2 October 2023

New NHS strike action begins, with residents urged to use services wisely

Industrial action by both junior and consultant doctors which began this morning has prompted NHS leaders to warn of further potential disruption to local health services, with patients and the public…

29 September 2023

Kathy’s award triumph rewards her innovative cancer work in Luton

There were celebrations last night (Thursday 28 September) for a local NHS worker after she was presented with a prestigious national award for her innovation in researching the experience of cancer…

27 September 2023

Stoptober: “When you stop smoking, good things start to happen”

Stoptober is back this October, calling on smokers in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to join the 2.5million others across England who have made a quit attempt with the campaign since…

22 September 2023

Inspirational local nurse shortlisted for national award

Local nurse Blenda Correya has been shortlisted for an award at the prestigious Nursing Times Workforce Summit and Awards 2023 after colleagues nominated her for her inspirational work. Blenda was shortlisted…

21 September 2023

New community garden in Dunstable provides a path to better mental health

A brand-new community garden has opened in Dunstable to give local people the opportunity to improve their mental and physical wellbeing through volunteering in a natural setting.  The project has been…

21 September 2023

Share for Care: Providing residents with better, safer and quicker care

Residents across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are receiving better, safer and quicker care thanks to the confidential, electronic record sharing system called Share for Care. Share for Care enables health…

21 September 2023

Falls Awareness Week shines focus on health and independence for older people

Last year alone, 4,445 individuals aged over 65 were admitted to hospitals in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes due to falls. This averages more than 10 patients every day, with many…

19 September 2023

Health and social care support worker careers roadshow rolls in next week

A careers roadshow highlighting support worker jobs in the NHS and adult social care is on its way to two venues in Luton and Dunstable town centres next week. There are…

18 September 2023

Adults can now book COVID-19 vaccinations, with flu campaign also under way

For some people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, flu and COVID-19 are unpleasant.  But for many, particularly those with certain health conditions, older people and pregnant women, they can be…

15 September 2023

Further NHS strike plans prompt new call for residents to use services wisely

New strike date announcements by both junior and consultant doctors for September have prompted NHS leaders to warn of further potential disruption to local health services, with patients and the public…

13 September 2023

Virtual Wards helping to reduce pressure on healthcare services in Milton Keynes

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) has been using Virtual Wards since December 2022 to provide support to residents in Milton Keynes and further afield. Provided by Milton…

8 September 2023

Update on Leighton Buzzard Outline Business Case

Update – September 2023: Development of an Outline Business Case for additional Health and Care Services in Leighton Buzzard The ICB has committed to providing six-weekly updates on its work with…

4 September 2023

Annual flu vaccination programme gets under way as children return to school

Parents have been urged to get their children immunised against flu, as the annual vaccination campaign gets under way. Children from Reception to Year 11 will be offered a vaccination at…

1 September 2023

Vaccination changes mean full protection against HPV has never been easier

It’s now easier than ever for most young people to get vaccinated against a common infection which can cause cancers in both men and women, following changes to the human papillomavirus…

29 August 2023

Celebration for Kathy as she is nominated for national health award

A popular NHS worker is celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious national award for her innovation in cancer research in Luton. Kathy Nelson, head of the cancer network for Bedfordshire,…

24 August 2023

Audit Chair appointed to Integrated Care Board

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) has confirmed Vineeta Manchanda as its newly appointed Audit and Risk Assurance Committee Chair. Vineeta brings strong financial management skills developed…

22 August 2023

NHS consultant doctors set to strike again this week

NHS consultant doctors are due to undertake strike action this week, and senior health service leaders are again urging the public to choose services wisely during the industrial action. Consultants will…

17 August 2023

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, NVQ and GCSE results over the next week, school and college leavers…

11 August 2023

Helping people to register with a GP after Wenlock Surgery closure

Over 3,500 patients from Wenlock Street Surgery in Luton have already registered with a new GP in the first two weeks following its closure.But 99 people – representing less than 3%…

