4 October 2024

NHS issues advice on symptoms and screening as Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins

October marks the UK’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the UK and, although it primarily affects women, men can also…

3 October 2024

New RSV vaccine rolled out across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

A new vaccine to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is being rolled out across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to prevent serious infections this winter. RSV is a common virus…

2 October 2024

Upgrades to Kempston and Ampthill Health Centres to offer more space for patient care

Building works have been completed at two health centres in Kempston and Ampthill, adding extra clinical space in time for more patients to be seen this winter. The new clinical rooms…

2 October 2024

Coronation Street story leads to advice on sepsis symptoms

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been encouraged to be aware of the symptoms of sepsis, amid a storyline about the condition in Coronation Street. In the popular soap…

1 October 2024

Residents across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes urged to stop smoking this Stoptober

Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Integrated Care Board is encouraging residents across the region to stop smoking this Stoptober. In the last few years, 2.5 million people across England have…

26 September 2024

Staff with 1,500 years of NHS service are celebrated at awards ceremony

NHS workers in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been thanked and celebrated for more than 1,500 years of dedication to their careers at a long-service awards ceremony earlier this week…

23 September 2024

Celebrating day for languages

With more than 150 different languages spoken in the area, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board is marking International Day of Sign Languages (23 September) and the European Day…

13 September 2024

Annual Flu Vaccination programme begins as children return to school

As the annual vaccination campaign gets under way, parents are urged to get their children immunised against flu. Children from Reception to Year 11 will be offered a free vaccination at…

12 September 2024

Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board to Launch Zero Suicide Alliance Training Aligned…

Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Integrated Care Board is committed to addressing the urgent issue of suicide prevention and combating social isolation within its communities. In light of the findings…

9 September 2024

Residents invited to make a change in new Learning and Action Network

Last week marked “Know Your Numbers!” Week and Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) is encouraging residents to get involved in a new network to improve services…

9 September 2024

Alzheimer’s disease drug, lecanemab

An NHS spokesperson said: “The NHS now awaits a final decision from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence that will look at the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of lecanemab…

6 September 2024

New technology to reduce falls introduced

Groundbreaking new technology to reduce falls and help people live independently is being rolled out across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. Funded by NHS England and led by Health Innovation East,…

4 September 2024

Parents urged to catch up on children’s vaccinations at clinics this autumn

The Medical Director of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board is urging parents to vaccinate their children to prevent the outbreak of illnesses this winter. Dr Sanhita Chakrabarti cautions…

28 August 2024

Leighton Buzzard – Statement

Between August 2023 and May 2024, BLMK ICB (Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board) completed an Outline Business Case (OBC) in relation to potential additional healthcare services in Leighton…

22 August 2024

Local NHS bodies shortlisted for two national awards for healthcare support worker recruitment programme

Efforts to recruit healthcare support workers to NHS jobs in three local hospitals have been named as finalists in two categories at one of the UK’s most prestigious nursing awards schemes.…

15 August 2024

School and college leavers invited to check out NHS and care careers, as results day…

With tens of thousands of young people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes set to receive their A Level, T Level, BTEC and GCSE results over the next week, school and…

14 August 2024

Local health inequalities study celebrates recognition in major national awards scheme

Pioneering work to tackle health inequalities in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has been shortlisted for one of the health sector’s most prestigious awards. The Health Service Journal’s HSJ Awards programme…

9 August 2024

New data show more general practice appointments are available for local patients

General practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are offering more appointments than a year ago, according to new figures released by NHS England. The data – covering April to June…

1 August 2024

World Breastfeeding Week: give your baby the best start

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually worldwide from 1 to 7 August.  This global campaign aims to raise awareness about breastfeeding and its benefits. The event takes place during the first…

29 July 2024

Collaboration between MK primary care providers set to enhance services for patients

An exciting new strategic collaboration between primary care providers in Milton Keynes will improve the experiences of patients in the city. That’s the view of Dr Tayo Kufeji, director of the…

23 July 2024

Macmillan Cancer Community Connections team win at Luton Excellence Awards

A group of NHS and local authority staff and community volunteers in Luton has been honoured at the borough’s prestigious Luton Excellence Awards ceremony. The team – Luton’s Macmillan Cancer Community…

