Self referral
There are several referrals that you are able to make directly yourself without having to see a GP first. Please see below for further information
Bleeding after menopause
What is menopause?
Menopause is the general term used to describe the time in a woman’s life when you may experience symptoms related to fluctuating and ultimately falling hormone levels, when you will eventually stop having monthly periods. Medically, menopause is defined by the day following 12 consecutive months without a period.
Many women do not know when their last natural period might be as they are on hormonal contraception, HRT or have had a hysterectomy.
What is bleeding after menopause?
Your final periods can be irregular; to be diagnosed as having gone through the menopause you will not have had a period for 12 consecutive months or longer. Unexplained bleeding, spotting or unusual discharge experienced after 12 months is called post menopausal bleeding.
It is not normal to bleed, spot or have unusual discharge 12 months or longer after your last period.
9 times out of 10 the cause of bleeding, spotting or unusual discharge after menopause is not caused by a serious illness, however it is important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional to rule out womb cancer.
Somerset's self-referral service
Patients registered with a GP in Somerset can now can self-refer into the Bleeding After Menopause Service, which means you do not have to go to your GP in the first instance. There are two different ways to refer into the service. The form can be completed online or over the telephone. The form takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and you will need a list of any medications you are on
To refer please click here for further information and to complete the self referral form
Alternatively, the Bleeding After Menopause Service operates from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, please call 01823 213567. The office team will be able to complete the self referral form with you over the telephone.
This service is only available if you are registered with a Somerset GP.
Living better
What is Living Better?
Living Better is a network of organisations across West Somerset working closely together to support the people of our local community with their health and wellbeing.
Living Better was established in 2017 and over that time we have worked closely together on a number of projects and health and wellbeing initiatives to enable patients to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to reach their own health and wellbeing goals.
Living Better's website pulls information together for West Somerset residents to:
- Act as a triage point to help point you in the right direction for your health and well-being concerns.
- Facilitate the referral process to get you the right support as efficiently and quickly as possible.
- Help you take charge of becoming and staying healthy and feeling well by giving you the tools to find the services you need.
- Connect you with local organisations and services that can offer you tailored support with the Living Better Services Directory.
- Reduce pressure on your GP practice by offering alternative community-led solutions when appropriate.
Living Better, otherwise known as the West Somerset Neighbourhood, is the close working between healthcare, social care, education and voluntary sectors.
Please click here to access their website and to self refer to their services
MSK Physiotherapy
Triage and self referral form
Please complete the self referral form here and it will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Please note that you will need your NHS number to complete the form.
Evidence shows that most new injuries, aches, & pains will improve within 6 weeks with simple self-management. If your symptoms are less than 6 weeks' old, you may be able to improve your condition with simple advice and exercise.
However, if you are concerned or your condition is worsening, please continue to complete the form.
Prior to completing the form we recommend that you should try a period of self management with guidance and advice from the Get U Better app here
Talking Therapies
ACES (Acute Community Eyecare Scheme)
What is Aces?
ACES is a free service available to all patients registered with a Somerset GP. The service provides patients experiencing recently occurring medical eye conditions with appropriate treatment closer to home. The service is provided by local optometrists with the specialist knowledge and skills to carry out this work at a locally approved opticians.
Medical eye conditions which can be treated by ACES
The service is designed for recently occurring medical eye conditions such as:
- Sudden or recent reduction in vision in one or both eyes
- Red eye(s) or eye lids
- Pain and /or discomfort in the eyes, around the eye area or temples
- Recent onset or sudden increase of flashes and/or floaters in one or both eyes
- Mild trauma, for example a scratch to the outer surface of the eye(s) or lid(s)
- Suspected foreign body in the eye
- Recent onset of double vision
- Significant recent discharge from or watering of the eye
If you are unsure whether your symptoms qualify, please contact
one of the approved opticians who can advise you
How do I access ACES?
Below is a list of approved opticians. Please be aware that your normal optometrist may have chosen not to offer this service. You can contact any of these approved opticians directly (self refer) to make an appointment and ask to be seen under ACES.
