The NHS in the South West is urging people to come forward for their COVID-19 and flu vaccines before the winter offer comes to an end. Festive celebrations may have led to an increase in flu and COVID-19 infections as figures published this week show that the number of patients in hospital beds with flu […]

The NHS in the South West is urging people to play their part as staff work flat-out to cater for high demand in the continuing cold weather. With the amber weather alert extended to the weekend, there is heavy pressure across the region on GP surgeries, ambulances, A&E departments and community services. Flu and other […]

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and the NHS in the South West is sharing how people can help eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.   Cervical cancer leads to approximately 685 deaths in England each year. However, through cervical screening and the HPV vaccination programme, eliminating cervical cancer is more achievable than ever before.  Dr Matthew Dominey, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead […]

Families with young children in the South West, and across England, will now be offered protection against chickenpox as part of their routine childhood vaccinations. The NHS’s vaccination programme is being expanded to include chickenpox for the first time to help shield young children from getting seriously ill. Following a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisations, GP practices will be able to offer children […]

NHS England’s former South West Medical Director has been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours. Dr Michael Marsh – a familiar figure on regional TV screens, talking about everything from covid and flu to getting the right treatment – receives an MBE for his contribution over many years to healthcare and public service. He […]

As the temperatures drop, it’s important we all play our part to stay safe, look after each other and ease pressure on our NHS in the South West. This is especially important for elderly residents across the South West, as well as people with pre-existing health conditions, who are being urged to take extra precautions […]

High levels of seasonal illness, including flu, and vomiting and diarrhoea bugs, mean ambulances, hospitals, GP surgeries and other NHS services in the South West can come under severe pressure at this time of year. People across the region are being asked to help by continuing to choose the right service for their needs and […]

The NHS in the South West is preparing for another round of industrial action by resident doctors, who are due to strike from 7am tomorrow (Wednesday) until 7am on Monday 22 December. Plans are in place to maintain services as far as possible at near-normal levels, to minimise disruption for patients. The key advice to […]

NHS bosses in the South West have issued a last chance call for people to get their flu jab to be protected ahead of the festive holidays, as flu hospitalisations in the region surge by three quarters (76%) in just one week. Latest data* shows the number of people in the South West in hospital […]

The NHS in the South West is encouraging all eligible people to get their winter flu vaccine in the lead up to the Christmas period – and is making it easier than ever to find out where clinics are in your local area. The country-wide vaccination drive kicks off this weekend as those eligible for […]