18 July 2024

Black leaders awareness day: Alexis Keir

As a Lutonian I was honoured to be asked by BLMK Health and Care Partnership to share my thoughts on leadership for Black Leaders Awareness Day. My ties to the NHS…

17 July 2024

The contributions of Black leaders will be celebrated at a series of NHS webinars over…

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) and other local NHS organisations are leading advocates for diversity and inclusion, and have scheduled a series of thought-provoking, inspiring and…

12 July 2024

New statistics show more patients are being seen in our general practices

New data on appointments, published by NHS England, show that general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes offered over 5,684,000 appointments during the year 2023/24, an increase of 4.9% on…

11 July 2024

Video guides will help people with autism and learning disabilities prepare for NHS appointments

An enhanced set of video guides to help autistic people prepare for health appointments will be created, following the award of funding from Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board.…

5 July 2024

90 local care homes are using remote monitoring toolkits to reduce hospital admissions

The Whzan Blue Box contains various wireless, portable instruments which care home staff can use to measure vital signs such as pulse, blood glucose, oxygen levels, respiratory rate, body temperature and…

4 July 2024

Improving resident care: 80% of local care homes switch to digital records ahead of schedule

More than 80% of care homes in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have now switched to digital records from paper-based systems, with the help of the Digitising Social Care (DiSC) programme.…

2 July 2024

University to host theatre performances tackling health and social care workforce shortages

The University of Bedfordshire, in collaboration with Komola Collective, is presenting the Collaborative Targeted Outreach Programme (CTOP) play – an innovative theatre project aiming to demystify and celebrate the health and…

26 June 2024

“Last chance” call over COVID-19 vaccinations

Thousands of eligible people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who have not yet come forward for COVID-19 vaccinations have been reminded that they have only a few days left to…

24 June 2024

Staying safe during the heat

At this time of year most of us look forward to some warm, sunny weather and the chance to spend time outdoors, but it’s important to remember that some people struggle…

20 June 2024

“Please use NHS services wisely” call as new NHS strike goes ahead

Senior doctors in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have warned of potential disruption to local health services next week, as a new round of industrial action by junior doctors is due…

14 June 2024

Thanks issued to local blood donors amid calls for more to come forward

On World Blood Donor Day 2024 (14 June), NHS leaders in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have issued a statement thanking donors for their generosity and appealing for more to come…

12 June 2024

Local men urged to share their stories during Men’s Health Week

Men in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been urged to “share their stories” during Men’s Health Week (10-16 June). Earlier this year, His Majesty the King shared the news that…

11 June 2024

Local people urged to improve their health and wellness in Bike Week

Bike Week is the UK’s biggest awareness-raising event for cycling.  It is not only a celebration of the joy of getting outdoors and riding a bike, but also an opportunity to…

10 June 2024

Carers’ Week 2024: Putting carers on the map

Thousands of people in the UK take on new, unpaid caring responsibilities every day, often without realising that they have become carers.  This national Carers’ Week (10-16 June 2024), local NHS…

28 May 2024

NHS announces 16 hospitals in East of England to roll out ‘Martha’s Rule’ in next…

The NHS has announced the 143 hospital sites that will test and roll out Martha’s Rule in its first year, with 16 of these sites in the East of England. Confirmation…

24 May 2024

National Walking Month and better weather prompt calls to get out and enjoy being outdoors

Senior local doctors have urged residents to walk more, as a new survey released as part of National Walking Month (May 2024) reveals that over half of the population who walk say…

23 May 2024

Children’s vaccination catch-ups to be offered at half-term clinics in Central Bedfordshire

Families in Central Bedfordshire with children under five years of age whose vaccinations are not up to date have been reminded that the borough will host four catch-up clinics during half-term…

20 May 2024

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend – Travel disruption

We anticipate increased demand to our services at the L&D in light of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend taking place in Stockwood Park from Friday 24 through to Sunday 26 May.…

17 May 2024

GPs use new health data sources to identify patients at risk of disease, leading to…

