Somerset's Health, Disability and Community Care Information Service
Phone free on 0800 317220
What is Signposts?
 Signposts is a free, confidential information service for Somerset. We can tell you how
to
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Get in touch with health services and community care services you need
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Put you in touch with local voluntary organisations and support groups
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Follow-up a problem, or make a complaint, about any of these services
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Make comments or suggestions about the way you would like to see these services develop in the future.
When are you available?
Signposts is open from 8am to 6pm every weekday and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays. At other times you can leave a message on our
answerphone, or phone NHS
Direct for health information or nursing advice on 0845 46 47.
We have a textphone, so that people with a hearing impairment can use our
service.
How do I contact you?
Our freephone number is 0800 317220
You can also write to us:
Signposts Information Service
PO Box 618
Queen Street
Taunton
TA1 3WF
Fax: 01823 321380.
Email: signposts@somerset.gov.uk
What kind of questions can you answer?
Anything about health, disability and community care services in the broadest sense. For example:
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is there a well-woman clinic near me?
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how can I find a reliable childminder?
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where can I get a list of residential care homes?
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I'm new to the area, what services do local GP practices offer?
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can I have a home help?
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where can I get a key for public toilets accessible to disabled people?
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what is the waiting time for a hip replacement operation?
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I've been told my mother has Alzheimer's disease - what does that mean?
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is there a local support group for people with asthma?
We can usually give you an immediate answer, and follow this up in writing if you would find this helpful.
We have lots of health information. We can't give medical advice or counselling.
We can point you to services who can.
How do you know the answers?
We have a wide range of resources - computer databases, Directories,
leaflets, articles and contacts in other organisations. if we don't know the
answer, we will find out and get back to you. All our staff are trained and
experienced.
Can I be sure that your service is confidential?
Yes, you can. Some of our callers prefer to remain anonymous, and we respect that. We do not, as a matter of principle, use the 1471 facility to trace callers. And we only discuss your call with colleagues, or people from other organisations, with your permission.
What if I have a complaint or suggestion about Signposts?
We suggest you discuss it with the Duty Manager of the service, in the
first instance. You can phone them on 01823 349030,
or write to them at the address above.
They will ensure that it is dealt with by the NHS Direct or Social Services
complaints procedure, according to the nature of the complaint.
Who provides Signposts?
Signposts is a service provided by Care Direct, NHS
Direct and Somerset County Council.
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