West Somerset Healthcare

News:

Out of Hours

To contact a doctor when the surgery is closed at weekends and between the hours of 6.30 pm and 8.00 am Monday to Friday, please telephone the main number (01984 632701) and your call will automatically be forwarded to the Somerset Out of Hours Medical Service

Telephone Advice

If you need to speak to a doctor or nurse on the telephone, please try to telephone (Williton 632701) either between 8.30 am and 9.00 am or between 11.30 am and 12 noon, when the clinician is more likely to be available. We try not to interrupt consultations except in an emergency.

Announcements

01 Jul - 01 Sep
Sex - Worth Talking About

Talking about sex doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think. Whether it’s knowing about your contraceptive choices, explaining STIs, coping with emotions or understanding your body, you'll find straightforward information and advice to make it easier to discuss everything to do with sexual health, right here

01 Jul - 01 Oct
Change for Life

Would you like loads of tips and help to make changes for a healthier future? As part of Change4Life, you will receive tons of helpful information, recipes, tools, tips, and games for the kids.

BBC Health

Concern over rape medic shortage

A lack of specialist medics to care for rape victims could be hampering conviction rates, doctors believe.

Calcium pills 'raise' heart risk

Calcium supplements taken by many older people could be increasing their risk of a heart attack, research shows.

Pregnant women rights questioned

The right of women to choose whether they have home births is being questioned by a leading medical journal.

Drug prescribed after web search

A father persuades the NHS to give his sick daughter a "miracle" drug he found on the internet.

Addiction drugs 'aid weight loss'

A combination pill of two drugs used to treat addiction may help people lose weight, say US researchers.

Child heart op ban 'should stay'

Children's heart surgery should remain suspended at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital where four babies died, a report says.

Public health fear in NHS revamp

The overhaul of the NHS may harm the public health drive, a health think tank is warning.

Say fat not obese, says minister

GPs and other health professionals should tell people they are fat rather than obese, England's public health minister says.

Hip hope from stem cell technique

Doctors may soon be able to patch up damaged bones and joints anywhere in the body with a simple shot in the arm.

Alcohol can 'lessen' arthritis

Drinking alcohol can reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, a study has found

Yahoo Health

Chicken producers debate 'natural' label (AP)

In this photo taken Dec. 19, 2008, chickens are seen on a farm near Vacaville, Calif. A disagreement among poultry producers about whether chicken injected with salt, water and other ingredients can be promoted as 'natural' has prompted federal officials to consider changing labeling guidelines. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

AP - A disagreement among poultry producers about whether chicken injected with salt, water and other ingredients can be promoted as "natural" has prompted federal officials to consider changing labeling guidelines.

Hands-only CPR, pushy dispatchers are lifesavers (AP)

FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2006 file photo a person participates in an American Red Cross CPR training in Washington. Two new studies conclude that 'hands only' chest compression is enough to save a life. The American Heart Association has been promoting 'hands only' CPR for two years, though it's not clear how much it's caught on. The new studies should help, experts say. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, File)

AP - More bystanders are willing to attempt CPR if an emergency dispatcher gives them firm and direct instructions — especially if they can just press on the chest and skip the mouth-to-mouth, according to new research.

DC pushes female condoms to fight HIV epidemic (AP)

AP - Charlene Cotton will talk to anyone about sex. Several days a week she stands behind a table decorated with a bowl of flavored condoms and safer sex pamphlets, calling to women passing on the street, "Come check out my table. Don't be scared."

NYC looks to stop spreading bedbug infestations (AP)

FILE - In this undated photo released by the University of Florida, a common bedbug is engorged with blood after feeding on a human. One of every 15 New Yorkers battled bedbugs last year, officials said Wednesday, July 28, 2010, as they announced a plan to fight the spreading infestation, including a public-awareness campaign and a top entomologist to head the effort. (AP Photo/University of Florida, File) NO SALES

AP - One of every 15 New Yorkers battled bedbugs last year, officials said Wednesday as they announced a plan to fight the spreading infestation, including a public-awareness campaign and a top entomologist to head the effort.

New program rebuilding faces of soldiers, veterans (AP)

In this photo taken June 23, 2010, Master Sgt. Todd Nelson is reflected in a mirror as Dr. Joe Villalobos makes adjustments to a prosthetics ear at Wilford Hall Medical Center, in San Antonio. Nelson was injured in 2007 by an explosion while serving in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

AP - Master Sgt. Todd Nelson lost his right eye and ear in a flash when a car bomb in Afghanistan exploded, sending fire up his arm and over his head.

