The NHS has appointed the region’s first chief midwife to lead improvements in care for expectant mothers and their babies during the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. NHS England announced today that Helen Williams would be the first to take on the new role in the South West, making her responsible for midwifery leadership […]

Over 29 million pounds is being invested into the NHS in the South West to improve services and access to much needed care during the busy winter months. The funding follows an announcement earlier in the year which outlined the governments plans to give more than £145 million to NHS Trusts across the country to […]

Over 100,000 patients across the UK have been saved unnecessary A&E trips or GP appointments in less than two months thanks to referrals to community pharmacists by NHS 111, and over eight thousand of these are from the South West. The Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS), launched in late October. Here we opened the door […]

Thousands of people could see their plans for mince pies and merriment turn to misery if flu levels reach expected levels in late December and early January. The call to action from Michael Marsh, NHS Medical Director is that flu can take its toll on anyone, but those aged over 65 or who have long-term […]

NHS England and NHS Improvement South West is looking for eight people to join four committees as patient and public voice expert advisors for the Direct Commissioning directorate. Applicants must want to make a difference and help ensure our commissioning is informed by those who use and care about our services so they are of […]

We can all play a role in stopping the spread of this unpleasant infectious bug Alcohol hand gels DON’T kill the virus – handwashing is the best way to protect yourself against norovirus Laboratory reports of norovirus in the South West for week 44 were higher than the number reported in the equivalent week last […]

All primary school children now eligible Public Health England is urging parents and guardians to take up the offer of a free childhood flu vaccination in school this year. Every winter, around September/October parents will be asked to sign or electronically complete a consent form allowing their child to be vaccinated against flu. More than […]

If you or someone you care for or support use special care dental services in the South West then NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE and NHSI) would like to hear from you. The views of patients, potential patients, parents, carers and advocates will be collated and help shape future developments of special care dental […]

This June we saw more Brits soaking up the hottest temperatures on record, and more heatwaves are set for the South West throughout the school holidays. The NHS wants parents to protect the whole family and ‘Cover Up, Mate’! Whilst it is great to see people making the most of the UK sunshine in the […]

The NHS in the South West is today celebrating after winning three prestigious national parliamentary awards. The winners who were nominated by South West MPs were honoured at an awards ceremony at the House of Commons in London. Ade Williams, a pharmacist from Bedminster in Bristol picked up The Excellence in Primary Care Award. Wellbeing […]