Local NHS issues COVID-19 vaccination reminder to those who are immunosuppressed

Health chiefs from NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) are reminding the public of the offer of a COVID-19 booster vaccination to help provide extra protection…

Keyworker service is helping to support vulnerable children and young people in Bedfordshire

L is an 18-year-old who was struggling to communicate with autism professionals. She started working with a keyworker, who supported her over a few months. The keyworker service provides the…

Redesign of Musculoskeletal (MSK) services

Fight Off Flu This Winter

Bedford Borough Council is encouraging residents to get their flu jab this winter. Getting vaccinated reduces the chance of catching flu and spreading it to friends, family and others in…

Free journeys in vaxi cabs to drive up vaccination rates in Milton Keynes

People living or working in Milton Keynes who are now eligible for a COVID-19 autumn booster but don’t have access to transport, have been reminded that they can take advantage…

Free journeys in vaxi cabs to drive up vaccination rates in Bedfordshire

People living or working in Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire who are now eligible for a COVID-19 autumn booster but don’t have access to transport, have been reminded that they…

Helping Children Living with Epilepsy in Luton

In 2020, the Integrated Patient-Controlled Medical Record pilot was launched in order to improve the outcomes for children living with epilepsy in Luton. Epilepsy is the most common long-term condition…

Cancer

In this episode of BLMK Health Conversation On… we will focus on cancer detection, care of cancer patients and treatment available will focus cancer detection, care of cancer patients and…

Long-Covid in Children and Young People – Webinar and Information for Clinicians

Long-Covid webinar slides – AnitaDownload Long-Covid webinar slides – AndyDownload 1. Post COVID Assessment Service Referral Form – Final 06.07.20 (2)Download How to complete a systmone-to-systmone ereferralDownload PCAS GP AwarenessDownload

Felix’s Story – NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme

Felix, from Luton, joined the NHS Low Calorie Diet Programme following a referral from his GP due to his type 2 diabetes. He believed that this was his last chance…

Milestone reaches as NHS services deliver the 100,000TH COVID-19 Autumn booster to local people

The NHS autumn booster campaign in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has got off to a brisk start, with the 100,000th vaccine already having been delivered this week, less than…

NHS Invites People 50 and Over For Autumn Boosters And Flu Jabs

Millions of people aged 50 and over will be able to book their autumn booster and flu vaccines tomorrow, as the NHS Covid-19 and flu programmes continue to protect the…

Amber alert issued on blood stocks – existing O Neg and O Pos donors asked…

NHS blood “amber alert” triggeredNon urgent elective surgery which requires blood may be postponedExisting O Negative and O Positive donors asked to book in at Blood Donor Centres NHS Blood…

Project to support wellbeing of the primary care workforce and patients extended by ICB

After an overwhelmingly successful pilot scheme, NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) has extended the ‘Shine Programme’, a unique digital approach to supporting staff and…

Newly expanded outpatients area at Bedford Hospital will improve patient experience and help reduce waiting…

From Monday (10 October) Bedford Hospital will begin treating patients in a newly expanded, modern and purpose built facility, which will improve overall patient experience and tackle waiting lists, exacerbated…

Free Journeys in Vaxi Cabs to Drive Up Vaccination Rates in Luton

People living or working in Luton who are now eligible for a COVID-19 or flu vaccination, but don’t have access to transport, have been reminded that they can take advantage…

Local NHS is helping to fight climate change one breath at a time

Healthcare professionals in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will be reviewing patients’ inhalers as the NHS continues its aim to become the first net zero carbon health care service by…

“It’s absolutely brilliant” – new video shows how care home technology is helping staff keep…

A powerful story of how technology enabled care supports care home staff to keep residents safe and well at night is the focus of a new video from the National…

Welcome to the September 2022 issue of Live Well, our partner newsletter for the Bedfordshire,…

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Nassreen’s journey to preventing diabetes in Milton Keynes.

When Nassreen from Milton Keynes was diagnosed as pre-diabetic it came as a shock to her and her family. She had not realised that her diet and lifestyle was impacting…

Nassreen’s journey to preventing diabetes in Milton Keynes.

