25 November 2022

Leighton Linslade Health Connections – New Name and a New Home

The NHS is investing in new services at Leighton Buzzard Health Centre that will support the work of the town’s three GP practices. Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board…

25 November 2022

Workforce Podcast

In this episode of BLMK Health Conversations On…we focus on Workforce. We discuss what the term means in the broader sense, the importance of investing in people, the reasons why taking…

24 November 2022

Working together for a dementia patient in Leighton Buzzard

“D”, from Leighton Buzzard, suffered with dementia. Enabling her to remain at home was very important. However, her respiratory condition had deteriorated and she was unable to climb the stairs to…

21 November 2022

Success for Luton Children’s Epilepsy Pilot at HSJ Awards 2022

A Children’s Epilepsy Pilot in Luton has been named the winner of the ‘Using Data to Connect Services Award’ at the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards 2022. The ‘Digitising Care for…

18 November 2022

Local Support for Young People with a Neurodiversity Diagnosis

Getting a neurodiversity diagnosis– which can include conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – for your child can leave families with lots of questions,…

17 November 2022

Flu Vaccination Reminder for Parents of Young Children

Parents of children aged 2 and 3 are being encouraged to take up the offer of the flu vaccine for their children. The flu vaccination for children is a quick and…

17 November 2022

Going Digital – The Future of Health and Care Services?

Residents in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are being urged to give their thoughts and opinions on the future of digital health and care services. Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health…

14 November 2022

Get Active this National Self Care Week

Health and care organisations across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are urging local residents to become more active as National Self Care Week gets underway from Monday, 14 November.  Self Care…

11 November 2022

Janeth’s Diabetes Prevention Journey in Luton

When Janeth learned that she was at risk of Type 2 diabetes, she was worried and stressed how this would affect her everyday life. As Type 2 diabetes runs in her…

10 November 2022

How the Population Health Management approach helped Jane who spent every day in the front…

One of the key reasons I enjoy my role so much is because I get to help people tackle the problems that matter to them. Social prescribers like myself keep a…

9 November 2022

Putnoe Walk-In Centre Contract extended until March 2024

Putnoe Walk-In Centre will remain open as the contract has been extended to 31 March 2024 by Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB).  The current opening hours for…

4 November 2022

£3million funding to help tackle region’s health inequalities

The University of Bedfordshire has been awarded £3million by NHS England to develop a research and innovation hub in collaboration with the NHS BLMK (Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes) Health &…

4 November 2022

Walk-in Slots Open at Large Vaccination Centres

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination now have more choice about where and when to receive it. Starting on Saturday 5 November, the…

4 November 2022

Welcome to the October 2022 issue of Live Well, our partner newsletter for the Bedfordshire,…

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3 November 2022

Deadline approaches to apply to Fellowship Programmes

The ARC Fellowship Programme is aimed at clinicians, health and social care practitioners, voluntary sector staff and NHS managers across the East of England. The programme, which has been running since…

1 November 2022

Low Calorie Diet Programme – Martin’s Story

Martin, 34 from Bedfordshire, joined the NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. The NHS Low Calorie Diet programme is for people who are overweight and…

1 November 2022

Get boosted and get protected this Autumn

NHS colleagues across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are encouraging people to come forward for their COVID-19 Booster and flu vaccination. Community pharmacies, some local GP practices, large vaccination centres and…

28 October 2022

Volunteers on hand at local hospital to offer support and advice

“B” was a young woman who recently attended the emergency department at Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) suffering with mental health issues. Following a discussion, the volunteers discovered that “B” was…

27 October 2022

Local health services working to empower young people with ADHD to be a part of…

Bedfordshire and Luton Community Health Services have been working with young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to help them manage their own health and wellbeing. Historically, ADHD treatment has…

27 October 2022

VIDEO: All carers urged to get their vaccinations

Nikita Kanani, GP and SRO of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, NHS England is urging paid and unpaid carers to get vaccinated

27 October 2022

Local NHS issues COVID-19 vaccination reminder to those who are immunosuppressed

Health chiefs from NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) are reminding the public of the offer of a COVID-19 booster vaccination to help provide extra protection for…

26 October 2022

Keyworker service is helping to support vulnerable children and young people in Bedfordshire