10 August 2023

Public urged to choose health services wisely as further NHS strikes loom

With further doctors’ strikes due to affect the NHS in August, senior local doctors are again warning the public to choose services wisely during the industrial action. Junior doctors will again…

7 August 2023

Bedford charity helps to rebuild lives with grant support

A charity in Bedford is helping to rebuild lives in their local community, thanks to support from a cost of living grant. The King’s Arms Project is a charity in Bedford…

3 August 2023

Digital Social Care Record leads to better, safer care for local residents

As part of the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership’s digital transformation agenda, the Digitising Social Care programme is working hard to provide support and funding to enable…

2 August 2023

ICB Leaders respond to Central Bedfordshire Council’s support for additional health and care services in…

Commenting on the update from Central Bedfordshire Council, published on Friday 28 July 2023, Dr Rima Makarem, Chair of the BLMK Integrated Care Board, said: “We are pleased to be working…

31 July 2023

“Get up to date on children’s jabs” call as summer holidays arrive

Parents of school-aged children in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been urged to bring their vaccinations up to date during the summer holidays, as fears rise of a surge in…

28 July 2023

Update on additional health and care services in Leighton Buzzard

In May, we were pleased to publish our Feasibility Study into additional health and care services in Leighton Buzzard. The Study highlighted the options for increasing health capacity in the Town,…

27 July 2023

Live Well Newsletter Issue 5 2023

Welcome to our fourth issue of 2023 of Live Well, the partner newsletter for the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership. To be added to our mailing list…

27 July 2023

Patients to get the help they need more quickly as new Unscheduled Care Hub launched…

A brand new Unscheduled Care Hub has been unveiled in Luton to support more patients to get the help they need more quickly. Paramedics will be able to transfer suitable patients…

26 July 2023

Update on Wenlock Street Surgery

Further to our announcement last week that Wenlock Street Surgery will close on 28 July, following the resignation of Dr Saleh, the sole GP partner for the surgery, a list of…

26 July 2023

Stoma patients benefit from new specialist service

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who have a stoma can now take advantage of a dedicated prescription service to make sure the stoma products they receive are the right…

25 July 2023

Health and care partners commit to tackling major employment and health challenges

The links between health and employment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes were the focus of a first-of-its-kind seminar held in Flitwick on Friday 21 July. Around 80 people from local…

19 July 2023

Statement on the closure of Wenlock Street Surgery, Luton

Today, Wednesday 19 July, we are informing patients of Wenlock Street Surgery in Luton that their practice will close on Friday 28 July, following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection and…

19 July 2023

Event to support local care providers with digital innovation hailed great success

Around 80 care sector staff from across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes came together recently to learn about the latest digital tools and innovations that can help improve care experience. The…

18 July 2023

Integrated Care Board finance team achieves accredited status

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board has been handed a key NHS financial accreditation as it seeks to make best use of public money. The NHS Finance Towards Excellence…

17 July 2023

Cost of Living Grant helping to reduce food poverty in Bedford

A local charity has expanded a service helping to reduce food poverty in Bedford thanks to a cost of living grant. IMPAKT Food is a community larder currently operating out of…

17 July 2023

Local NHS launches innovative app to support international nurses

The NHS in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) is giving a boost to internationally educated staff with the launch of an innovative app to provide them with valuable support as…

12 July 2023

“Use health services wisely” call as NHS strikes approach

Health leaders across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are urging local people to choose services wisely ahead of widespread strike action in the NHS over the next two weeks. Junior doctors…

5 July 2023

NHS’s 75th birthday to be marked in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

The NHS celebrates its 75th birthday on Wednesday 5 July, with people and organisations across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes set to join in the festivities. Public buildings across Bedfordshire, Luton…

29 June 2023

Award success for Bedfordshire Breastfeeding Buddies

A group of caring and diligent NHS volunteers in Bedfordshire have been recognised for their vital contribution to breastfeeding support. The Breastfeeding Buddies from Bedfordshire Community Health Services (part of Cambridgeshire…

29 June 2023

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership celebrates first birthday

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership is celebrating its first birthday this week – marking a significant milestone in the transformation of healthcare services in the region. Since…

26 June 2023

Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our local population.