GPs in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are taking proactive steps to prevent disease, thanks to new ways of working which can help clinicians identify people who are at risk of…

16 May 2024

Case study: Oliver McGowan Training on Learning Disability and Autism

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is named after Oliver McGowan, whose death shone a light on the need for health and social care staff to have…

15 May 2024

“Move more for mental health” call in Mental Health Awareness Week

Senior local doctors are encouraging residents quite literally to take steps to improve their wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), to match the theme for this year’s campaign: ‘Moving…

14 May 2024

Research funding awards made to local health workers

Three innovative research projects have been announced as the first recipients of a grant programme which aims to improve knowledge and understanding of health inequalities in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes…

10 May 2024

Health research and innovation conference to be held in Luton

NHS workers and academic researchers will join forces for a conference on tackling inequalities through research and innovation at the University of Bedfordshire in Luton on Monday 13 May. The University…

9 May 2024

International Nurses Day 2024: Our nurses, our future

International Nurses Day is celebrated worldwide on 12 May, the day that Florence Nightingale was born, to commemorate all nurses and the contribution that they make to society and this year’s…

9 May 2024

Bedford Borough residents invited to help shape work to tackle health inequalities

Communities across Bedford Borough have been invited to learn more about a landmark report on health inequalities, as part of a series of events taking place across the local area. The…

26 April 2024

Parents urged to catch up on children’s vaccinations at clinics this summer

Families with children under five years of age whose vaccinations are not up to date have been invited to attend one of a series of clinics which have been announced for…

23 April 2024

COVID-19 Spring 2024 Vaccination Programme Update      

The COVID-19 spring programme will continue to focus on those at greatest risk of getting seriously ill, who will benefit the most from a further vaccine dose. It is important that…

22 April 2024

Local NHS organisations take the lead as world marks Earth Day

As the world marks the annual Earth Day (Monday 22 April), NHS organisations in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have shown the way forward by reducing the use of plastics across…

16 April 2024

Local GP urges eligible patients to get Spring COVID jabs

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who are eligible for a COVID-19 spring vaccination have been advised that they can now book an appointment or attend a walk-in clinic, following…

10 April 2024

Tackling health inequalities in the Roma community

Translation services, better communication and an understanding of how to access health and care services could break down barriers and improve the health of Roma people, according to a report by…

5 April 2024

Leighton Buzzard Update – 05 April 2024

In our last update in February 2024, we were pleased to discuss the Winter Pressure Clinics delivered in the Town. These clinics, which finished at the end of March 2024, successfully…

28 March 2024

Bedford Warm Homes scheme improves health and reduces carbon emissions

53 households with residents who have a chronic health condition in Bedford Borough have benefited from a local scheme to enhance their domestic fuel efficiency, which will not only improve their…

27 March 2024

New video guides will help autistic people understand health and social care appointments

Autistic people can now get a better understanding of what to expect from screening appointments and other common NHS experiences thanks to an innovative series of videos created and produced by…

26 March 2024

Parents urged to catch up on children’s vaccinations at clinics this Easter

Parents of children who have not received all of their routine immunisations have been urged to attend a series of catch-up sessions during the Easter holidays, as dates have been announced…

25 March 2024

Get the care you need this Easter: advice on NHS opening times over the holiday…

Many families will be looking forward to spending the Easter holiday together, but NHS staff will also enjoy the chance to take a long weekend with loved ones, meaning that some…

22 March 2024

£1.1m awarded for digital solutions to improve care for local residents

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System’s (BLMK ICS) Digitising Social Care (DiSC) programme is celebrating the success of its application for the latest wave of the NHS England’s Adult…

22 March 2024

“Last chance” call over flu vaccinations

Thousands of eligible people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who have not yet come forward for flu vaccinations have been reminded that they have only a few days left to…

20 March 2024

Local people urged to order repeat prescriptions before the Easter break

People who take regular medications have been urged to order their repeat prescriptions in good time ahead of the long Easter weekend (Good Friday, 29 March to Easter Monday, 1 April).…

