Walk-in winter vaccinations to continue despite closure of booking service for flu and COVID-19

Local residents who have yet to take up the offer of free vaccinations against flu and COVID-19 this winter have been reminded that they can still access them at venues…

Acoustic Monitoring

DiSC programme menu » DiSC homepage | Projects | Meet the team and contact | Events | Annual Review 343 residents supported across 12 care homes Acoustic Monitoring case studies…

Remote monitoring toolkits are reassuring families of local residents receiving home care

The Whzan Blue Box contains various wireless, portable instruments which enable care providers to identify signs of deterioration and illness earlier. Through regular readings of vital signs such as pulse,…

Get the care you need this Christmas

Most NHS services in the community will close for at least some of the Christmas period, but a senior local doctor has issued guidance on how patients can access care…

Advice for parents on common childhood winter illness

A senior local nurse has urged parents to prepare for common illnesses which children often experience during the winter months. Understanding these winter ailments and how to manage them is…

Remember to order your repeat prescriptions in time for Christmas

A senior local pharmacist is urging residents to ensure that they have enough supply of any medications they need to last them over the festive period. With many practices and…

NHS flu vaccination campaign set to hit key milestone

Local NHS workers are expected to hit a landmark sometime in the next few days, with the delivery of the 250,000th flu vaccination of the winter in Bedfordshire, Luton and…

NHS App roadshow comes to Bedford

Prominent Bedford Borough councillors and charity chief executives were among those who joined forces with staff from the region’s integrated care board on Friday (6 December) to show local residents…

New Medical Chief appointed at BLMK Integrated Care Board

Dr Andrew Rochford has been appointed Chief Medical Officer for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, replacing Dr Ian Reckless, who has held the position on an interim…

Get the care you need this Christmas

Pharmacies opening on Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day) Bedford Borough Broadway Pharmacy, Broadway Pharmacy, 1 The Broadway, Bedford, MK40 2TJ (10:00am – 2:00pm) Herbert & Herbert, 88 High Street, Clapham,…

Advice for parents

If you feel that your child is unwell, or you are unable to care for them, seek medical help. This could be your local pharmacist, NHS111, GP, an urgent treatment…

Warm up and connect at welcoming winter spaces

As winter approaches, a network of warm, welcoming spaces is set to open across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes to support those facing the cold weather and rising cost of…

Local doctor issues call to get protected against winter viruses ahead of Christmas festivities

A senior local doctor has urged eligible residents in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to get protected against flu and COVID-19 now to enjoy a worry-free Christmas season. It can…

Eligible residents reminded to book in for RSV vaccine

A senior local doctor is reminding eligible residents to book in for the RSV vaccine.  This is a new vaccination, available for the first time this year, to those who…

A NEW expert team is injecting a genetic boost into personalised cancer care across the East…

Six Genomic Clinical Practitioners are working with hospitals and care teams to ensure that local patients can benefit from huge advances in genomic medicine. Genomic medicine aims to transform cancer prevention,…

Data show more general practice appointments in Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes

New figures from NHS England show another big rise in the number of appointments offered at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. Practices in the region have provided…

Community-led Learning Action Network launched to tackle heart attacks and strokes

Gypsies, Irish Travellers and people of Black African, Caribbean and Indian heritage have joined a Learning Action Network, designed to find powerful, community-led solutions to reducing heart attacks and strokes.…

New triage system allows patients to see the right professional at the first time of…

Many patients at general practices across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are benefiting from a time-saving process which helps them to be seen and treated sooner. The ‘total triage’ system…

Support for people struggling with the rising cost of living

Save Money with a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) If you know you’ll have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions, it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment…

Leading for Sustainability in BLMK – a burning ambition for change

On 15 November, delegates from across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes joined a Leading for Sustainability Summit at the Christian Centre in Milton Keynes. Led by Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton…

Be prepared: Residents encouraged to stock up medicine cabinet ahead of Winter

A senior local pharmacist is urging people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to make sure they have ample supplies of key medication and medical supplies to stay well this…

Be prepared for Winter with Pharmacy First

A leading local pharmacist is encouraging residents to make use of the Pharmacy First service for minor illnesses and condition this winter and avoid unnecessary visits to hospital. Most community…

Local health and care board set to sign up to Armed Forces Covenant

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board is set to become the latest local organisation to sign up to a national scheme guaranteeing fair treatment for current and former…

Autism Diagnostic

Leading for an Environmentally Sustainable Health and Care System

Creating the next Green Plan for BLMK The final version of the refreshed Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Integrated Care System (ICS) Green Plan is complete. This will be…

Local health board director set to retire after 42 years’ service

A long-serving director at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board has announced her retirement. Nicky Poulain, chief primary care officer at the organisation, which plans the delivery of…

NHS staff hit the road to offer advice on winter healthcare

NHS staff will take to the road this week to start spreading the word about health services available to patients during the winter months, as part of a campaign to…

Resident Briefing: Update on health services in Leighton Buzzard

We are pleased to update residents, representatives and partners on the latest developments in the delivery of healthcare services in Leighton Buzzard. Increasing local primary care capacity and improving services…