Sam*, from Bedfordshire, was caring for her mum, who had become blind, and her dad, who had been suffering with Tuberculosis.  The caring role was leaving Sam very anxious and stressed,…

22 June 2023

NHS commemorates 75th anniversary of Windrush

As Britain marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) joins the nation in honouring and celebrating the enduring…

20 June 2023

Book a smear test urges NHS as screening numbers decline

With the number of women going for a cervical screening test falling year-on-year, the NHS is urging women to prioritise their health this Cervical Screening Awareness Week (19 to 25 June…

16 June 2023

500 young people in Bedfordshire benefit from local investment to build key skills

500 young people aged five to 16 years old in Bedfordshire have benefitted from an innovative scheme to help build self-confidence, self-esteem, resilience, communication thanks to a cost-of-living grant. The funding…

16 June 2023

NHS urges asthmatics and hay fever sufferers to plan ahead as thunderstorms expected to hit…

The NHS is urging people with asthma and who suffer from hay fever to plan ahead as heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit the East of England on Sunday…

16 June 2023

“Last chance” call over COVID-19 vaccinations

Thousands of eligible people who have not yet come forward for COVID-19 vaccinations have been reminded that they have only two weeks left to get their jabs before the offer ends…

16 June 2023

‘Are you the Giving Type?’ public asked during National Blood Donor Week

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been asked ‘Are you the Giving Type?’ as part of a campaign to increase the number of blood donors. This year the NHS…

15 June 2023

‘Lift someone out of loneliness,’ NHS urges during Loneliness Week

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been urged to look out for signs of loneliness in friends and family this week as the UK marks Loneliness Week 2023 (12-18…

14 June 2023

‘Think about hay fever care at home,’ NHS urges as pollen count and website hits…

The number of hay fever sufferers seeking advice from the NHS website in England has more than tripled in over the last few weeks – reaching a total of over 122,000…

9 June 2023

GP Partner appointed to Integrated Care Board

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) has confirmed Dr Sahadev Swain as its newly appointed GP Partner Member. Dr Swain, who lives in Hertfordshire, has worked as…

7 June 2023

Michelle to champion carers in new trustee role

Having been a carer for her father, Michelle Evans-Riches always marks Carers’ Week, but this year it means even more as she’s been appointed as a trustee at a local carers’…

7 June 2023

Share your views on local urgent eyecare services

The NHS in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is seeking the views of residents who have experience of using the Community Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES). CUES was established during the COVID…

6 June 2023

Local NHS organisations celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2023

There’s never been a better time to join the more than 16 million Brits who volunteer through a group, club or organisation.  That’s the view of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes…

6 June 2023

Live Well Newsletter Issue 4 2023

Welcome to our fourth issue of 2023 of Live Well, the partner newsletter for the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership. To be added to our mailing list…

1 June 2023

Cost of living grant helps to support Bedford families

A Bedford charity has been able to provide practical and emotional support to children and families under stress thanks to a cost of living grant fund. FACES provides support to children…

26 May 2023

Local mental health project wins ‘Innovation of the Year’ award

A local mental health programme has been named the winner of the ‘Innovation of the Year’ award at the national Integrated Health Awards 2023. The Shine Programme is a unique digital…

26 May 2023

Pharmacy opening times for the Bank Holiday – Monday, 28 May

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 and Milton Keynes Please visit…

24 May 2023

NHS urges people to plan ahead for the warm bank holiday weekend

The NHS in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is asking people to plan ahead for the bank holiday weekend and ensure they have the medication they need. Some GP practices and…

23 May 2023

NHS makes ‘know your risk’ call in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been urged to check their individual risk of type 2 diabetes as part of a prevention campaign. Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week is…

19 May 2023

Priory Gardens Surgery moves into new Grove View Integrated Health and Care Hub

Priory Gardens Surgery in Dunstable has moved into new premises at the Grove View Integrated Health and Care Hub – with patients set to benefit from improved facilities and better access…