When Nassreen from Milton Keynes was diagnosed as pre-diabetic it came as a shock to her and her family. She had not realised that her diet and lifestyle was impacting…

Moments That Matter

Health and care professionals working in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are joining forces to change things for the better. Innovations and new ways of working are…

Lung Health Check Programme – Meet Jacqueline from Luton

Jacqueline at 57, has received life changing cancer treatment through the Lung Health Checks programmes.   Jacqueline from Luton is a mum of two grown up children and has a grandchild,…

Lung Health Check Programme – Meet Jaqueline from Luton

Jacqueline at 57, has received life changing cancer treatment through the Lung Health Checks programmes.   Jacqueline from Luton is a mum of two grown up children and has a grandchild,…

Central Bedfordshire residents invited for lung health check

Central Bedfordshire is the second area in Bedfordshire to be given the opportunity to improve lung cancer outcomes and follows the successful launch in Luton in 2021 of the Targeted…

Over 65s can now book autumn COVID booster

People aged 65 and over will be able to book their autumn COVID booster through the national booking system from today, meaning five million more people can now top up…

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Statement

Dr Rima Makarem, Chair of NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board said: “We send our most sincere condolences to the Royal Family at this difficult time.” “I…

BLMK Begins Rollout of Variant Busting Booster Jab

The NHS has become the first healthcare system in the world to use the next generation, updated COVID vaccines as it kickstarts the autumn booster rollout this September. Following the updated…

New Chief Transformation Officer appointed to Integrated Care Board

Anne Brierley has been appointed as the Chief Transformation Officer of the NHS Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board. Anne has held several senior leadership positions throughout her…

Millions Now Able To Book Their Autumn Booster

From today, around four million people most vulnerable to Covid-19 will start to be invited to book in their autumn booster vaccine as the NHS’ National Booking Service launches appointments for Autumn boosters. The National Booking Service will go live…

Summer of Play served up more than 26,000 FREE meals and activity sessions to MK…

Cllr Jane Carr, Cabinet Member for Inequalities, with children enjoying a free football session at Portfields Primary School. Milton Keynes City Council funded more than 106,000 hours of free activity sessions…

MKUH Appoints New Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Care

MKUH is delighted to announce that Yvonne Christley has joined Milton Keynes University Hospital trust as their new Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Care from September 2022. Yvonne, who…

Significant improvements made in Luton Children’s Services

In its first full inspection of our Children’s Services since 2020, Ofsted has concluded that significant improvements have been made and children in Luton now receive a much better service…

COVID Vaccination Centres to Close for a Week to Focus on Residential Care Homes

COVID vaccination centres across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are set to close for a week to allow NHS staff to offer autumn booster shots in residential care homes, as…

Lorraine Mattis appointed as ICB’s associate non-executive member

NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated care Board has confirmed the appointment of a new associate non-executive member. Lorraine Mattis Lorraine Mattis has a background in healthcare. A board…

MKUH launches NHS login integration with MyCARE patient app

Milton Keynes University Hospital is now offering patients the simplicity and reassurance of using their single, secure NHS login to access their MyCARE patient portal. The MyCARE digital patient portal…

The NHS in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes set to begin offering COVID-19 autumn booster…

In the latest phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will join the rest of the country and launch the first autumn boosters across the county…

Festival-Goers Urged To Get COVID Jabs

Festival-goers in Houghton Regis will be able to get their COVID-19 vaccinations up to date this weekend (Saturday 3 September) as the local NHS jabs team visits the Houghton Rocks…

Shared Healthcare Record Podcast

In this episode of BLMK Health Conversation On… we are looking at the use of shared healthcare records to improve efficiency and quality of patient care. We take a look…

Bear hugs on hand – 30,000 teddies delivered to children at Bedfordshire Hospitals

If you go down to A&E today, you could be in for a fluffy surprise… As all parents know, a visit to A&E can be a scary experience for a…

Manjeet Gill becomes the Integrated Care Board’s latest non-executive member

NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated care Board has confirmed Manjeet Gill as its latest non-executive member. Social justice and improving inequalities have been the golden thread in Manjeet’s…

Welcome to the July/August 2022 issue of Live Well, our partner newsletter for the Bedfordshire,…

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Local epilepsy team shortlisted for two national awards  

An epilepsy team in Luton has been shortlisted for a national Health Service Journal award for its pioneering work to make life easier for children living with complex epilepsy. Over…

Longest hospital waits all but eliminated across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes

People in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are experiencing shorter hospital waits according to new data just published, with 104 weeks waits all but eliminated.  This compares to a high…

With high temperatures forecast for much of the country this week, the UK Health Security…

Temperatures are not forecast to reach the record-breaking levels of the most recent heatwave but are expected to rise throughout the week, potentially reaching mid-30 degrees Celsius on Friday and…

Council provides funding for businesses to tackle climate change

MK Council is providing support to businesses to help them achieve their climate action goals through its £100,000 project. The Council is working with Ngage on its Prism project which…

Milton Keynes Blue Light Hub opens its doors to the public

The Blue Light Hub in West Ashland, Milton Keynes, will throw open its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday (13 August) with its inaugural Open Day.…