14 March 2024

Free blood pressure checks now available in pharmacies for adults over 40

Adults aged 40 and over are being urged to take up the opportunity of a free blood pressure check at their nearest participating pharmacy, following the launch of a new campaign…

14 March 2024

‘Be aware of symptoms of kidney disease’ call on World Kidney Day

One person in 10 in the UK is living with chronic kidney disease, a figure which rises to one in five among people aged over 80.  People in Bedfordshire, Luton and…

13 March 2024

New Chief Medical Officer to join Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board

Dr Ian Reckless will be joining Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board as Chief Medical Officer on 15 April, prior to the retirement of Dr Sarah Whiteman later in…

12 March 2024

Funding win supports digital records to improve care for local residents

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System’s Digitising Social Care (DiSC) programme has secured £7,500 of funding to research how to best support care homes for vulnerable residents to connect…

11 March 2024

NHS Talking Therapies service in Luton

An NHS Talking Therapies service in Luton has been recognised for its exceptional quality of service by receiving accreditation from the national professional body for psychiatrists. Total Wellbeing Luton, which is…

8 March 2024

Women urged to think about female health technologies on International Women’s Day

A senior local doctor is urging women in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to use International Women’s Day (Friday 8 March) to learn more about the digital tools available to help…

7 March 2024

Patients get more choices, to help cut waiting times

A new NHS social media campaign will inform patients referred to consultants or other specialists about their right to choose where to be seen. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram users in Bedfordshire,…

6 March 2024

Innovative digital tool improves care and safety for local care home residents

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership is supporting local care providers to take advantage of digital tools and systems like Proxy Access so they can provide the best…

5 March 2024

New service to tackle pregnancy-related pelvic health issues

Thousands more pregnant women and those who have given birth in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will soon be able to receive support to prevent and treat pregnancy-related incontinence and other…

4 March 2024

Potential new blood donors urged to come forward, to help save lives

A new campaign is urging people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to consider becoming a blood donor, as NHS Blood and Transplant reveals that it needs over 140,000 people to…

28 February 2024

New NHS campaign will encourage people to get help with common mental health problems

A new campaign has been launched in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to inform local people about dedicated NHS services which can help with common mental health problems. NHS Talking Therapies…

27 February 2024

Hundreds of local families flock to catch-up vaccination clinics amid continuing measles alert in England

Hundreds of children and young people and their families have taken up the option of catch-up vaccinations at a series of half term clinics in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes last…

26 February 2024

Think Pharmacy First: don’t let a health concern get worse

Your local pharmacist offers an easy and convenient way to get clinical advice on minor health concerns, and now community pharmacies can offer treatment for seven common conditions without patients needing…

26 February 2024

Pilot programme gives volunteers a pathway to join East of England Ambulance Service

From volunteers to a career at the ambulance service, Matt Sharp (left) and Grant Harvey who have secured jobs at EEAST after completing the Volunteer to Career programme; they are pictured…

23 February 2024

February 2024 – Update on Health and Care Services in Leighton Buzzard

1.We are pleased to confirm that additional clinics to respond to winter pressures continue in the Town, led by hard working primary care teams. Appointments are booked on the day via…

21 February 2024

“Please use NHS services wisely” call as new NHS strike goes ahead

Senior doctors in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have again warned of potential disruption to local health services over the next week, as further industrial action by junior doctors is due…

19 February 2024

ICB appoints Board-level champion to oversee progress on DennyReview health and inclusion

Lorraine Sunduza, interim Chief Executive of East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), has been appointed Board champion to support the system response to the Denny Review by the Bedfordshire, Luton and…

14 February 2024

Look after your heart health this Valentine’s Day

Tennyson famously wrote that “In the Spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love,” but as Valentine’s Day arrives, local doctors have urged men and women of more…

12 February 2024

Parents urged to use half term as chance to catch up on MMR vaccinations

Parents of children who are not fully vaccinated against measles have been urged to use this February half term as an opportunity to get them the protection they need, as the…

9 February 2024

NHS waiting list in East of England falls for third month in a row, thanks…

The NHS waiting list in the East of England fell in December for the third month running, despite ongoing industrial action and winter pressures continuing to hit the region’s health service…

