Total vaccinations have hit the 96 million mark as the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme continues its drive to protect the most vulnerable ahead of Christmas. After cases of the new COVID variant, Omicron, have been identified in England, the NHS’s top doctor today urged those in newly eligible groups to come forward as soon as […]

People who are severely immunosuppressed can book their third COVID jab online from today, as the NHS national booking system opens up to more people. In line with Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance, those who are classed as severely immunosuppressed as a result of treatment, for conditions such as cancer or for […]

Issued at 8.56am on Friday 26 November 2021 There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather between 6pm on Friday 26 November and 3pm on Monday 29 November 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 well this […]

More people got a full course of NHS talking therapy treatment last year than ever before, despite the pressure on services from the pandemic, according to new figures published today. A record 634,649 people completed the NHS Talking Therapy programme in 2020/21, up around 5% on the 606,192 in the year before as many people […]

Half of NHS Type 1 diabetes patients in England are now benefiting from the use of “life-changing” flash monitors that allow them to check their glucose levels more easily and regularly, paving the way for more people to benefit. Health service chief executive Amanda Pritchard, patient groups and senior clinicians have welcomed the milestone, showing […]

More than one million people will be eligible to book their life-saving jab top-up from tomorrow, as the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination programme continues to boost people’s protection ahead of winter. From 7am tomorrow (Monday 22 November), people aged 40 to 49 will be able to book their booster vaccine, and 16 and 17-year-olds their second […]

A life-changing drug that can improve mobility in children and adults with a rare genetic condition will be available on the NHS following a new commercial deal, chief executive Amanda Pritchard announced today. Risdiplam will be used to treat hundreds of patients a year with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare and often fatal genetic […]

More than 20,000 strokes and 5,000 deaths could be averted after NHS England struck new agreements to expand life-saving blood thinning drugs, chief executive Amanda Pritchard announced today. The NHS will now dramatically scale up the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) with as many as 610,000 more patients set to benefit over the next […]

Severely obese children and young people will receive intensive support in the coming months thanks to a pilot of 15 new specialist clinics set up by the NHS in England. One thousand children a year, who are aged between two and 18 and experiencing health complications related to severe obesity, will be supported to lose […]

More than one million 12 to 15-year-olds in England have been vaccinated against COVID-19, as the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme continues to visit hundreds of schools every week. So far, more than 3,500 schools have hosted clinics, while 95% of all schools have either already been visited or have a visit planned in the coming […]