ELFT Shortlisted as HSJ Trust of the Year 2022

ELFT has been shortlisted as Trust of the Year 2022 at the prestigious HSJ Awards. The national awards recognise outstanding contributions to healthcare. More than 1,000 entries were submitted for…

Ambulance service set to become first to introduce ‘dementia button’ on patient records

Paramedics at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) are set to become the first to be able to alert other healthcare providers to a patient’s suspected or confirmed…

Providing better care locally | Health and Social Care | Central Bedfordshire Council

Council bids for multi-million pound infrastructure funding

MK Council has submitted bids for government funding which could see a brand new space for MK:U students in the city centre, and transport improvements. The multi-million pound bids have…

Trust’s Enjoying Work programme wins a Health Tech Digital Award 

National recognition for an innovative digital tool that works to enhance the staff experience of work. ELFT, in partnership with ImproveWell, has won the award for the category Best COVID-19…

MKUH Appoints New Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Care

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust are delighted to announce that Yvonne Christley will join Milton Keynes University Hospital as our new Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Care…

New COVID Vaccination Sessions Just for Children in Milton Keynes

Parents of school-age children can get the summer holidays off to a great start by making sure their families get the COVID jab at one of the new dedicated vaccination…

The Luton Wellbeing Hub helping The Mall to achieve its Foodbank fifty challenge to celebrate…

Luton Foodbank is always in need of donations to support the local community and July sees a higher demand and lower donation levels than other months. This is why the…

Festival-goers Urged to get COVID Jabs

Festival-goers in Bedford will be able to get their COVID-19 vaccinations up to date this weekend (Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July) as the local NHS jabs team visits Bedford…

Kind-hearted colleagues raise money for Dunstable Foodbank

As part of a day of celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of local Clinical Commissioning Groups in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, NHS staff used the occasion to support…

Award winning volunteer team seeks new recruits

Our award winning hospital navigator scheme are looking for volunteers. The hospital navigator scheme, set up in collaboration with Thames Valley Police, provides the intervention needed to help young people…

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust partners with InterSystems to launch new Shared Health and Care…

InterSystems, a creative data technology provider, is partnering with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to develop a new shared health and care record, which is being rolled out across Bedfordshire…

With temperatures set to hit record highs over the next few days, people across Bedfordshire…

An extreme heat warning has been issued by the Met Office with mercury set to hit 40C by Tuesday. People are advised to: Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of…

Beat the Heat – Heatwave Alert

The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for the East of England for Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are expected to be extremely high, potentially reaching…

NHS bosses ask for the public’s help as local health services face unprecedented pressure.

NHS bosses are asking for the public’s help as the health service in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes faces unprecedented pressure. A rise in Covid patients being admitted to local…

Kind-hearted colleagues raise money for Luton Foodbank

As part of a day of celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of local Clinical Commissioning Groups in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, NHS staff used the occasion to support…

Population Health Management

Our vision is to work with our population to optimise health and wellbeing; improve equality in our communities and make the best use of our resources. As we work together…

MK Council to expand provision for young people with special educational needs and disabilities

Following consultation with families, schools and professionals, Milton Keynes Council has developed plans to expand the number of local school places and support available for young people with special educational…

Kind-hearted colleagues raise money for Bedford Foodbank

As part of a day of celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of local Clinical Commissioning Groups in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, NHS staff used the occasion to support…

Kind-hearted colleagues raise money for Milton Keynes Foodbank

As part of a day of celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of local Clinical Commissioning Groups in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, NHS staff used the occasion to support…

Prescription Charges and how to get financial help

If you are struggling to pay for NHS prescriptions due to the current financial pressures, help is available. Download the NHS Help with health costs patient booklet (1 April 2022)…

Fragrant way to celebrate 10 years of health and care service

The NHS Bedfordshire Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board marked the provision of 10 years of dedicated service to our communities of the NHS Bedfordshire Luton and Milton Keynes…

New Chief People Officer appointed to Integrated Care Board

Martha Roberts has been appointed as the Chief People Officer for the NHS Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board. Martha has a strong track record of working in…

Doctors and nurses join ambulance crews on the road to end delays for patients

Doctors, nurses and other health and social care professionals have jumped on board ambulances to bring new eyes to the fight to end delays for patients. The medical teams joined…

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board established

A new organisation, which brings together local health and care organisations, including the NHS and councils has launched today to help people live longer lives in good health. The Bedfordshire,…

New Chief of System Assurance and Corporate Services appointed

Maria Wogan has been appointed as the Chief of System Assurance and Corporate Services for the NHS Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, when it takes on statutory…

Integrated Care Partnership Joint Committee

7 March 2023 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Venue to be confirmed Add to calendar Google Calendar iCalendar Outlook 365 Outlook Live