L is an 18-year-old who was struggling to communicate with autism professionals. She started working with a keyworker, who supported her over a few months. The keyworker service provides the most…

25 October 2022

Redesign of Musculoskeletal (MSK) services

24 October 2022

Fight Off Flu This Winter

Bedford Borough Council is encouraging residents to get their flu jab this winter. Getting vaccinated reduces the chance of catching flu and spreading it to friends, family and others in our…

21 October 2022

FREE JOURNEYS IN VAXI CABS TO DRIVE UP VACCINATION RATES IN MILTON KEYNES

People living or working in Milton Keynes who are now eligible for a COVID-19 autumn booster but don’t have access to transport, have been reminded that they can take advantage of…

20 October 2022

FREE JOURNEYS IN VAXI CABS TO DRIVE UP VACCINATION RATES IN BEDFORDSHIRE

People living or working in Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire who are now eligible for a COVID-19 autumn booster but don’t have access to transport, have been reminded that they can…

19 October 2022

Helping Children Living with Epilepsy in Luton

In 2020, the Integrated Patient-Controlled Medical Record pilot was launched in order to improve the outcomes for children living with epilepsy in Luton. Epilepsy is the most common long-term condition of…

17 October 2022

Cancer

In this episode of BLMK Health Conversation On… we will focus on cancer detection, care of cancer patients and treatment available will focus cancer detection, care of cancer patients and treatment…

13 October 2022

Felix’s Story – NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme

Felix, from Luton, joined the NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme following a referral from his GP due to his type 2 diabetes. He believed that this was his last chance of…

13 October 2022

MILESTONE REACHED AS NHS SERVICES DELIVER THE 100,000TH COVID-19 AUTUMN BOOSTER TO LOCAL PEOPLE

The NHS autumn booster campaign in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has got off to a brisk start, with the 100,000th vaccine already having been delivered this week, less than a…

13 October 2022

NHS Invites People 50 and Over For Autumn Boosters And Flu Jabs

Millions of people aged 50 and over will be able to book their autumn booster and flu vaccines tomorrow, as the NHS Covid-19 and flu programmes continue to protect the country…

12 October 2022

Amber alert issued on blood stocks – existing O Neg and O Pos donors asked…

NHS blood “amber alert” triggeredNon urgent elective surgery which requires blood may be postponedExisting O Negative and O Positive donors asked to book in at Blood Donor Centres NHS Blood and…

12 October 2022

Project to support wellbeing of the primary care workforce and patients extended by ICB

After an overwhelmingly successful pilot scheme, NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) has extended the ‘Shine Programme’, a unique digital approach to supporting staff and patient…

6 October 2022

Newly expanded outpatients area at Bedford Hospital will improve patient experience and help reduce waiting…

From Monday (10 October) Bedford Hospital will begin treating patients in a newly expanded, modern and purpose built facility, which will improve overall patient experience and tackle waiting lists, exacerbated by…

6 October 2022

Free Journeys in Vaxi Cabs to Drive Up Vaccination Rates in Luton

People living or working in Luton who are now eligible for a COVID-19 or flu vaccination, but don’t have access to transport, have been reminded that they can take advantage of…

5 October 2022

Local NHS is helping to fight climate change one breath at a time

Healthcare professionals in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will be reviewing patients’ inhalers as the NHS continues its aim to become the first net zero carbon health care service by 2040.…

4 October 2022

“It’s absolutely brilliant” – new video shows how care home technology is helping staff keep…

A powerful story of how technology enabled care supports care home staff to keep residents safe and well at night is the focus of a new video from the National Innovation…

30 September 2022

Welcome to the September 2022 issue of Live Well, our partner newsletter for the Bedfordshire,…

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30 September 2022

Nassreen’s journey to preventing diabetes in Milton Keynes.

