somerset

Getty ImagesSirona Care and Health serves nearly a million people in the Bristol area A healthcare provider serving almost a million people "requires improvement", inspectors say. Sirona Care and Health, which delivers NHS and council-funded healthcare services across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, was told its leadership must improve after an inspection in February. In a report published on Friday, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said it had inspected the non-profit due to concerns about quality of…

Georgia Roberts,political correspondent and Alex Forsyth,political correspondentGetty ImagesThe special educational needs and disabilities system for children in England faces "total collapse" and the government must not "keep ducking" reforms, council leaders have warned.The County Councils Network, which represents some of England's largest local authorities, said councils had deficits which will reach £4.4bn a year by the end of this parliament in 2029, as they struggled to cope with increased demand.The government has put off planned reforms to the…

BBCJoe Wicks said it was lovely to celebrate the opening of "this beautiful new school"Celebrity fitness coach Joe Wicks has kept his promise and returned to celebrate the opening of a school that was badly damaged in a fire.The blaze at Yatton Infants School, in Somerset, in May 2023 destroyed half of the roof.Following a plea for help from a teacher, Mr Wicks made a special trip to the damaged school and promised to return when it was…

A new urgent care treatment centre will help reduce waiting times for people with broken bones and infections, to stem the coming winter rush.People coming into Yeovil Hospital will now be triaged by a nurse at the front door and then sent to the emergency department - or the new urgent treatment centre if the condition is not life-threatening.Somerset NHS Foundation Trust said the new process will reduce waiting times for people who need urgent care.Katy Sizer, emergency…

A carnival performer has been taken to hospital after falling from a cart during a street parade.Police confirmed the person's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing after the incident at Somerset's Shepton Mallet Carnival at about 20:40 GMT on Wednesday.The procession was brought to a standstill for more than an hour while members of St John's Ambulance administered first aid.Shepton Mallet Carnival organisers have been approached for a comment.Rob Bayly, who was in the crowd…

A housing development which will see more than 320 properties built on the edge of a town has been approved, despite concerns around public rights of way.Persimmon Severn Valley said it would build 323 homes over two phases on land south of the A39 Quantock Road near Bridgwater, Somerset.Durleigh Parish Council criticised the proposals, saying the site lacked well-lit and safe walking and cycling routes. Somerset Council approved the plans at a meeting on Tuesday, subject to recommendations…