Integrated Care Partnership Joint Committee

14 December 2022 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Bedford Borough Council Borough Hall, 138 Cauldwell Street Bedford, Bedfordshire MK42 9AP United Kingdom + Google Map Add to calendar Google…

Integrated Care Partnership Joint Committee

21 September 2022 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Central Bedfordshire Council Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands Shefford, Bedfordshire SG17 5TQ United Kingdom + Google Map Add to calendar Google…

Integrated Care Partnership Joint Committee

4 July 2022 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am Procedural meeting via MS Teams. For meeting papers visit https://blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/about-us/integrated-care-partnership-joint-committee/ Add to calendar Google Calendar iCalendar Outlook 365 Outlook Live

Partner newsletter June 2022

Welcome to the June 2022 issue of Live Well, our partner newsletter for the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership. ACGG_12687_BLMK_-Ics-Newsletter-June_V1.3_22.06.28_15.09Download

Services to support care homes

Useful contacts for care homes: Bedford Borough Bedford Borough Minor illness BLMK ICB Homely Remedies Toolkit  BLMK ICB Self Care Toolkit for care homes Local Pharmacies GP advice /primary care…

New Integrated Care Board to meet in public for the first time

NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) will meet for the first time in public on 1 July 2022 to mark the organisation’s inception. The BLMK…

New Mental Health Inpatient Unit for Children and Young People

A new acute mental health inpatient unit for children and young people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is set to open before the end of 2022. Funding of £17m…

NHS 111

NHS 111 and coronarivus If you think you might have coronavirus, you should stay indoors and avoid contact with other people. Please use the dedicated NHS 111 online coronavirus service…

Find a Service

Help us help you and your family stay well With all the different ways to access medical care, it can be confusing to know where is best to go. This…

Long COVID / Post COVID-19 syndrome

Patient Support & Materials Patient Support & Materials Your Covid Recovery  Smell & Taste Training  MK Talking Therapies  Bedford Mental Health & Wellbeing  Luton Mental Health & Wellbeing talking therapies…

Diabetes FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions for People Living With Diabetes What Should I Do? What are the signs and symptoms of Diabetes? If you are worried or want to know more about…

Emotional Health and Wellbeing

Some diabetes patients may experience rapid changes in mood and other mental symptoms such as fatigue, trouble thinking clearly, and anxiety. If you have diabetes and are developing any of…

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (cgm)

A continuous glucose monitor is a small device that you wear just under your skin.  It measures your glucose (sugar) levels continuously throughout the day and night, letting you see trends in your levels…

For Carers Seeking Support

You can find information below on some of the local support services available in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to support carers. Bedfordshire (excl Luton) Following are some of the…

Diabetes Retinal Screening

All people aged 12 and over with diabetes (type 1 and 2) are offered annual eye screening appointments. The only exceptions are people with eye disease who are already under…

Weight Management Services for people living with Diabetes

Diabetes Adult Weight management programmes are provided by MoreLife, designed to create long-lasting shifts in behaviour providing the tools and support needed to achieve health goals. Bedfordshire (excl Luton) You…

Gestational Diabetes and Post Gestational Diabetes Care

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar (glucose) that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. However this increases your risk of developing Type 2  Diabetes and can happen…

Footcare

Having diabetes means you’re at much greater risk of developing foot problems.  This is because raised blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, can damage the sensation in your feet. It…

Diabetes Education

Diabetes education improves health outcomes and reduces the onset of serious complications. Watch the short video below to see how education can help you to manage your diabetes: Please find…

Diabetes Annual Review

You can expect a yearly review of your diabetes with a Health Care Professional from your GP surgery. They will monitor the 15 health checks as recommended by Diabetes UK. Prior to this…

Diabetes

What is Diabetes Diabetes is a long-term condition caused by too much glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2…

BLMK vaccination sites

Venues which currently offer COVID-19 vaccinations in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are listed below, by local authority area. BEDFORD BOROUGH NamePostcodeAvicenna Pharmacy 88 London Road, BedfordMK42 0NTBedford Pharmacy 9…

Life Changing Lung Health Checks Programme Comes to Central Bedfordshire

Central Bedfordshire residents are now being invited to the Targeted Lung Health Checks programme, which screens for lung cancer. Central Bedfordshire is the second area in Bedfordshire to be given…

Booster FAQs

The Autumn programme commenced in September 2022. As with previous vaccination rollouts, you will be contacted when you become eligible. Further information on the Autumn booster programme can be found here.…

Flu

Flu is always unpredictable and this season it is even more unpredictable than ever before as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The influenza virus can be life-threatening, spread more…