Local hospitals will be able to quickly activate surge capacity in the independent sector as part of the national COVID response, under a new deal announced today. A three-month agreement with multiple independent healthcare organisations will see their staff and facilities put on standby to support the NHS should the Omicron variant lead to unsustainable […]

The country’s top family doctor today urged families to get their children protected against coronavirus, as the NHS vaccination programme makes hundreds of thousands of appointments available. Dr Nikki Kanani said around half a million vaccination appointments for 12 to 15-year-olds are up for grabs across the country during January. Families can book in at […]

The NHS in England has today confirmed the appointment of the next Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England. Following an open recruitment process, David Webb, currently Chief Pharmacist and Clinical Director for Pharmacy and Medicines Optimisation at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, will join the Medical Directorate and lead the national pharmacy […]

NHS National Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis said: “Omicron means more patients to treat and fewer staff to treat them. In fact, around 10,000 more colleagues across the NHS were absent each day last week compared with the previous seven days and almost half of all absences are now down to COVID. “While we don’t […]

Issued at 8.30am on Thursday 6 January 2022 There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 9am on Thursday 6 January and 9am on Monday 10 January in parts of England.  This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Find out more about staying […]

England’s top GP is urging people to come forward for their booster jab with two million appointments up for grabs over the next week as the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Programme continues to protect the nation. The NHS bolstered capacity to roll out boosters at an unprecedented rate as part of a ‘national mission’ to protect […]

Commenting on statistics released today showing 326,152 coronavirus vaccinations, including some 260,218 boosters or third doses, were reported over New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and January 2nd. Dr Emily Lawson, NHS vaccination lead said: “Thanks to the continued efforts of NHS staff and volunteers, 326,152 COVID vaccinations – including over a quarter of a million […]

Issued at 9.00am on Monday 3 January 2022 There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between midnight on Tuesday 4 January and midday on Thursday 6 January in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Find out more about staying […]

The head of the NHS in England is paying tribute to over 100,000 people who gave up around two million hours of their time to help ramp up the vaccination programme in 2021, as the NHS doubled down on boosting the nation. Working alongside NHS staff, selfless volunteers helped to deliver record-beating numbers of jabs […]

The head of the world-leading NHS COVID vaccination programme is recognised in the New Year Honours list alongside dozens of colleagues from across the health service. The Damehood for Dr Emily Lawson comes just over a year after the NHS made history by launching the first national COVID vaccines programme by delivering the first Pfizer […]