17 May 2023

Feasibility Study of additional health and care services in Leighton Buzzard released

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board has today [17 May 23] published the initial findings of its Feasibility Study, after land was highlighted for potential release by the Department…

17 May 2023

Partnership deal between NHS and voluntary organisations set to benefit local residents

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are set to benefit from a new contract signed by the local NHS and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. The Integrated Care…

17 May 2023

Mental health project shortlisted for three national awards

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB)’s Shine Wellbeing Prescription programme is celebrating after being shortlisted in three categories at two different forthcoming awards ceremonies. The triple shortlisting…

10 May 2023

All eligible patients now able to book Spring COVID-19 vaccinations

Eligible patients in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who are eligible for a COVID-19 Spring vaccination have been informed that all invitations have been issued and that they can now book…

9 May 2023

World Asthma Day event held in Luton

Tuesday 2 May 2023 was World Asthma Day and, to mark the day, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) hosted a community event in Luton aimed at…

28 April 2023

Live Well Newsletter Issue 3 2023

Welcome to our fourth issue of 2023 of Live Well, the partner newsletter for the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership. To be added to our mailing list…

28 April 2023

NHS advises patients to plan ahead for the May bank holiday weekends

With the first May bank holiday weekend fast approaching, the NHS in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is reminding patients to plan ahead and ensure they have the medication they need.…

27 April 2023

Bowel cancer: early detection saves lives

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, affecting over 42,000 people every year. Despite its prevalence, there is still a lack of awareness about the disease, with…

25 April 2023

“Let’s get Healthier Together!” call at launch of new health website for children, parents and…

A brand new website has today (Monday 24 April) been launched to improve the health and wellbeing of children, young people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. Healthier Together brings together…

21 April 2023

Local NHS organisations take the lead as world marks Earth Day

As the world gets ready to mark Earth Day (Saturday 22 April), NHS organisations in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are showing that even the most routine areas of NHS activity…

20 April 2023

‘Healthy Mother, Healthy Pregnancy’ event for health and care professionals

Health and care professionals in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are being invited to attend a ‘Healthy Mother, Healthy Pregnancy’ event on Wednesday 3 May 2023. Led by the Local Maternity…

20 April 2023

New provider confirmed for Ivel Medical Centre in Biggleswade

A temporary contract has been awarded for the provision of GP services at Ivel Medical Centre in Biggleswade. From Thursday 1 June 2023, Malzeard Road Medical Centre will provide GP services…

17 April 2023

Local NHS to hold World Asthma Day event for children, young people and their families

The NHS in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is holding a community event aimed at helping children and young people and their families to take control of their asthma this World…

13 April 2023

Local NHS staff thanked for covering rotas during industrial action

NHS staff in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are being thanked for covering gaps in rotas during the ongoing industrial action by junior doctors. The junior doctors’ strike began on Tuesday…

13 April 2023

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes GP practices lead the way in supporting patients living with…

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes GP practices are leading the way in supporting patients living with type 2 diabetes through the innovative Healthy Living Programme. Healthy Living is a free online…

6 April 2023

Local NHS warns of disruption ahead of Easter Bank Holiday and strike action

Health leaders across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are urging local people to choose services wisely as they prepare for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend and four days of strike action.…

6 April 2023

Deaf awareness training delivered to GP practice staff across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

Staff in GP practices across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have completed Deaf Awareness Training to help improve access to healthcare for the D/deaf community. D/deaf” is a commonly used term…

4 April 2023

Local digital programmes shortlisted for prestigious national awards

Two digital programmes in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been shortlisted at the prestigious HSJ Digital Awards 2023. Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System’s (BLMK ICS) Digitising Social…

3 April 2023

Be a good egg this Easter by ordering your repeat prescriptions in time

As the Easter Bank Holiday weekend approaches, the NHS is reminding people to order their repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure they have the medication they need. Running out of…

3 April 2023

Take steps to manage your stress during Stress Awareness Month

This Stress Awareness Month, the NHS in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is urging people to take steps to help recognise and manage their stress. Stress Awareness Month runs throughout April…

