Minehead, Somerset – 20/06/25

Minehead Medical Centre, a OneMedicare service, is proud to share the success of the recent West Somerset Health Fair, held last Friday at the Quaker Meeting Place in Minehead. The event marked the culmination of several months of dedicated planning and collaboration by the team at Minehead Medical Centre, aimed at supporting and strengthening the health and wellbeing of the local community.

The fair welcomed nearly 100 local residents who engaged with representatives from a wide range of organisations, including NHS Somerset, Somerset Council, Healthwatch Somerset, and other key community groups and stakeholders. Among the guests were Councillor Mandy Chilcott, Kirsty Campbell from NHS Somerset’s Shaping Somerset initiative, and Melanie Nixon, Quality Lead at NHS Somerset ICB.

Attendees participated in meaningful conversations, provided feedback on local health priorities, and enjoyed an afternoon of support, information-sharing, and community spirit. The event featured a vibrant array of stalls, with opportunities to contribute to ongoing NHS consultation efforts, and even a few sweet treats to keep energy levels high.

Riley Elgar, event organiser and administrator at Minehead Medical Centre, reflected on the day:

“We’ve had great feedback from professionals and the public alike; but next time, I think we’ll need a bigger hall!”

Key Highlights:

• Engagement with NHS Somerset’s consultation on healthcare spending priorities across Acute Hospitals, Primary Care, Mental Health, Community Services, and preventative services.

• Discussions around improving accessibility, particularly for older residents and those without digital access.

• Councillor Mandy Chilcott highlighted the pressing need for improved public transport and better support for Somerset’s ageing population.

• Positive dialogue with local partners, including Healthwatch Somerset, Somerset Go Smoke Free, and pre-diabetes services, many of whom are now planning follow-up visits to Minehead Medical Centre to offer support.

Katheryn Antonelli, Operations Manager at Minehead Medical Centre, spoke with a number of patients during the event and was able to address and resolve several concerns on the day, further demonstrating the value of direct community engagement.

Patient feedback was both insightful and valuable. One elderly attendee shared her difficulties accessing digital services but expressed appreciation for the Centre’s commitment to providing alternatives. Notably, she attended the event after receiving a promotional text from the practice, highlighting the importance of inclusive communication strategies.

Finally, a special thank you goes to our Patient Participation Group (PPG) for their continued support throughout the event.

For media enquiries or further information, please contact:
enquiries@onemedicalgroup.co.uk