News & reports

When you’re feeling unwell with a cold, cough, sore throat or minor infection, knowing where to go for help can make a real difference — not just for you, but for the whole local health system. In West Berkshire, many people are now being encouraged to use community pharmacies as a first port of call for common conditions. Pharmacists are highly trained, easy to access and can offer advice, treatment, and referrals where needed. But is this working in practice? And do local p

The NHS has warned that England’s health service is being pushed into a “worst-case scenario” this winter due to an unprecedented surge in flu cases — dubbed super-flu  — alongside ongoing pressures on urgent and emergency care. What’s Happening Record flu hospitalisations:  An average of ~2,660 people were in hospital with flu each day last week – the highest recorded for this time of year, and up 55% in just one week . NHS England Winter pressures rising:  Hospital beds use