Growing number of local pharmacies providing prescription medication for common health conditions
Prescription medicine for a range of common health conditions is now available from a growing number of pharmacies in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. The new initiative means local people no longer need to visit their GP in order to get the medication they need to feel better. More than 80 pharmacies…
NHS tells patients to continue to access emergency care during industrial action
People should continue to come forward for the care they need during industrial action. Charlotte McArdle, NHS England Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, said it is “vital” patients come forward for emergency care during strikes. The call follows messaging issued by the NHS last week across NHS websites and social media telling patients that those needing urgent medical care should continue…
Heart-warming new video series shows budding investigator behind the scenes of local NHS services
A six-year-old budding investigator is helping the people of Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire choose the right NHS service this winter with a series of heart-warming online films that go behind the scenes at the region’s health and care facilities. Inquisitive Max Carter has spent time visiting the dedicated teams working hard…
Time running out for people needing repeat prescriptions before Christmas
The cut-off date for people in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire who need to order their repeat prescription ahead of the busy festive season is fast approaching. To ensure that medicine can be ordered and collected ahead of the Christmas and New Year period, when many pharmacies will be closed or operating…
Winter vaccines could be this year’s most valuable Christmas present
With just over two weeks to go until the big day, any person in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire due a flu or Covid-19 vaccine is being encouraged to come forward before Christmas. Getting vaccinated now or in the next few days will ensure that people’s immune systems have enough time to…
Medics offer reassurance to parents after rise in the number of poorly children
Parents in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire should remain vigilant to the signs and symptoms of strep A, but should not be overly worried by the risk it can pose to very young children, local medics have said. Cases of the bacterial infection have been rising up and down the country, with…
Some local Covid-19 vaccination centres to close over the coming weeks
A number of Covid-19 vaccination centres in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire will either close or temporarily close over the coming weeks. This planned move comes as local demand for vaccination begins to reduce, and staff based in the centres move to other areas of the local health and care system. …
Management of two Swindon GP practices to be transferred to new provider
Two GP practices in Swindon will be taken on by new management in the new year after Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board appointed a new provider organisation. Abbey Meads Medical Group and Moredon Medical Centre in north Swindon had previously been managed by Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust….
Fewer than half of region’s toddlers protected against winter flu virus
Only 40 per cent of two and three-year-olds in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are protected against the potentially-dangerous winter flu virus. Parents of young children are now being urged to bring their son or daughter forward to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. In Swindon alone, only 37 per cent of…
Public tours of new Devizes Health Centre
People in Devizes will have the chance to tour the town’s new health centre ahead of its official opening later this year. Devizes Health Centre will welcome its first patients in December, and those who are interested to look inside will be able to do so during an open day taking place before the official…