Get Winter Strong!
Millions of children and adults across England will be offered their flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations as the NHS sets out plans for protection ahead of winter. The vaccines provide vital protection to keep people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during busy winter months. It’s important that those…
Make sure your little ones are up to date with childhood vaccinations
We know your child’s health is your top priority – and so protecting them from serious disease is incredibly important. That is why the NHS offers a free childhood vaccine programme, safeguarding your child from certain illnesses. Vaccines work by causing the body’s immune system to remember the specific infection targeted in each vaccine. If…
Full steam ahead for blood pressure checking events in Bath and North East Somerset
People living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire can have a free blood pressure check as part of Know Your Numbers week at a series of local events, starting at the Somerset and Dorset Railway in Midsomer Norton on Sunday 1 September 2024. Qualified clinicians will be offering tests to visitors at…
Don’t get caught out by running low on essential medicines this bank holiday
Order repeat prescriptions well in advance of the upcoming bank holiday weekend is the advice being issued by health leaders working across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. Most pharmacies in the region will close at the end of the day on Friday 23 August, and not open again until the morning of…
Joint statement from Swindon Borough Council, Swindon Carers Centre and the ICB
The three organisations have provided the following update on work to secure the immediate future of Swindon Carers Centre “Following positive discussions, we are pleased to announce an agreement has been reached between Swindon Carers Centre, Swindon Borough Council and Bath and North East Somerset Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board for Swindon Carers Centre…
Construction of new mental health unit begins as first spades break ground
Work to build a new £20 million mental health unit begun in earnest last week as NHS staff and construction colleagues, along with local people who have lived experience of learning disabilities and autism, watched the first spades break ground. The new facility will be based in Bristol and provide care and support for people…
Local update following global IT issues
In light of recent technical issues affecting computer systems across the globe, people living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are being reminded to continue to use their local health and care services responsibly. All of the region’s GP practices, the vast majority of which use a different computer system to that…
ICB seeks independent non-executive director for quality
The ICB is looking to recruit an Independent Non-Executive Director (NED) for Quality. This role offers a key position in the ICB and provides leadership to the ICB Board’s Quality and Outcomes Committee. The successful candidate will be a compassionate leader and advocate for the delivery of integrated person-centred high-quality care, with a focus on…
First junior doctor strike in four months prompts fresh calls for public support
Ahead of the next round of strikes by junior doctors, people living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are being reminded of how their support can make a real difference during what is expected to be a busy time for the local NHS. Junior doctors at the Royal United Hospital in Bath,…
Public engagement on integrated community-based care temporarily paused
Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board had planned to start a three-week engagement during May and June on plans for the future of integrated community-based care. The ICB intended to ask local people to respond to an engagement document which set out the reasons for change, along with a number…