Millions of patients will receive quicker, more convenient access to NHS care from their high street pharmacy, thanks to a major expansion of services under a radical plan to improve access to primary care. For the first time ever, patients who need prescription medication will be able to get it directly from a pharmacy, without […]

The NHS will prioritise urgent and emergency care again this bank holiday weekend, and is urging the public to use services wisely as industrial action enters its sixth month. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced strike action, starting on Sunday at 8pm and finishing on Monday at midnight. Following the recent junior doctors […]

GPs and pharmacists have helped cut opioid prescriptions in England by 450,000 in under four years, latest data shows, as the NHS today unveils a new action plan to crack down on the overuse of potentially-addictive medicines. The new framework for local health and care providers aims to further reduce inappropriate prescribing of high-strength painkillers […]

The NHS has issued a call for anyone eligible for cervical screening to come forward for a potentially life-saving appointment, with nearly a third, around 4.6 million, not taking up their latest test. The plea from senior NHS medics comes on the back of the health service sending a record number of invites for cervical […]

The NHS is asking patients to use services wisely during industrial action and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most. This includes using NHS 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and continuing to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency. […]

People should continue to come forward for the care they need during industrial action, the NHS has said today. Deputy Chief Nursing Officer Charlotte McArdle said it is “vital” they come forward for emergency care during strikes. The call follows messaging issued by the NHS last week across NHS websites and social media telling patients […]

Tens of thousands of cancers could be detected sooner each year thanks to a national roll out of fast-track testing, NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard will announce today. NHS England is expanding direct access to diagnostic scans across all GP practices, helping cut waiting times and speeding up a cancer diagnosis or all-clear for patients. […]

More than 100,000 patients were seen by their high street pharmacist in just one month according to new NHS figures, helping people get the quick care they need as well as easing pressure on GP teams facing record demand. In June, 118,123 people with minor illnesses such as a sore throat or constipation, or those […]

Thousands more staff will be recruited to new roles in General Practice, so family doctors’ time can be freed up to see more patients during winter, the NHS has announced today. More than one thousand GP assistants will be recruited to practices from this month to offer more admin support with the roles already proven […]

Thousands of new mental health experts will be on hand to support people in their local GP practice amid record demand for services, the head of the NHS announced today. Fully trained experts from local NHS trusts will offer people with severe mental health problems such as bipolar, psychosis or eating disorders, a consultation, treatment, […]