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 […]

The biggest transformation in more than a generation to the way family doctors work will be launched from today (Monday 1 July). General practices across the South West will begin working together formally within local primary care networks (PCNs), typically serving patient populations of 30,000-50,000. This will enable them to support each other while offering […]

A new film from NHS England aims to highlight the dangers of over-prescribing of opioids for chronic pain and shows how a patient, Sean Jennings, from Cornwall changed his life with other treatment. The film release has been timed to coincide with Sean’s appearance at the House of Lords to speak at a special committee […]

The NHS in the South West has today (Monday 24th June) revealed the ten individuals and teams chosen as regional champions in the prestigious parliamentary awards. The champions will now vie with other regional winners from across England for a national award to be presented at a special ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in […]