News

Important changes the NHS Dental Helpline in Somerset

From tomorrow (Friday 29 April) people living in Somerset, who are not registered with a dental practice, should call NHS 111 if they need urgent treatment or advice. Following an initial call with a call handler, the person may be put through to a dental nurse who will advise on next steps. This could range […]

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Immunosuppressed urged to boost their COVID-19 immunity

Health leaders in the South West are urging those aged 12 and over who have a weakened immune system, due to a condition or treatment plan, to come forward for their potentially life-saving COVID-19 Spring booster vaccination. COVID-19 has not gone away and infection rates are still high across the region. Those eligible for a […]

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There has never been a better time to have your child vaccinated this Easter holiday, now that all children aged 5-11 years are eligible to have the COVID-19 vaccination.

The NHS is making the vaccine available for all 5 to 11s following updated JCVI guidance, which recommended all children would benefit from a non-urgent offer of the vaccine, to help protect against potential future waves of COVID-19 and reduce the risk of children falling seriously ill with the virus. The NHS has already been […]

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Boost your immunity against Covid-19 this Spring

Health bosses in the South West are urging those eligible to book their Covid-19 Spring booster as soon as it has been six months (182 days) since their last dose. Over 75s, residents in care homes for older adults and those aged 12 and over who are severely immunosuppressed, such as those receiving cancer treatment, […]

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Calling on Afghan Refugees: South West NHS and Bristol City Council team up to recruit people from Afghanistan with settled status into careers in health and social care.

NHS organisations and local councils in the Bristol and Bath area are holding a careers’ open day aimed at people recently arrived from Afghanistan who have been granted the right to work. The event at Bristol City Hall on Wednesday 30 March will be promoting non clinical jobs in the NHS and also roles in […]

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NHS Bookings Open for Spring Boosters

Eligible people can now book a Covid-19 Spring booster vaccination. Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) people aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed can now book their potentially life-saving booster appointment as the biggest and most successful vaccination programme in history of the NHS enters a new […]

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Fingertip oxygen monitoring keeps 4,500+ Covid patients safe at home

Up to 1200 vulnerable people per week in the South West with Covid-19 have benefited from home-based oxygen monitoring, in the first two months of 2022, helping them to receive the right support at the right time if they deteriorate. The South West leads the regions in England for this Oximetry at Home service, but […]

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South West NHS backs new campaign to combat the fear of cancer

The NHS in the South West is backing an innovative national cancer campaign that launches today (Wed), aimed not just at encouraging people to come forward for diagnosis or raising awareness of the warning signs, but directly addressing concerns about the prospect of having cancer. The new campaign will aim to encourage people to get […]

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Pets and play helping young people get vaccinated this half term

This half term NHS staff are using creative initiatives to help vaccinate children aged between 12 and 15 and 5 to 11-year-olds who are at risk or live with someone who is immunosuppressed. To help children stay calm during their  appointment, teams across the South West are doing something a little different and are using […]

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