BSW ICB Statement on Wegovy® (semaglutide)
UPDATE September 2023: View the latest government guidance on accessing Wegovy for weight loss Information for people with questions about the availability of the new medicine Wegovy® (semaglutide). In March 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published their technology appraisal for Wegovy® (semaglutide) and its associated criteria for use. A ‘technology…
Thousands of smokers across the region urged to quit for No Smoking Day
The NHS in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire is calling on the thousands of active smokers in the region to ditch the habit this No Smoking Day. Each year on the second Wednesday in March, No Smoking Day puts the negative health effects of lighting up directly under the microscope and asks…
New health centre marks major milestone for Devizes and surrounding area
A new state-of-the-art health centre has officially opened in Devizes, soon after the doors first opened to patients. The new facility, which was made possible following an £11 million investment from the NHS, is one of the region’s first integrated care centres. This means that GP appointments, along with other health services, such as outpatient…
Reduce risk of cancer with simple changes and healthier lifestyle choices
More than 3,000 people in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire were referred to hospital in December of last year for symptoms that could be cancer. While not all referrals result in a positive diagnosis, it is widely accepted that around one in two people will be affected by some form of the…
Love letters to NHS highlight public affection for local health and care workers
Valentine’s Day has prompted an outpouring of love for those working in the NHS across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. Dozens of heart-warming letters thanking colleagues for all they have done during a particularly challenging winter have filled the letterboxes of the local integrated care board over the last few weeks. Now,…
Local mental health services ready to provide help to those in need
Local support is available to people living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire who are struggling with their mental health. While help can be found all year round, many local services see an increase during January and February, when more people experience bouts of low mood, loneliness, anxiety and depression. Three places…
People needing Covid-19 boosters told to come forward before it’s too late
The clock is ticking for people in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire who are still yet to have their Covid-19 booster vaccination. After Sunday 12 February, any person aged between 16 and 49-years-old and not in a clinical risk group will be unable to get the initial Covid-19 booster, which for most…
Health leaders call for public to use services sensibly during upcoming industrial action
People in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are being asked to use health and care services sensibly next week and keep 999 and A&E departments clear for genuine life-threatening emergencies as nurses from all three hospitals in the region and ambulance workers prepare for strike action. Royal College of Nursing members at…
New joint provider for region’s NHS 111 service announced
A new joint provider for NHS 111 in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire has been announced. From April of this year, Practice Plus Group (PPG) will take on the running of NHS 111, and work in partnership with Medvivo to ensure that the local region has an effective service for people looking…
Rising number of norovirus cases adds pressure to already-busy local NHS
A growing number of people across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are becoming unwell with norovirus. Transmission of norovirus, which commonly causes an unpleasant bout of sickness and diarrhoea, is currently very high, with the latest data suggesting that the number of people infected with the bug during the first week of…