Appointments are available during normal working hours and you will be seen within 24 hours.
What happens when I see the optometrist?
The optometrist will discuss your eye history, any symptoms you may be experiencing and any related medical history.
You will receive an eye assessment relevant to your symptoms.
Please take a list of all current medications and your up to date glasses with you to the appointment. As a result of the consultation you may be:
- Given appropriate treatment by the optometrist, this may include a follow-up appointment
- Referred to your GP for appropriate treatment if your eye condition is related to your general health
- Referred directly to the hospital eye service if your eye condition is more serious
Following your appointment the optometrist will notify your GP about the outcome of your consultation in order to ensure your medical records are updated.
A list of participating practices can be found below:
| Area | Practice Name | Address | Telephone |
| Bridgwater | East Quay Vision | East Quay Medical Centre, East Quay, Bridgwater, Somerset | 01278 440440 |
| Bridgwater | Turners: A Concept Eye Clinic | Aspen House, 67 Wembdon Road, Bridgwater, Somerset | 01278 422978 |
| Bridgwater | Specsavers Opticians | Royal Clarence House, High Street, Bridgwater, Somerset | 01278 452245 |
| Burnham-on-Sea | D J Bull Optometrist | 41 High Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset | 01278 785743 |
| Burnham-on-Sea | Specsavers Opticians | 3 High Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset | 01278 765460 |
| Chard | Robert Frith Optometrists | 18 Fore Street, Chard, Somerset | 01460 67771 |
| Chard | Stephen Beswetherick Opticians | 60 Holyrood Street, Chard, Somerset | 01460 63535 |
| Cheddar | NK Opticians | Myrtle House, Bath Street, Cheddar, Somerset | 01934 743723 |
| Crewkerne | Robert Frith Optometrists | 4 Market Street, Crewkerne, Somerset | 01460 72964sarah |
| Exmoor | Cranmers Optometrists | 12 Park Street, Minehead, Somerset | 01643 702204 |
| Frome | Eyetech Opticians | 25 Market Place, Frome, Somerset | 01373 462573 |
| Frome | Eyetech Opticians | Frome Medical Practice, Enos Way, Frome, Somerset | 01373 466391 |
| Frome | Specsavers Opticians | 19 Westway Centre, Frome, Somerset | 01373 451180 |
| South Somerset | Earlam & Christopher | 38 North Street, Langport, Somerset | 01458 250793 |
| South Somerset | Martock Opticians | North Street, Martock, Somerset | 01935 824431 |
| South Somerset | Robert Frith Optometrists | 1 Fore Street, Castle Cary, Somerset | 01963 351948 |
| Street | Eyetech Opticians | 100 High Street, Street, Somerset | 01458 442178 |
| Street | Rogers Optical (T/A Boots Opticians) | 141A High Street, Street, Somerset | 01458 442434 |
| Street | Specsavers | 93 High Street, Street, Somerset | 01458 449400 |
| Taunton | Boots Opticians | 64-65 High Street, Taunton, Somerset | 01823 331736 |
| Taunton | Earlam & Christopher | 51 Bridge Street, Taunton, Somerset | 01823 272061 |
| Taunton | Crown Eyecare | The Crown, Wellington Rd, Rumwell, Taunton TA4 1EL | 01823 429883 |
| Wells | Millicans and Mansfield Opticians | 65 High Street, Wells, Somerset | 01749 673991 |
| Wells | Rogers Optical (T/A Boots Opticians) | 66 High Street, Wells, BA5 2AJ | 01749 678455 |
| Wells | Specsavers | 60a High Street, Wells, Somerset | 01749 673694 |
| Wincanton | Sarah Gibson Optometrist | Commerce House, Market Place, Wincanton, Somerset | 01963 34333 |
| Yeovil | Boots Opticians | 39-41 Middle Street, Yeovil, Somerset | 01935 423490 |
| Yeovil | Robert Frith Opticians | Ryburn House, 28 Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset | 01935 478463 |