9 February 2024

Thousands in the East of England take the ‘learn while you earn’ career choice of…

More than 2,400 new apprentices started with the NHS in the East of England last year providing more opportunities for people to build rewarding careers in the NHS, whilst boosting staffing…

8 February 2024

Take control of your health with the NHS App

The NHS App offers almost everyone a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS digital services, and over 33 million people have already downloaded it. The NHS App…

7 February 2024

Millions more dental appointments to be offered under NHS Dental Recovery Plan

Patients will benefit from millions more NHS dental appointments over the next year, thanks to a major new plan to ensure easier and faster access to NHS dental care across England.…

5 February 2024

Local NHS waiting lists are down, as are numbers waiting over six weeks for tests

NHS waiting lists in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are getting shorter, with over 2,000 fewer people waiting for treatment in November 2023 than in the previous month. New figures published…

2 February 2024

Game-changing heartburn health checks rolled out to detect cancer

A revolutionary new test to help the earlier detection of oesophageal cancer (cancer of the food pipe) is to be rolled out in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, in a partnership…

1 February 2024

Start a conversation about mental health on Time To Talk Day

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) is encouraging local people to start conversations about their own and others’ mental health on Time To Talk Day (1 February).…

1 February 2024

Pharmacies in the East of England provide wider range of treatments to the public

People in the East of England can now be treated for a range of common conditions at their high street pharmacy without the need to see a GP first, as part…

1 February 2024

Research and innovation fund seeks applications for new award

Staff working in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes integrated care system are invited to apply for an award of up to £15,000, following the launch of a new research and innovation…

31 January 2024

How did you fare with your New Year resolutions?

We’re one whole month into 2024, and lots of us will already have given up on the resolutions we made as Big Ben rang in the New Year 31 days ago.…

30 January 2024

“Please use the NHS considerately,” urge local NHS leaders as services remain busy

With health provision in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes still under intense pressure due to admissions and demand during the winter season, senior local doctors have repeated their call for residents…

30 January 2024

Women’s health and wellbeing events encourage self-care

A series of Women’s Wellbeing events at community venues in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is helping women of all ages to improve their physical and emotional wellbeing. Each event, commissioned…

30 January 2024

City Council leads new project to expand community clubs in Bletchley

The first in a wave of new community clubs aimed at connecting local people with social and wellbeing activities has opened in Bletchley thanks to a partnership led by Milton Keynes…

29 January 2024

New Non Executive Director opportunity at Bedfordshire Hospitals

Bedfordshire Hospitals is looking for a new Non-Executive Director to join the Trust. As a Non-Executive Director, you will work alongside our Chair, Richard Sumray, other non-executive, and executive directors as…

26 January 2024

“Last chance” call over COVID-19 vaccinations

Thousands of eligible people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who have not yet come forward for COVID-19 vaccinations have been reminded that they have only a few days left to…

26 January 2024

Local men are advised on prostate enlargement, following announcement about HM the King’s forthcoming treatment

Following the announcement by Buckingham Palace that His Majesty the King is to undergo his treatment today (Friday 26 January) for an enlarged prostate, men in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes…

26 January 2024

Research pilot set to improve experiences of local people with diabetes

A pioneering research project is set to make a difference to the lives of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, following the launch of a partnership programme which will reflect…

23 January 2024

‘Take up your screening opportunity’ call as Cervical Cancer Prevention Week begins

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) is highlighting the benefits of cervical screening during Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22-28 January) and reminding people that cervical screening can…

18 January 2024

When to send children to school, or keep them home

With children now back at school and levels of winter illnesses including flu, COVID-19 and norovirus continuing to rise, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) is reminding…

15 January 2024

‘Blue Monday’ isn’t real, but seasonal mental health struggles often are

You don’t have to be taken in by the hype of ‘Blue Monday’ but, for many people, the winter can be a difficult time of year.  Dark mornings and long, gloomy…

12 January 2024

Leighton Buzzard Public Update – January 2024

Update on the development of the Outline Business Case for additional health services in Leighton Buzzard In our last update in December, we were pleased to share news of our event…