31 March 2023

Taking action to reduce health inequalities for people with a learning disability and autistic people…

Work is underway to reduce health inequalities for people with a learning disability and autistic people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes this World Autism Acceptance Week (27 March to 2…

31 March 2023

Specialised training under way to support children and young people after suicide bereavement

Training designed to help people feel more confident in supporting children and young people after suicide bereavement is under way across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. The suicide or attempted suicide…

28 March 2023

Young people’s vaccination clinics in Luton this Easter holiday

Young people who’ve missed one or more of their school-based vaccinations can catch up at two NHS walk-in vaccination clinics being held in Luton over the Easter holidays. They’ll be able…

27 March 2023

Patients invited to book a COVID-19 spring vaccination as first appointments are released

Eligible patients have been urged to come forward and reserve an appointment as the COVID-19 spring vaccination programme opens for bookings. The number of people qualifying for a vaccination under for…

24 March 2023

Mentoring support helps young people in Milton Keynes to transform their lives

An innovative programme in Milton Keynes is supporting young people on a journey to a brighter and more hopeful future via tailored mentoring. The programme carefully matches young people with volunteer…

24 March 2023

‘Know your TB risk,’ local people are urged on World TB Day

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been urged to think about their risk of developing tuberculosis as the international heath community marks World TB Day (Friday 24 March). Tuberculosis…

22 March 2023

Empowering Nurses: New leadership programme launches in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

A new leadership programme designed to empower nurses in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes launched today (22 March 2023). Thirty-eight nurses will be undertaking the programme, with the first session having…

22 March 2023

Update on Primary Care in Leighton Buzzard

On 09 February 2023, representatives from Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) were pleased to attend the public meeting in Leighton Buzzard alongside representatives of Central Bedfordshire…

20 March 2023

Bowel cancer screening: your next poo could save your life

Early diagnosis is vital to detecting bowel cancer: detecting it at the earliest stage makes you up to nine times more likely to be treated successfully. Now, an NHS campaign is…

17 March 2023

Share for Care set to help provide residents with better, safer and quicker local health…

Residents across Bedfordshire Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) will receive even better, safer and quicker care from local health and care organisations thanks to the rollout of Share for Care –…

17 March 2023

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

This week (13-19 March) is Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It is estimated that around 1 in 7…

15 March 2023

Tackling depression and obesity with MK Dons

An innovative new scheme to help young people to tackle obesity, depression and social isolation has been launched in Milton Keynes. The innovative partnership between MK Dons Sport and Education Trust…

15 March 2023

Live Well Newsletter Issue 2 2023

Welcome to our second issue of 2023 of Live Well, the partner newsletter for the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership. To be added to our mailing list…

13 March 2023

Frontline NHS staff to be offered transgender awareness and sensitivity training

Frontline NHS staff across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are being offered transgender awareness and sensitivity training to increase their understanding of transgender issues and help them to better support their…

13 March 2023

Residents advised to choose services wisely as hospital fears services could be overwhelmed  

Health leaders in Bedfordshire are urging residents to use NHS services wisely over the coming days to help ensure that care is available to patients who need it most.  Bedfordshire Hospitals…

10 March 2023

New technology introduced to improve access to health and care

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board has rolled out new technology across its websites to help make information about health and care services easier to access. Following engagement with…

9 March 2023

Your GP surgery may now help with more than just your medical needs

You may be able get support with more than just your medical needs the next time you visit your GP surgery. That’s because a new team of workers is now available…

6 March 2023

More patients are being seen at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

Doctors’ surgeries in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) are seeing more patients than a year ago, according to new figures published by the NHS today (Monday 6 March).  The data,…

3 March 2023

Health leaders urge local people to get active on World Obesity Day

On World Obesity Day (4 March 2023), health leaders across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are urging people to get active. Around one in every three adults in our area is…

24 February 2023

BLMK Mental Health Summit

A public call has been issued for people with lived experience to help shape mental health care planning and delivery across Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. Service users,…