News
Joint advice on getting help after rape and sexual assault and the use of self-swab kits
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, there is support available from organisations in Bristol and throughout Avon and Somerset. They will never tell you what you should do, but will help you think about your options. They will listen and believe you. You will be cared for in a […]
Hundreds of cancers caught early in the South West through NHS lung checks
Hundreds of people in the South West have been diagnosed with cancer earlier thanks to life-saving lung health checks, which use mobile scanning trucks to visit communities. That means they can begin treatment when the chances of success are highest. The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check programme is the biggest drive in NHS history improve […]
South West medical director calls for people to not delay calling an ambulance at the first signs of a stroke, as NHS launches stroke campaign
The NHS has launched the first major update to the ‘Act FAST’ campaign since 2009, urging the public to call 999 immediately if anyone experiences one of the three common symptoms of struggling to smile (Face) or raise an arm (Arms), or slurring their words (Speech). The campaign comes as new data shows the average […]
Burns specialist issues fresh warning on the danger of hot drinks as three infants and children a week suffer serious scalds in the South West
Burns specialists in the South West and the father of a seriously scalded toddler are urging parents to be extra careful with hot drinks, after new data revealed the toll among young children from hot drink spills. Last year saw 149 children living in the South West, most under two years old, needing treatment at […]
Annual flu vaccination programme underway in the South West
Children and pregnant women are the first in line for the annual flu vaccination programme which is now underway in the South West. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways of protecting yourself and the people around you from the debilitating effects of flu. Eligible children and pregnant women are the focus for the […]
South West’s health and care staff honoured in the 2024 Parliamentary Awards
The NHS in the South West is today (5 September) celebrating the remarkable achievements of staff and teams who have won regional categories in the 2024 Parliamentary Awards, after being nominated by their local MPs. This year’s competition spans ten categories, including a new award for excellence in education and training. All winners will now […]
NHS in the South West ramps up free blood pressure checks to reduce premature deaths from ‘silent killer’
A regionwide drive gets under way today (Monday 2 September) to help people aged 40-plus protect themselves against the hidden threat of high blood pressure, one of the biggest causes of premature death in the South West. Supermarkets, sports matches, libraries, workplaces, festivals and concerts will be hosting simple and free NHS blood pressure checks. […]
Study shows new RSV vaccine for pregnant women could prevent 5,000 infant hospitalisations a year
The UK Health Security Agency and NHS England in the South West are highlighting the benefits that a double RSV vaccination programme is expected to bring following its introduction from September. A recent detailed analysis estimated that the first strand – nationwide vaccination for pregnant women – could typically prevent 5,000 hospitalisations and 15,000 emergency […]
Top South West nurses urge students to consider healthcare careers through clearing
Would-be graduates and people looking to change career are being urged to use the university clearing system as a gateway into the NHS in the South West. As students receive their A-level results on Thursday (15 August), top nurses from the South West are backing a campaign to highlight the many healthcare career options available […]
Blog – Navigating the tides: My Journey as an NHS England Allied Health Professions Clinical Fellow in Mental Health
As an NHS England Allied Health Professions (AHP) Clinical Fellow specialising in mental health, my journey has been both challenging and rewarding. In this reflective article, I share my experiences, the leadership skills I have acquired, and how adversity transformed into opportunity. Author: Sasha Johnston, Senior Mental Health Lead, Research Paramedic, and NIHR Doctoral Research […]