The biggest vaccine campaign in NHS history kicked off this morning, as 90-year-old grandmother Margaret Keenan became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 jab following its clinical approval. At 6.31AM early riser Margaret, known to friends and family as Maggie, was given the life-saving jab by nurse May Parsons at […]
The NHS in the South West took a significant further step today towards joined-up health and social care at grassroots level, with the approval of four more integrated care systems (ICSs). The new ICSs cover: • Bath & NE Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire • Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire • Cornwall and Isles of […]
People most at risk of flu are being urged to get their free NHS vaccination as soon as possible, before flu season hits. This year, more people than ever are being offered the free vaccine, including those more likely to develop serious complications such as pregnant women and people with long term health conditions including […]
MPs and NHS leaders in the South West have joined forces to honour health and care staff who have helped to improve treatment for patients in the regional round of the NHS Parliamentary Awards, announced today. Winners in the 10 regional categories, which range from Excellence in Primary Care to the Lifetime Achievement Award, include […]
People with persistent stomach problems living in the South West are being urged to get checked for cancer as part of the NHS and Public Health England’s ‘Help Us Help You’ campaign. TV adverts and social media posts in the region will urge people to speak to their GP if they have a symptom including […]
With autumn in full swing and the risk of flu as prevalent as ever, we’re urging people with eligible health conditions to take up their free flu vaccination. We know from previous years that flu kills. Evidence shows that people who get flu and COVID at the same time are more likely to need to […]
Latest figures have highlighted the drop in patients seeking medical help when experiencing potential symptoms of lung cancer; and fewer people are accessing treatment for the condition in hospitals across the South West. The data tells us those attending hospital for suspected lung cancer following referral by their GP, fell to below 20% of normal […]
A dedicated support package totalling £1.24 million is being used to strengthen suicide-prevention work across the South West and to provide practical and emotional support to friends and family who have lost a loved one to suicide. The latest wave of funding from NHS England and NHS Improvement comes as events are held across the […]
As schools reopen in September, parents and carers are being urged to check their children have had all their pre-school vaccinations to protect them from serious diseases and help prevent outbreaks. While the majority of parents in the South West do ensure their child is fully vaccinated, some children starting school are either missing key doses or have not been vaccinated at all. Early childhood […]
Patients with diabetes are being urged to take up the offer of appointments and health checks as the NHS in the South West emerges from the covid pandemic. Attendance dropped sharply during lockdown, posing an increased risk of serious complications that can damage the feet, eyes, heart and kidneys. While more people have been coming […]