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…

Community Equipment Loan Service

Community equipment loan services are essential for people who need social care support at home. They help them live with more independence and dignity. NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes…

Breaking barriers to healthcare

The Breaking Barriers Project is a set of video guides to help autistic people or those with a learning disability prepare for health appointments. The videos have been co-produced by…

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…

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…

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…

“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:…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

BLMK inequalities week

Inequalities Week will take place on 13-17 May and we’re running a series of webinars to share some of the work that is taking place across the system to reduce…

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…

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…

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…

Monday 22 April 2024 is Earth Day  

This year’s theme is: Planet vs Plastic; 60% reduction in production by 2040 Plastic surrounds us everywhere, from the clothes we wear, to the food we eat and the toiletries…

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,…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

£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…

“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…

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…

What is primary care? Central Bedfordshire

9 May 2024 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm If you live in Central Bedfordshire, join us to talk about: How 24/7 primary care is provided where you live How…

What is primary care? Central Bedfordshire

8 May 2024 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm If you live in Central Bedfordshire, join us to talk about: How 24/7 primary care is provided where you live How…

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…

‘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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Pharmacy First Toolkit

Purpose of the toolkit The Pharmacy First Toolkit is a resource designed to support the implementation of the Pharmacy First service within our Bedfordshire Luton and Milton Keynes integrated care…

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…

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…

What is primary care? Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

18 March 2024 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm We are holding 4 in person events and 1 online event.If you live in Bedfordshire, Luton or Milton Keynes, join us…

What is primary care? Luton

22 March 2024 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm We are holding 4 in person events and 1 online event.If you live in Bedfordshire, Luton or Milton Keynes, join us…

What is primary care? Luton

21 March 2024 @ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm We are holding 4 in person events and 1 online event.If you live in Bedfordshire, Luton or Milton Keynes, join us…

What is primary care? Bedford Borough

18 March 2024 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm We are holding 4 in person events and 1 online event.If you live in Bedfordshire, Luton or Milton Keynes, join us…

What is primary care? Central Bedfordshire

12 March 2024 @ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm We are holding 4 in person events and 1 online event.If you live in Bedfordshire, Luton or Milton Keynes, join us…

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…

Primary Care in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes

We are inviting residents across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to join us to talk about what primary care is and how it is changing.  We are holding in-person events…

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…

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…

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…

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…