Latest Updates from NHS Somerset – July 2026
Bowel Cancer Screening Programme celebrates 20 years
A life-saving screening programme that has helped detect bowel cancer earlier for thousands of people is marking its 20th anniversary.
The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, launched in 2006, has transformed the way the disease is identified and treated, offering a simple home testing kit that can detect early signs of cancer before symptoms appear.
In Somerset, the programme has grown significantly over the past two decades, evolving from a small service into a wide, multi-disciplinary team supporting patients across the county….
https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=bowel-cancer-screening-programme-celebrates-20-years
New digital app launched to support ADHD patients in Somerset
Patients experiencing ADHD symptoms in Somerset are set to benefit from a new digital app designed to provide trusted information and personalised support throughout their care journey.
The ConnectPlus app, developed in partnership with clinicians from our adult ADHD service, and technology partner HCI, is the first of its kind to be implemented by an adult ADHD service in England. The free app is now available to all patients with ADHD symptoms across Somerset.
The app has been designed to help people better understand their symptoms, access reliable information, and navigate local care pathways with greater confidence…..
https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=new-digital-app-launched-to-support-adhd-patients-in-somerset
Clinical psychologist Megan returns to college to inspire future careers
A paediatric clinical psychologist at the trust has returned to the college where she first studied psychology, to help inspire students who may be considering a future career in the profession.
Dr Megan Rowley recently visited Bridgwater College, where she studied psychology as a teenager, to talk to students about her journey into clinical psychology and what the role is really like day-to-day.
Megan says the idea came about after one of her former lecturers got in touch and asked if she would be willing to come back to speak to current students…….
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust launches innovative way of detecting oesophageal cancer earlier
Our trust has become one of the first in the country to launch a pioneering new case-finding project aimed at detecting oesophageal cancer at an early stage.
The initiative, which has launched already in Bridgwater, Chard and Langport, will see thousands of people across the county proactively contacted by text and invited to book a quick test that could catch cancer before symptoms even appear.
The trust has set up the project in partnership with C the Signs, an artificial intelligence platform that scans GP records to spot patients who meet specific clinical risk factors for oesophageal cancer……
Somerset faster diagnosis cancer nurses in national awards shortlist for self-referrals
A pioneering cancer initiative led by our faster diagnosis cancer nurses has been recognised on the national stage after being shortlisted for a prestigious Nursing Times Award.
Our cancer nursing colleagues have been named finalists in the Ingrid Fuchs Cancer Nursing Award category, in recognition of their work transforming how patients access life-saving diagnostics.
The nomination centres on an innovative self-referral model, developed and delivered by our faster diagnosis team, which enables patients to refer themselves directly into diagnostic pathways without needing to see a GP first….
From kitchen to ward: Somerset NHS facilities team scoops national award for patient meal overhaul
Our community facilities team is celebrating national recognition after transforming the way meals are served to patients across its community hospitals.
The team has redesigned the patient meal service from the ground up, placing a renewed focus on quality, consistency and a more personal experience for patients.
The changes have now been recognised at the 2025 CHA Innovation and Best Practice Awards, which this year marked the programme’s 25th anniversary.
Until recently, meals prepared by our facilities team were handed over at the kitchen door and delivered to patients by a variety of colleagues, including nurses, activities coordinators and some catering colleagues….