MPs are nominating health service staff for their response to the COVID pandemic as part of the annual NHS Parliamentary Awards. The category recognising efforts during the pandemic, has been included in the annual event for the first time, after another extraordinary 12 months which has seen NHS staff and volunteers go the extra mile […]

Thousands of new NHS reservists will be recruited to support the health service as staff tackle COVID-19 backlogs, the head of the NHS announced today. Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive urged the public to enlist as an NHS reservist, with a wide range of opportunities available, including assisting people who are being discharged from hospital […]

NHS teams are set to visit over 650 schools this week to deliver second COVID-19 vaccines, as the majority of young people return to school after the half term break. Over 5,000 (5,136) more visits are planned before Easter as pupils become eligible, making it convenient for pupils aged 12 to 15 to get their […]

A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has said the NHS Vaccination Programme met “stretching and unprecedented targets” as it helped save lives and reduce hospital admissions – all while making effective use of public money. Commenting on the findings, GP and deputy lead for the NHS Vaccination Programme, Dr Nikki Kanani, said: “The […]

NHS National Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis said: “Over 100,000 patients with COVID have been admitted to hospital since the emergence of the Omicron variant – and today’s figures show that staff remain under pressure on various fronts as they continue to make inroads on the elective backlog. “With seasonal pressures and almost 60,000 staff […]

A therapy dog called Ruby and a mini toy town full of fun to help keep young people calm while they get their jabs are just some of the attractions lined up by NHS staff and volunteers to get children vaccinated during half term. As many schools are on half term this week, the NHS […]

A petting zoo, family fun days and a skate park are just some of the attractions lined up by NHS and volunteers to get 12 to 15-year-olds vaccinated during the half term. As many schools break up for half term, the NHS is sending invites to parents of more than one million 12 to 15-year-olds […]

The NHS is reminding millions of people who have still not had their COVID booster this week to book in, as the health service continues to encourage people to come forward for protection against coronavirus. More than four million people have been sent a second reminder to get boosted and a further 200,000 invitations been […]

NHS staff delivered 120,000 more diagnostic tests and checks in December, as the Omicron variant struck, compared to the same month last year, new figures show today. While NHS staff pulled out all the stops to accelerate the lifesaving COVID-19 booster programme, delivering over 14 million vaccinations in December, an extra 107,000 people also started […]

The NHS and government have today set out a blueprint to address backlogs built up during the COVID pandemic and tackle long waits for care with a massive expansion in capacity for tests, checks and treatments. NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard and Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid announced that the health service will […]