News
Get your flu vaccination before winter as cases continue to rise
With winter only a few weeks away, the South West’s top health bosses are warning people to get important protection from the flu virus as soon as possible, with cases in the region increasing. Eligible people, especially under 65s with long term health conditions, are being urged to come forward now so they are fully […]
The Topless Runner is asking you to check your breasts this Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year the NHS in the South West has teamed up with Louise Butcher, The Topless Runner, to raise awareness around breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. It is more common in women, but anyone can get breast cancer as […]
Over one million flu vaccinations administered in South West as flu rates rise
The NHS in the South West is thanking those who have already received their flu vaccine and urging those eligible to come forward as levels of flu continue to rise. So far in the region, over 1.2 million flu vaccinations have been administered, but it is important those who are eligible still come forward for […]
The NHS in the South West is encouraging you to Stay Active
The South West’s top public health doctor is urging people to get active as the days draw in, to help reduce their risk of long-term conditions, serious illness and even early death. With more than one in five adults classed as inactive and nearly half of children and young people not hitting recommended levels of […]
South West nurses and midwives come together to shape the future of the professions at CNO event
On 24 September, over 120 nurses and midwives from across the South West came together in Taunton to take part in a regional engagement event for the Chief Nursing Officer’s (CNO) Professional Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery. Led by Duncan Burton, CNO for England, the strategy aims to co-develop a compelling long-term vision for nursing […]
Stay Well this winter by getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
Eligible people are urged to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to help protect themselves and their families this winter. Respiratory infections like flu spread more easily in winter because we spend more time indoors with others. Last year in England, flu caused around 8,000 deaths, while vaccination prevented an estimated 96,000 to 120,200 hospitalisations. […]
Professor Green announces winners of supervised toothbrushing competition
Professor Green has today, announced his winners of the South West supervised toothbrushing singing and colouring competition held across the region’s primary schools in an exclusive video across NHS England South West’s social media. NHS England South West teamed up with rapper and health activist Professor Green, and the Big Brush Club to launch an […]
Safe Learning Environment Charter – Celebration Week in the South West
#SLECWeek: 29 September – 5 October 2025 The Safe Learning Environment Charter is a national initiative co-produced by learners and educators across England. It defines what “good” looks like in placements and training, focusing on psychological safety, supervision, wellbeing, and inclusion. The Charter sets out clear principles to ensure learners feel safe, supported, and empowered. […]
New screening videos make health information more accessible for people with learning disabilities
NHS England South West and Sirona care & health have launched suite of new videos to help people with learning disabilities better understand the importance of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and cervical screening. Created in partnership with actors from Misfits theatre group, a social theatre group for people with learning disabilities, the aim of the […]
Nearly 120,000 checked and treated for high blood pressure by the NHS in South West in 18 months, in a drive to reduce premature deaths
118,315 people in the South West have been checked and treated for high blood pressure in the past 18 months, as part of a drive to reduce the death toll from stroke and heart attack. All were given lifestyle advice and offered treatment to help manage their condition. As a result, it’s estimated 700 heart […]