When Nassreen from Milton Keynes was diagnosed as pre-diabetic it came as a shock to her and her family. She had not realised that her diet and lifestyle was impacting her…

23 September 2022

Lung Health Check Programme – Meet Jaqueline from Luton

Jacqueline at 57, has received life changing cancer treatment through the Lung Health Checks programmes.   Jacqueline from Luton is a mum of two grown up children and has a grandchild, she…

21 September 2022

Central Bedfordshire residents invited for lung health check

Central Bedfordshire is the second area in Bedfordshire to be given the opportunity to improve lung cancer outcomes and follows the successful launch in Luton in 2021 of the Targeted Lung…

16 September 2022

Pharmacy opening times for the Bank Holiday – Monday, 19 September

Some local pharmacies may have different opening hours during a bank holiday. Please see below pharmacy opening time for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. Bedfordshire Luton Milton Keynes Please visit www.nhs.uk…

13 September 2022

Over 65s can now book autumn COVID booster

People aged 65 and over will be able to book their autumn COVID booster through the national booking system from today, meaning five million more people can now top up their…

8 September 2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Statement

Dr Rima Makarem, Chair of NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board said: “We send our most sincere condolences to the Royal Family at this difficult time.” “I know…

8 September 2022

BLMK Begins Rollout of Variant Busting Booster Jab

The NHS has become the first healthcare system in the world to use the next generation, updated COVID vaccines as it kickstarts the autumn booster rollout this September. Following the updated advice…

8 September 2022

New Chief Transformation Officer appointed to Integrated Care Board

Anne Brierley has been appointed as the Chief Transformation Officer of the NHS Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board. Anne has held several senior leadership positions throughout her career…

7 September 2022

Millions Now Able To Book Their Autumn Booster

From today, around four million people most vulnerable to Covid-19 will start to be invited to book in their autumn booster vaccine as the NHS’ National Booking Service launches appointments for Autumn boosters. The National Booking Service will go live this…

7 September 2022

Summer of Play served up more than 26,000 FREE meals and activity sessions to MK…

Cllr Jane Carr, Cabinet Member for Inequalities, with children enjoying a free football session at Portfields Primary School. Milton Keynes City Council funded more than 106,000 hours of free activity sessions for…

6 September 2022

MKUH Appoints New Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Care

MKUH is delighted to announce that Yvonne Christley has joined Milton Keynes University Hospital trust as their new Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Care from September 2022. Yvonne, who was…

5 September 2022

Significant improvements made in Luton Children’s Services

In its first full inspection of our Children’s Services since 2020, Ofsted has concluded that significant improvements have been made and children in Luton now receive a much better service from…

2 September 2022

COVID Vaccination Centres to Close for a Week to Focus on Residential Care Homes

COVID vaccination centres across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are set to close for a week to allow NHS staff to offer autumn booster shots in residential care homes, as the…

1 September 2022

Lorraine Mattis appointed as ICB’s associate non-executive member

NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated care Board has confirmed the appointment of a new associate non-executive member. Lorraine Mattis Lorraine Mattis has a background in healthcare. A board director…

1 September 2022

MKUH launches NHS login integration with MyCARE patient app

Milton Keynes University Hospital is now offering patients the simplicity and reassurance of using their single, secure NHS login to access their MyCARE patient portal. The MyCARE digital patient portal is…

31 August 2022

The NHS in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes set to begin offering COVID-19 autumn booster…

In the latest phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will join the rest of the country and launch the first autumn boosters across the county from…

31 August 2022

Festival-Goers Urged To Get COVID Jabs

Festival-goers in Houghton Regis will be able to get their COVID-19 vaccinations up to date this weekend (Saturday 3 September) as the local NHS jabs team visits the Houghton Rocks festival.…

30 August 2022

Shared Healthcare Record Podcast

In this episode of BLMK Health Conversation On… we are looking at the use of shared healthcare records to improve efficiency and quality of patient care. We take a look at…

25 August 2022

Bear hugs on hand – 30,000 teddies delivered to children at Bedfordshire Hospitals

If you go down to A&E today, you could be in for a fluffy surprise… As all parents know, a visit to A&E can be a scary experience for a child,…

18 August 2022

Manjeet Gill becomes the Integrated Care Board’s latest non-executive member

NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated care Board has confirmed Manjeet Gill as its latest non-executive member. Social justice and improving inequalities have been the golden thread in Manjeet’s career.…

11 August 2022

Welcome to the July/August 2022 issue of Live Well, our partner newsletter for the Bedfordshire,…

