MiDoS – My Directory of Services

MiDoS is an online service directory developed by the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Integrated Care Board. It signposts BLMK residents to a wide range of local services, including…

Wellbeing Festival 2025 During the 6th to 10th of October BLMK ICS hosted a virtual Wellbeing Festival for all staff across the ICS. Below are the recordings and resources from…

Local general practices offer more appointments than the same period last year

The number of appointments available at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has shown a further increase. Figures published by NHS England reveal that over 1,650,000 appointments were…

The Additional Urgent Dental Care Appointments Scheme

The Additional Urgent Dental Care Appointments Scheme is accessible to all of our residents via the NHS 111 telephone number to provide urgent dental care to patients who need to be…

Innovative facial analysis app recognises pain in care home residents

Danecroft is a 34-bed care home in Bedford, predominantly caring for people living with dementia but also other conditions such as Parkinson’s and MS. Since April, it has been using…

Half term clinics to offer catch-up vaccinations for children

Parents of children who are behind on any of their immunisations have been reminded that there will be an opportunity to catch up on any missed vaccinations during the half…

Group Clinic Locations

Cauldwell Medical Centre We now see and review many of our patient in group clinics. This is a well-established way of working, support by a strong evidence base. Group clinics…

Group Clinic FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Cauldwell Medical Centre – Face to Face Group Clinics Q: What are Face to Face (F2F) group clinics? A: Face to Face group clinics are a…

Group Clinic Agreement

Cauldwell Medical Centre – Group Clinic Agreement By participating in the group clinic, I agree that: I am happy to share relevant information about my health condition. For example, this…

Local care providers use digital toolkit to monitor vital signs and prevent health deterioration

A remote monitoring toolkit has demonstrated potential for empowering care staff to make data-led healthcare decisions about the people they care for. The Whzan blue box measures vital signs such…

Environmentally Sustainable Primary Care

How Primary Care organisations and colleagues in BLMK can move towards environmentally sustainable healthcare ***Following the launch of the new BLMK Green Plan 2025-2032, these pages are being refreshed –…

One in five eligible people has already had their flu jab

One in five people eligible for the flu immunisation in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has already had their vaccination, new figures show. It’s always a good idea to get…

Cancer Care at Milton Keynes Hospital

Welcome to the Milton Keynes Hospital Cancer Care Walkthrough Video Collection This collection of videos has been created to support patients, families, and carers by offering a clear and reassuring…

Cancer Care at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital

Welcome to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital Cancer Care Walkthrough Video Collection This collection of videos has been created to support patients, families, and carers by offering a clear and…

Cancer Care at Bedford Hospital

Welcome to the Bedford Hospital Cancer Care Walkthrough Video Collection This collection of videos has been created to support patients, families, and carers by offering a clear and reassuring look…

Robotic pets comfort Bedford care home residents with dementia

Bedford-based care home residents are reaping the benefits of robotic therapy pets. Hepworth House Residential Care Home has 15 residents and since April 2025, two residents with dementia have been…

Group Clinics

How group clinics work Before attending your first group clinic, you will want to understand more about what will happen. You will receive a copy of a group clinic agreement…

GP Connect

GP Connect helps care providers make safer, faster decisions GP Connect is an NHS service that gives adult social care providers (registered with the Care Quality Commission) secure access to…

Digital tool improves mobility and balance in people at risk of falls

The largest real-world evaluation of GaitSmart, an AI-driven digital tool for people with gait (walking pattern) and mobility issues across four sites in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, has seen improved health…

Asthma inhaler project scoops prize at NHS awards ceremony

A revolutionary project which has improved care for asthma patients whilst also reducing emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and saving money was among the winners at an NHS awards ceremony.…

Chief Executive appointed to lead new ‘Central East’ ICB cluster

Jan Thomas, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care Board, has been appointed as the Chief Executive of the ‘Central East’ Integrated Care Board (ICB) cluster.  …

Staff with almost 500 years’ NHS service are celebrated at awards ceremony

17 staff who have worked in the NHS for a combined total of nearly 500 years were congratulated and thanked for their long service at an event this week. The…

New hub unveiled in Luton as vaccination drive begins

A new NHS health hub has opened in Luton to allow residents to get vaccinated, as the drive to encourage seasonal jabs gets underway. The Bury Park Health Hub, located…

Personalised care is the focus for local patients

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who live with physical or mental health conditions have been urged to consider what personalised care could do to improve their wellbeing, as…

