MORE than 3,000 people started NHS apprenticeships in the North West over the past year, helping to boost staffing levels and contributing to direct and indirect care to local communities. This week marks National Apprenticeship Week (9 to 15 February), and NHS England in the North West is encouraging people to consider an NHS apprenticeship […]

The NHS in the North West has welcomed the publication of the NHS Cancer Plan, saying it will present opportunities to expand on innovative work already happening across the region, such as the transformation of urgent and emergency care for cancer patients to reduce A&E attendances and hospitals admissions. This World Cancer Day (4 February), […]

Health leaders in the North West have issued advice on preventing the spread of norovirus following a spike of people in the region’s hospitals with the virus. Latest data shows that in the North West, an average of 164 patients a day were in hospital with the ‘winter vomiting bug’ in the week up to […]

PEOPLE across the North West who have experienced sexual assault or abuse are being urged to come forward for confidential support, as the NHS highlights the help available through its network of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). SARCs provide a safe, private space for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, or abused — regardless […]

AT JUST 26 years old, Rachael Carey from Newton-le-Willows, received news that changed her life. Now 36, she is sharing her story for Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (19–25 January 2026) to encourage more women to attend their cervical screening when invited. Working in a GP practice, Rachael was familiar with the importance of screening—but like […]

HEALTH leaders across the North West are encouraging eligible people to continue to come forward for flu vaccinations, reminding the public that it is not too late to get protected as winter pressures continue. Flu is circulating in the community and can cause serious illness, particularly for older people, pregnant women, young children, and those […]

THOUSANDS of patients in the North West are benefitting from faster treatment times after 10 regional hospital trusts saw significant reductions in waiting lists through the Further Faster 20 (FF20) programme. The programme has seen specialist NHS teams work alongside local staff to transform how planned operations and outpatient appointments are delivered. North West trusts […]

JANUARY can be a challenging time for many people, so the NHS in the North West is urging anyone who is struggling with difficult feelings to reach out for help. Many people find they feel low, lonely or anxious at this time of year. Older adults, particularly those aged 65 and over, may feel this […]

THE NHS in the North West is reminding the public of the importance of coming forward for healthcare when feeling unwell, to avoid conditions worsening and leading to hospital admissions that could have been avoided. The call to seek help for symptoms early comes at one of the busiest times of year for the NHS […]

As the North West braces for plunging temperatures and the NHS enters one of its busiest periods of the year, one of the region’s leading doctors is urging the public to take precautions and access services appropriately. Dr Paula Cowan, GP and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England in the North West, […]