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10 August 2022

Local epilepsy team shortlisted for two national awards  

An epilepsy team in Luton has been shortlisted for a national Health Service Journal award for its pioneering work to make life easier for children living with complex epilepsy. Over the…

9 August 2022

Longest hospital waits all but eliminated across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are experiencing shorter hospital waits according to new data just published, with 104 weeks waits all but eliminated.  This compares to a high of…

9 August 2022

With high temperatures forecast for much of the country this week, the UK Health Security…

Temperatures are not forecast to reach the record-breaking levels of the most recent heatwave but are expected to rise throughout the week, potentially reaching mid-30 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday…

8 August 2022

Council provides funding for businesses to tackle climate change

MK Council is providing support to businesses to help them achieve their climate action goals through its £100,000 project. The Council is working with Ngage on its Prism project which will…

8 August 2022

Milton Keynes Blue Light Hub opens its doors to the public

The Blue Light Hub in West Ashland, Milton Keynes, will throw open its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday (13 August) with its inaugural Open Day. The…

8 August 2022

ELFT Shortlisted as HSJ Trust of the Year 2022

ELFT has been shortlisted as Trust of the Year 2022 at the prestigious HSJ Awards. The national awards recognise outstanding contributions to healthcare. More than 1,000 entries were submitted for the…

4 August 2022

Ambulance service set to become first to introduce ‘dementia button’ on patient records

Paramedics at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) are set to become the first to be able to alert other healthcare providers to a patient’s suspected or confirmed dementia…

3 August 2022

Providing better care locally | Health and Social Care | Central Bedfordshire Council

3 August 2022

Council bids for multi-million pound infrastructure funding

MK Council has submitted bids for government funding which could see a brand new space for MK:U students in the city centre, and transport improvements. The multi-million pound bids have been…

3 August 2022

Trust’s Enjoying Work programme wins a Health Tech Digital Award 

National recognition for an innovative digital tool that works to enhance the staff experience of work. ELFT, in partnership with ImproveWell, has won the award for the category Best COVID-19 Solution…

29 July 2022

MKUH Appoints New Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Care

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust are delighted to announce that Yvonne Christley will join Milton Keynes University Hospital as our new Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Care from…

27 July 2022

New COVID Vaccination Sessions Just for Children in Milton Keynes

Parents of school-age children can get the summer holidays off to a great start by making sure their families get the COVID jab at one of the new dedicated vaccination clinics…

26 July 2022

The Luton Wellbeing Hub helping The Mall to achieve its Foodbank fifty challenge to celebrate…

Luton Foodbank is always in need of donations to support the local community and July sees a higher demand and lower donation levels than other months. This is why the Luton…

20 July 2022

Festival-goers Urged to get COVID Jabs

Festival-goers in Bedford will be able to get their COVID-19 vaccinations up to date this weekend (Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July) as the local NHS jabs team visits Bedford River…

20 July 2022

Kind-hearted colleagues raise money for Dunstable Foodbank

As part of a day of celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of local Clinical Commissioning Groups in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, NHS staff used the occasion to support others…

19 July 2022

Award winning volunteer team seeks new recruits

Our award winning hospital navigator scheme are looking for volunteers. The hospital navigator scheme, set up in collaboration with Thames Valley Police, provides the intervention needed to help young people move…

19 July 2022

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust partners with InterSystems to launch new Shared Health and Care…

InterSystems, a creative data technology provider, is partnering with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to develop a new shared health and care record, which is being rolled out across Bedfordshire and…

16 July 2022

With temperatures set to hit record highs over the next few days, people across Bedfordshire…

An extreme heat warning has been issued by the Met Office with mercury set to hit 40C by Tuesday. People are advised to: Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluidsKeep…

14 July 2022

NHS bosses ask for the public’s help as local health services face unprecedented pressure.

