A network of 15 centres has been created across the South West for people who need help for urgent and emergency dental conditions, including severe pain and infection. The urgent dental centres, commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement, are fully staffed and equipped to provide treatment while high-street surgeries have their doors closed due […]

Across the South West NHS staff on the front line are seeing huge offers of generosity from members of the public and it’s wonderful to shine a light on these special acts of kindness that are taking place. This week in Bristol, Jonny Stubbs, 25 and lives near Southmead hospital, donated his flat rent free […]

The NHS and three voluntary sector organisations are boosting their partnership to support people this winter. This follows the success of last year’s collaboration which directly supported over 8,000 patients across the country. Whilst the NHS and voluntary sector maintain a close partnership all year round, this is increased during the winter months to support […]

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 […]