Tests aim to settle if fresher blood works better (AP)

Dr. Wenche Jy, research assistant professor, watches as Eleanor De Asis, assistant lab manager, washes blood, Friday, July 23, 2010, at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. This summer, hospitals around the country are launching major new research to settle if fresher blood really is better for at least some patients. And if so, they're also hunting ways to turn back the clock for older blood — like the University of Miami's work to wash away some cellular debris — and offset any deterioration. The University of Miami at Jackson Memorial Hospital is testing whether 'washing' blood before transfusing it could help, by ridding blood of microparticles that accumulate the longer it's stored. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

AP - Facing surgery? You could receive blood that's been stored for a week, or three weeks, or nearly six — and there's growing concern that people who get the older blood might not fare as well.

The pill equally effective in obese, thin women (Reuters)

Reuters - Despite studies suggesting that birth control pills might not work as well in obese women, a new study suggests that they prevent pregnancy the same no matter what a woman weighs.

New Study Finds HPV Vaccine Protects Against Genital Warts (HealthDay)

HealthDay - TUESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- A new study finds that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects not only against the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer, but also helps prevent genital warts and low-grade cervical growths.

Clinical Trials Update: July 29, 2010 (HealthDay)

HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Health Tip: Dealing With Separation Anxiety (HealthDay)

HealthDay - (HealthDay News) -- It's common for young children to have a tough time when mom or dad leaves them with someone else.

MedPage Today

Most Older AML Patients May Want to Skip Intensive Chemo (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- The majority of patients 70 and older who have acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may not benefit from intensive chemotherapy, a single-center study showed.

Washington Week: Nonstop Action As FDA Closes Out July

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- It's been an unusually hectic July for the FDA, and this past week was no exception. The agency approved a polypill to treat hypertension, and separate FDA advisory committees endorsed an investigational antiplatelet, grappled with safety issues involving a new spine device, and debated when it's okay to change endpoints in clinical trials.

Small Cancer Risk Seen in Children on TNF Blockers (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- The use of tumor necrosis blockers in children may increase the risk of malignancy, particularly when these drugs are given for inflammatory bowel disease rather than for rheumatic conditions.

Male Breast CA Rare, but a Worry for Families (CME/CE, with audio)

(MedPage Today) -- Having a male relative with breast cancer boosts the family's perception of their own risk but doesn't help the odds that they will do something about it, analysis of national survey data showed.

FDA Panel Grapples With Changing Study Endpoint

ADELPHI, Md. (MedPage Today) -- An FDA advisory panel was split this week over whether Pfizer should be allowed to substitute an endpoint in its clinical trial testing sildenafil as a treatment for kids with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

No Support for Tight Glucose Control in ESRD (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Tight glucose control did not improve survival in diabetic hemodialysis patients -- suggesting a need for individualized glucose management, long-term data on 25,000 patients suggest.

CMS to Consider Evidence on Bone Growth Agent

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- The Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) will meet in September to consider available evidence for using bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) for a number of on-label and off-label uses.

FDA Warns of Cure-All Product Based on Bleach

(MedPage Today) -- The FDA has warned consumers not to use a product called Miracle Mineral Solution -- which makes broad health claims -- because it's actually an industrial strength bleach.

Pandemic Flu Strain Will Be Component of Seasonal Vaccine

(MedPage Today) -- As expected, the U.S. flu vaccine for next fall will include the pandemic flu that has swept the world, the FDA said.

Women Big Winners With Health Reform Law

(MedPage Today) -- An estimated 30 million women will be helped by the new healthcare reform law over the next 10 years, according to a report from The Commonwealth Fund.

Welcome to West Somerset Healthcare, Williton and Watchet Surgeries

The present practice was formed in 1972 by the amalgamation of three smaller practices based in Williton, Watchet and Stogumber. We cover an area within a radius of about 10 miles extending into the Exmoor National Park.

The partners have a variety of experience and interests allowing us to offer a wide range of services. We employ a full quota of assistants and have an extensive practice nursing team; in addition community nurses, midwives, health visitors, dietician and a counsellor are attached to the practice.

WILLITON SURGERY - Robert Street, Williton, TA4 4QE

The main surgery in Williton is purpose built and was opened in 1982. The surgery is situated in the centre of Williton and offers easy access and spacious surroundings.

WATCHET SURGERY - 55 Swain Street, Watchet, TA23 0AG

The surgery in Watchet is situated next to the main bus stop and car park. It provides spacious accommodation including an operating suite and counselling room.

PLEASE HELP US BY COMPLETING OUR ON LINE PATIENT SURVEY, SIMPLY FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW.

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Practice Information

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