A NUMBER of routine operations have been postponed at hospitals in Taunton and Yeovil due increased demand from patients.

People in Somerset are being reminded to think first and not to go to district hospital accident and emergency departments with only minor ailments or illness.

Members of the public can help themselves and the local NHS by telephoning the 24-hour health helpline, NHS 111, if they are unsure what health service they need for their level of illness.

The advice comes as the county’s health and social care system has been operating at the second highest level of demand (Opel 3) this week.

The county’s two district hospitals in Taunton and Yeovil, adult social services, the South Western Ambulance Trust and community health services are working closely together to manage current demand and ensure the smooth admission and discharge of patients who are medical fit to leave hospital.

Additional demand has been largely caused by the high numbers of frail elderly patients needing to be admitted to hospital with complex health problems.

The highest demand overnight was at Yeovil District Hospital, which opened an additional 30 beds overnight to manage the numbers of patients being admitted by ambulance on Tuesday, many of whom were from surrounding rural villages.

The hospital is currently describing its level of demand as the highest at ‘OPEL Level 4’.

Yeovil District Hospital and Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital have already been forced to postpone some routine hospital operations as a consequence of the exceptionally high levels of demand.

All patients who have had their routine operation postponed have been notified. Unless patients have been notified by the hospital they should attend their routine hospital appointments as normal.

A spokesman said members of the public can help themselves and their family members by.

Self-care: Having a few basic items in your bathroom medicine cabinet can save you time and effort should you become ill. Items like paracetamol, a bandage, sticking plasters, and antiseptic cream or indigestion tablets. If troublesome symptoms persist or worsen see your GP.

Visit your local pharmacy: If you feeling unwell and need advice, visit your pharmacy. You can find your nearest pharmacist by searching online at: www.nhs.uk or by telephoning 111.

Telephone NHS 111: Telephone 111 when you need medical advice or information quickly, but it’s not a 999 life threatening emergency. Calls are free from mobiles and landlines to this 24/7 service. You should also call 111 if you become ill after your GP surgery has closed and need urgent advice or medical help. You will be assessed, given advice and directed straight away to the local service that will help you best.

Out-of-hours GP urgent care service: Should you become ill after your GP surgery has closed, ring your surgery’s telephone number and listen to the answer phone message or telephone 111 for advice.

Minor injuries units (MIU): There are minor injuries units (MIU) at community hospitals in Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Chard, Frome, Glastonbury, Minehead and Shepton Mallet.

If your injury is not serious, you can get help from an MIU rather than a busy hospital A&E department. By doing so you allow A&E staff to concentrate on people with serious and life-threatening conditions and save yourself a potentially long wait. To check your local MIU’s location and opening hours telephone 111.

Hospital Accident and Emergency Department (A&E): Hospital A&E or the 999 ambulance service will be treating patients who are seriously unwell or have a life threatening condition. If you believe you or a family member are experiencing a life threatening emergency (such as heart attack, stroke or loss of consciousness) then telephone 999 for an ambulance immediately.