Winter Engagement – We’re out and about

As part of our commitment to keep you informed about the services we offer and how to access them, our team will be out about chatting to residents. Over the…

Thousands receive winter vaccinations as NHS campaign gets off to a brisk start

More than 284,000 vaccinations have already been given in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes this winter amid an NHS drive to protect against the flu and COVID-19 viruses, new figures…

Six priority work programmes unveiled to help local residents live longer, healthier lives

Six priority work programmes for health and social care will help residents in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to live longer, healthier lives, a new strategy document declares.  Cancer services,…

Winter health

Winter brings unique challenges to our health, especially for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions like heart or kidney disease, respiratory issues, and diabetes. The cold, damp, and…

Pharmacy first

Pharmacists can give you advice on a range of conditions and suggest medicines that can help. They may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some…

Vaccinations

Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations It’s important to get your winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if you’re eligible. Getting vaccinated every year will top up your protection and reduce your risk…

How to stay well this winter

Who’s most at risk from cold weather? Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather. This includes: people aged 65 and older babies and children under the…

NHS staff join series of talks to mark Black History Month

Around 50 NHS staff in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have taken up the opportunity to learn more about the experiences of Black and Black British people through an October…

Facial recognition technology improves pain management in local care homes

Innovative facial recognition technology is helping staff at residential and nursing homes in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to provide better care to patients and reduce reliance on medication. Innovative…

Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board achieves Living Wage Employer accreditation

Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) has been officially accredited as a Living Wage Employer. This prestigious recognition underscores BLMK ICB’s commitment to ensuring that all…

Dr Rima Makarem to stand down as Chair of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated…

The Chair of the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Integrated Care Board, Dr Rima Makarem, will stand down as Chair at the end of the year. Dr Makarem has…

Project to improve health and reduce inequalities is launched in Bletchley

A series of drop-in sessions to provide accessible help on health and wellbeing topics has been launched in Bletchley.  The Bletchley Get Togethers support groups will run twice each month,…

Change NHS: help build a health service fit for the future

A national conversation has been launched by Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. NHS staff are working harder than ever to get services back on…

Awards ceremony congratulates NHS staff on outstanding accomplishments

NHS staff working at the region’s integrated care board were the focus of an awards ceremony which saw a celebration of achievements made across the organisation. Intended as the first…

Supporting the NHS workforce and local communities on World Menopause Day

NHS organisations in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have re-committed to creating a supportive working environment which champions the wellbeing of their female workforce so that women stay healthy and…

Green leaders rally for groundbreaking local summit

Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Environment and Hitchin MP Alistair Strathern, Dr Tim Simmance and local clinicians will headline a dynamic health and environment summit in November,…

NHS App Roadshow comes to Luton

The Mayor of Luton, Councillor Tahima Saleem and local MPs Sarah Owen and Rachel Hopkins joined up with Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board on Friday (11 October)…

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…

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…

Learning Disability and Autism Strategy

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…

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…

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…

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…

Spotlight in Denny in Luton

4 November 2024 @ 5:45 pm – 8:00 pm We want everyone to be able to access our health and care services, but know that there are barriers for some…

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…

Spotlight on Denny in Central Bedfordshire

We want to create a fairer BLMK for everyone.  7 November 2024 @ 5:45 pm – 8:00 pm We want everyone to be able to access our health and care…

Leighton Buzzard

Update on Healthcare Services in Leighton Buzzard – 31 January 2025 Statement about Leighton Road Surgery, 1 Leighton Rd, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1LB Resident Briefing: Update on health services in…

Cervical Cancer Screening

Tier 3 Weight Management – getting to the clinic

Intensive Support Team – Clinical Holds

Introduction to LeDeR

Diabetes Eye Screening Appointment

Introduction to Type 2 Diabetes

Supporting information A booklet that supports the videos which explains What Type 2 diabetes is. Type 2 diabetes glossary – a list of some words used in the Type 2…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Annual review

DiSC programme menu » DiSC homepage | Projects | Meet the team and contact | Events | Annual Review Clare Steward, Programme Director Reflecting on the highlights, delivery and achievements…

Palliative and End of Life

Supporting and helping those living with dying, death and bereavement and their carers is a priority for BLMK. The well being of families, carers and communities is uppermost in the…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Black leaders awareness

July 18th is Black Leaders Awareness Day, a significant opportunity to celebrate and introduce influential black leaders to the world. This day serves as a platform to share quotes, knowledge,…

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%…

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…

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…

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)…

RoboPets Expression of Interest (EOI)

DiSC programme menu » DiSC homepage | Projects | Meet the team and contact | Events | Annual Review RoboPets are life-like devices that are designed to help adults living…

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…

“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…

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…

“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…

A spotlight on the Denny Review in Milton Keynes!

17 July 2024 @ 6:00 pm Creating a fairer BLMK – A spotlight on the Denny Review in Milton Keynes! Join us on Wednesday 17 July 2024 at 18:00 at…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Childhood immunisations

Immunisations are available against lots of infectious diseases which can cause serious illness or, in some cases, can be fatal. The NHS strongly recommends that children are vaccinated against these…

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.…

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…

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…