NHS makes it easier than ever to protect two and three year olds against flu…

For the first time, parents across the East of England will be able to get their two and three year olds vaccinated against flu at local pharmacies this autumn –…

Cancer marketplace

Wednesday 24th Sept for Bedford Borough – 1pm – 3pm John Bunyan Sports and Fitness Centre ***** CANCELLED ***** Thursday 16th October for MK – 12.30PM – 2.30PM Middleton Pool and Fitness…

Groundbreaking local cancer project shortlisted for major national award

Pioneering work to tackle health inequalities in cancer treatment in Luton has been shortlisted for one of the health sector’s most prestigious awards. A spotlight on an empty chair at…

“Know your numbers” call to patients amid hidden blood pressure risk

As many as 100,000 people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, potentially putting them at risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease…

RoboPets have made a real difference to older, cared-for people in Bedfordshire

In September 2024, Sembia Johnson joined M&C Home Support Ltd in Bedfordshire as Care Manager, and in February 2025 became the Registered Manager. The company, founded in 2022 by husband-and-wife…

Eligible residents urged to get protected against flu this winter

People who qualify for a free NHS flu vaccination this winter have been reminded to make a plan to receive it, as the annual campaign kicks off in Bedfordshire, Luton…

Section 1: Understanding Palliative and End of Life Care in Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes…

Death is a natural part of life, something we will all experience, though in many different ways. Despite this, conversations about death and dying can often feel uncomfortable or are…

Chairs for the East of England’s reorganised future integrated care boards confirmed

The geographies of the three clusters of ICBs in the East of England. NHS England in the East of England has today confirmed the appointments of the three Chairs who…

RoboPets raise a smile with local care home residents

Elstow Lodge Residential Home in Bedford currently has eight residents, most of whom have a learning disability, while others live with a physical disability or dementia. As part of a…

Local residents invited to have their say on community and mental health services in major…

People living in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will get the chance to shape the future of community and mental health services in the area, as part of a major…

Local NHS waiting lists fall again, despite small national increase

NHS waiting lists in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have fallen again, according to new figures issued by NHS England. Despite a small rise of just over 9,500 (0.1%) across…

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, NVQ and GCSE results today and next week, school…

Mums-to-be in the East of England can skip the GP to get faster first NHS…

Newly pregnant women across the East of England can now self-refer online to get their “all-important” first midwife appointments quicker, ensuring the best and most personalised care for their baby.…

Learning disabilities care provider uses digital records to improve care

A local care organisation that provides care to people with a learning disability has been reaping the benefits of using digital care records. Winray Care Housing in Luton provides care…

Chairs which can lift people who fall in their own homes reduce ambulance call-outs, improve…

A chair which helps lift people safely and quickly in an emergency after a fall has been proven to reduce avoidable ambulance call-outs and associated healthcare costs, improve care, and…

Community and Mental Health Services Insight Review

Report TitleAuthorLink to ReportThe Denny ReviewHealthwatchDenny Review – Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care SystemHidden VoicesUnderstanding Health inequalities in Bedford BoroughHealthwatch Bedford BoroughGuidanceThe Denny Review Engagement ProjectHealthwatch Central Bedfordshirehttps://blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/publications/the-denny-review/supporting-information/denny-engagement-project-hwcb-drc-and-cds/?layout=fileCommunity…

Patients thanked for using NHS services appropriately during doctors’ strike

A local NHS leader has thanked patients for following recent advice to use services appropriately during strike action by resident doctors, but has warned that it will take time for…

RoboPets help combat loneliness among elderly Milton Keynes residents

In April 2016, Laila Adatia founded Intrust Care Ltd, a home care provider based in Milton Keynes that now supports over 120 clients. In February 2025, Laila introduced four robotic…

RoboPets help combat loneliness among elderly Milton Keynes residents

In April 2016, Laila Adatia founded Intrust Care Ltd, a home care provider based in Milton Keynes that now supports over 120 clients. In February 2025, Laila introduced four robotic…

Patients urged to “please use NHS services wisely” ahead of planned NHS strike this week

Patients in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been urged to help the local NHS to preserve care for those who most need it, ahead of a national strike by…

Local residents get answers to their cancer questions at shopping centre events

Hundreds of residents in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have received answers to their questions about cancer and cancer screening, following a series of outreach events across the region. Cancer…

More than half of local people now have the NHS App on their phone

More than half of patients in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have now downloaded the NHS App, new figures show. More than half of local residents have now signed up…

