available services in case of a fall. 

This falls prevention project aims to create a comprehensive, collaborative, and patient-centred approach to reduce falls incidents in the West Somerset community. The establishment of a Falls Clinic and the integration of services will contribute to the overall improvement of patient outcomes and community well-being. 

Workforce – Health coaching 

We are also working with Somerset ICB to tackle the workforce challenges in West Somerset by rolling out health coaching. 

Get in touch 

For more information or to get involved in the project, please contact Health Innovation South West Project Manager, Harriet Bennett: [email protected].