Almost 100,000 additional general practice appointments will be available right across the country over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, with patients in the South West set to benefit from local plans for convenient care, the NHS has confirmed. As part of its Long Term Plan for the health service, the NHS is making access to […]
Successful NHS England programme extended for three more years. An NHS programme has seen GP practices free up more than half a million hours of time for patients in the last year. The Time for Care programme sees surgeries across the country adopt new ways of working. For example, letting patients book appointments sooner, cutting […]
Is your repeat prescription on your shopping list this Easter? Don’t let the bank holiday catch you on the hop! Take a few minutes to think about your health by ordering and collecting any repeat prescriptions early, ahead of Easter bank holiday when some GP practices and pharmacies will be closed. Liz Mearns, NHS England […]
When 65-year-old Peter Bell from Keynsham in Somerset discovered he was at risk of getting Type 2 diabetes, he decided he had to do something about it. A routine blood test by his GP showed raised blood sugar readings, warning signs that he was at risk of developing the condition. Peter’s GP referred him to […]
MPs across the South West have been asked to nominate their health and care heroes as the NHS launches its prestigious parliamentary awards to recognise staff who go above and beyond the call of duty. The awards were created to celebrate NHS staff, carers and volunteers – their hard work, innovative ideas and unwavering efforts […]
NHS England South West (North) has commissioned nine new orthodontic contracts in key locations across Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire. This follows the re-procurement of orthodontic services where existing contracts were due to expire and will allow an increase in the number of patients that can start treatment each year. The new providers will be based […]
Doctors and midwives are urging pregnant women across the South West to protect themselves and their unborn child from flu by getting the flu jab this winter. The flu vaccination is safe during any stage of pregnancy and is available from their GP, maternity service provider or pharmacy. Emma Gilbert, mother-to-be from Bath said: “I’ve […]
NHS England South West is supporting Cervical Cancer Prevention Week this week and encouraging women with learning disabilities, in particular, to attend cervical screening appointments. Data collected by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust* shows that women with learning disabilities are 45 per cent less likely to be screened for cancer compared to their counterparts without learning […]
This week we felt temperatures across the South West plummet and as we prepare for freezing fog and icy temperatures NHS England are reminding people of the simple steps they can take to stay warm and well this winter. NHS England’s winter campaign encourages patients and NHS staff to work together and Help Us, Help […]
With the festive and New Year period upon us, GPs and Pharmacists are still urging the public to have the flu vaccine. Although the temperatures are generally mild, the Flu virus is circulating, and people who have not been vaccinated will continue to be at risk of developing the unpleasant symptoms. It’s particularly important for […]