NHS recruitment drive in Luton to support working-class communities

People from working class communities in Luton will be among those supported onto the NHS career ladder, as the Government’s Plan for Change tackles rampant health inequalities and gets Britain working.…

Help us improve Community and Mental Health Services

We are reviewing how we deliver adult community and all age mental health services in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and we want to hear your views. In the last…

Tragic death from measles prompts vaccination reminder to families

Parents in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been alerted to the risk of measles, following reports this weekend that a child has sadly died of the disease in Liverpool.…

Blood pressure

High blood pressure High blood pressure (also called hypertension) can lead to serious problems like heart attacks or strokes. But lifestyle changes and blood pressure medicines can help you stay…

More patients seen at extended-hours clinics in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

Over 194,000 patients in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have taken advantage of ‘enhanced access’ appointments at general practices, which offer health services to people outside conventional opening hours. Figures…

The BLMK Green Plan 2025-2032

People, Places, Planet: BLMK CARES BLMK healthcare partners and residents have co-developed our new “Green Plan”, which sets out our vision for: People: We will improve health and wellbeing, reduce…

Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show

The number of people waiting over a year for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen by more than half, new figures show. The data, published by…

Improving Hypertension Management in Black African and Black Caribbean Communities

‘1 in 3 people have high blood pressure — many don’t know it.’ ‘Black communities are at higher risk.’ Black people in the UK are more likely to have high…

About Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)

From 23 June 2025, some patients will be able to access to the drug tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for the management of obesity in primary care settings.  It will not be accessible…

Secretary of State officially opens new clinical space at Leighton Buzzard Health Centre

Seven new clinical rooms created to meet growing demand at Leighton Buzzard Health Centre were officially opened at a ceremony yesterday (Thursday 19 June) by Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP,…

Celebrating Learning Disability Week: championing voices, and better health for all

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System (ICB) is supporting Learning Disability Week 2025 (16-22 June), shining a light on the experiences, rights, and aspirations of people with a…

Green Plan Glossary

This page contains a list of terms used within the BLMK Green Plan 2025-2032, and other phrases and abbreviations commonly-used within Sustainable Healthcare. Click each letter to open each section.…

Bike Week 2025: Pedalling towards health – for us and the planet

During Bike Week (9-15 June), Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is encouraging residents to take to two wheels – for better health and a greener Earth.…

Men’s Health Week 2025: early diagnosis saves lives

As Men’s Health Week (9-15 June) commences, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is urging men to prioritise their health by seeking early diagnosis for both physical…

Sustainable Healthcare Case Studies

Resilient Communities - Case Studies Resilient Communities - Case Studies Local Case Studies FoodConnect_2024-09_Impact Report.pdf NHS - Milton Keynes Green Roof Project.pdf Healthy and Sustainable School Travel.pdf National/International Case Studies…

Local general practices offering 16% more appointments than last year

The number of appointments available at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has risen again, according to new figures released by NHS England. The data – covering January…

What is Sustainable Healthcare?

Our health is inextricably linked to the health of the environment and the planet. This is why the climate and nature crises are a health crisis: climate change and environmental…

GaitSmart

DiSC programme menu » DiSC homepage | Projects | Meet the team and contact | Events | Annual Review 90% of patients saw at least one health improvement over 12…

MiiCare

DiSC programme menu » DiSC homepage | Projects | Meet the team and contact | Events | Annual Review 75 residents supported in their own homes through 75 installations MiiCare…

NHS.net Connect (formerly NHSMail)

DiSC programme menu » DiSC homepage | Projects | Meet the team and contact | Events | Annual Review 164 active accounts allowing the safe sharing of information and records…

Proxy Access

DiSC programme menu » DiSC homepage | Projects | Meet the team and contact | Events | Annual Review 36% (97 locations) have full access to GP services for someone…

DiSC projects

DiSC programme menu » DiSC homepage | Projects | Meet the team and contact | Events | Annual Review Browse a digital catalogue of our products Or take a look…

Digital Social Care Records

DiSC programme menu » DiSC homepage | Projects | Meet the team and contact | Events | Annual Review We achieved all of the required national objectives and exceeded the national…

Events

DiSC programme menu » DiSC homepage | Projects | Meet the team and contact | Events | Annual Review BLMK Future Digitisation of Social Care Conference Every year since 2022,…

Digital care records help local care provider to deliver safer, better and personalised care

