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 […]

French Weir Health Centre has received £490,000 from the NHS England Estates and Technology Transformation Fund. Together with investment from the general practitioners of French Weir Health Centre, this has funded the addition of a completely new second storey to their building. French Weir Health Centre, which serves more than16,000 patients from Taunton and the […]

NHS England are pleased to announce a new dental practice will be opening its doors to NHS dental patients in Bath on Tuesday 28 May 2019. The new contract will provide improved access to NHS Dental Services and will be located at 11 Chelsea Road, Bath, BA1 3DU. Rachel Pearce, Regional Director of Commissioning South […]

As the South West gears up for summer, people who work outdoors are being urged to cover up against harmful UV rays. Health experts today have launched their skin cancer campaign “Cover Up, Mate”, aimed at agricultural and construction workers, gardeners and sports-players – who may find themselves outside longer during the summer months and […]

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 […]