NHS bosses are asking for the public’s help as the health service in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes faces unprecedented pressure. A rise in Covid patients being admitted to local hospitals,…

14 July 2022

Kind-hearted colleagues raise money for Luton Foodbank

As part of a day of celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of local Clinical Commissioning Groups in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, NHS staff used the occasion to support others…

14 July 2022

MK Council to expand provision for young people with special educational needs and disabilities

Following consultation with families, schools and professionals, Milton Keynes Council has developed plans to expand the number of local school places and support available for young people with special educational needs…

13 July 2022

Kind-hearted colleagues raise money for Bedford Foodbank

As part of a day of celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of local Clinical Commissioning Groups in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, NHS staff used the occasion to support others…

13 July 2022

Kind-hearted colleagues raise money for Milton Keynes Foodbank

As part of a day of celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of local Clinical Commissioning Groups in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, NHS staff used the occasion to support others…

8 July 2022

Fragrant way to celebrate 10 years of health and care service

The NHS Bedfordshire Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board marked the provision of 10 years of dedicated service to our communities of the NHS Bedfordshire Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical…

7 July 2022

New Chief People Officer appointed to Integrated Care Board

Martha Roberts has been appointed as the Chief People Officer for the NHS Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board. Martha has a strong track record of working in organisation…

4 July 2022

Doctors and nurses join ambulance crews on the road to end delays for patients

Doctors, nurses and other health and social care professionals have jumped on board ambulances to bring new eyes to the fight to end delays for patients. The medical teams joined colleagues…

1 July 2022

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board established

A new organisation, which brings together local health and care organisations, including the NHS and councils has launched today to help people live longer lives in good health. The Bedfordshire, Luton…

29 June 2022

New Chief of System Assurance and Corporate Services appointed

Maria Wogan has been appointed as the Chief of System Assurance and Corporate Services for the NHS Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, when it takes on statutory responsibilities…

29 June 2022

Partner newsletter June 2022

Welcome to the June 2022 issue of Live Well, our partner newsletter for the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership. ACGG_12687_BLMK_-Ics-Newsletter-June_V1.3_22.06.28_15.09Download

24 June 2022

New Integrated Care Board to meet in public for the first time

NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) will meet for the first time in public on 1 July 2022 to mark the organisation’s inception. The BLMK ICB…

22 June 2022

New Mental Health Inpatient Unit for Children and Young People

A new acute mental health inpatient unit for children and young people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is set to open before the end of 2022. Funding of £17m has…

20 June 2022

Life Changing Lung Health Checks Programme Comes to Central Bedfordshire

Central Bedfordshire residents are now being invited to the Targeted Lung Health Checks programme, which screens for lung cancer. Central Bedfordshire is the second area in Bedfordshire to be given the…

16 June 2022

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership to contribute to NHS green savings…

As the UK marks Clean Air Day (16th June) the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership (BLMK HCP) Green Plan is set to play its part in helping the NHS cut…

16 June 2022

New Vaccination Centre in Milton Keynes

COVID-19 vaccinations were given a “boost” this week as the NHS confirmed the opening of its latest vaccination centre in Milton Keynes.  The new vaccination site will open at Midsummer Place…

15 June 2022

Patients’ views sought on exciting proposal for a new purpose-built Primary Care facility in Bedford

Patients registered with The De Parys Group have been asked to give their views on plans to relocate four of The De Parys Group surgeries to a new purpose-built Primary Care…

13 June 2022

Chief Nursing Director appointed to new Integrated Care Board

Sarah Stanley has been appointed as the Chief Nursing Director for the new NHS Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, when it takes on statutory responsibilities on 1 July…

9 June 2022

Chief Primary Care Officer appointed to new Integrated Care Board

Nicky Poulain has been appointed as the Chief Primary Care Officer for the new NHS Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, when it is established on 1 July 2022.…

9 June 2022

Macmillan Luton Cancer Community Connector x3

About the job Salary: £26,975 – £30,095 a year pro rataHours per week: 18.50Contract type: Fixed Term 3 years Closing date: 21/06/2022Career Level: Entry LevelJob Type: ContractSchedule: Part-Time We have three…

8 June 2022

Climate change, health inequalities and a greener NHS

On the day that Milton Keynes could finally call itself ‘officially’ a city, Deputy CEO Tracy Keech and I attended a Climate Change and Health Inequalities conference at the Hotel La…

31 May 2022

Partner newsletter May 2022

Welcome to the May 2022 issue of Live Well, our partner newsletter for the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership. In this issue we look at creating virtual…