In September 2024, Sembia Johnson joined M&C Home Support Limited, Bedfordshire as Registered Manager. With 19 staff and 24 clients, the company has been growing steadily since husband-and-wife team Marco…

Celebrating Volunteers’ Week: building trust and stronger communities

As part of Volunteers’ Week (2-8 June 2025), Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is celebrating the vital role volunteers play in supporting health and care across…

CT Scans Imaging

Learning Disability Annual Health Check Training

Constipation for carers

Constipation

More than half a million Pharmacy First consultations provide fast access to care for patients…

More than 600,000 consultations have taken place in the East of England since the launch of the Pharmacy First service last year, enabling people to receive fast treatment from high…

Consider local walks to boost health during National Walking Month

As part of National Walking Month this May, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) has been encouraging people to get walking, improving health and wellbeing whilst also…

Comparing numbers with Mum

In Diabetes Prevention Week, Steven Thomas wonders whether blood sugar could become an online game… I am a diabetic.  There, I said it.  I’m not one of those people who…

Women who have had diabetes during pregnancy encouraged to sign up to prevention course

Women with a history of diabetes during pregnancy have been encouraged to come forward to join a free NHS programme designed to help them reduce their risk of the condition…

Local people gather to help redesign community and mental health services

Bold ambitions for the future of community and mental health services took centre stage at a major health event, as partners came together to better understand how we co-design services…

New chief medical officer sets out vision for local care

The new chief medical officer for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) has shared his ambitions for improving local health and care. Dr Andrew Rochford, who…

International acclaim for Collaborative Targeted Outreach Programme (CTOP) to build local health and care workforce

A pioneering joint research initiative by the University of Bedfordshire and the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Integrated Care Board (ICB) has received international acclaim, winning the Patient and…

Bowel Cancer Screening

Local residents can stay safely in their own home for longer thanks to remote monitoring…

Dozens of local individuals and their families have benefited from a pilot project to test and evaluate how the MiiCare remote monitoring kit can support residents to remain at home…

Changing the culture of dying, together

Claire Bunday, community manager at Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub, St John’s Hospice, writes: Claire Bunday, community manager at Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub in Bedford. During Dying Matters Awareness…

Celebrating our nurses: honouring compassion, expertise and community care

Marking International Nurses’ Day 2025 on Monday 12 May, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board celebrates the exceptional contributions of nurses everywhere. Nurses are the backbone of health…

Milton Keynes University Hospital celebrates ‘topping out’ of Oak Wards

This week Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) marked the next stage of construction of its new Oak Wards with a ‘topping out’ ceremony. The Mayor of Milton Keynes, Cllr Marie…

Local NHS bodies commit to sustainable methods in drive to improve health and wellbeing

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board has made a new pledge to become more sustainable in the provision and delivery of health and care services in the local…

Celebrating midwifery opportunities: Inspiring the next generation of midwives

Following International Day of the Midwife on Monday 5 May, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) continues to highlight the vital work of midwives, as well as…

“You Can’t Catch Death”: Reflections from the Chaplaincy of Sarah Crane

In 2014, a young Sarah Crane walked through the doors of Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) for the first time as its Chaplain. Completely new to healthcare, she was stepping…

Fighting for Life and improved care at the end of life

Brian Daniels is no ordinary playwright. His stories don’t just entertain — they challenge, confront, and compel audiences to think deeply about the kind of society we are, and the…

The apple tree and conversations on dying

As part of Dying Matters Awareness Week, Michelle Summers writes a personal reflection on death and grief: “When I die, bury my ashes under the apple tree in the garden…

Robin Porter appointed as chair of Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board

Robin Porter, former chief executive of Luton Council, has been appointed as the new chair of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board. He was appointed following a public…

Make time to have conversations on dying

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board is encouraging residents to have conversations about death, dying, and grief as part of Dying Matters Awareness Week (5-11 May) and take…

Supplying local care homes with chairs to lift residents after a fall saves staff time…

A chair which helps lift care home residents safely and quickly in an emergency after a fall has been proven to reduce avoidable ambulance callouts and associated healthcare costs, improve…

Longest waits for NHS hospital treatment show further fall

New figures have revealed that the numbers of patients facing the longest waits for treatment at local hospitals have fallen significantly over the last 12 months. The data, published by…

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…

The importance of mental wellbeing – Stress Awareness Month

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care System is marking Stress Awareness Month by encouraging people to prioritise their mental wellbeing and seek support to help manage stress and anxiety.…