In its final five-year plan as submitted to NHS England the Berkshire West CCGs outlline their plans to transform treatment. This will involve efforts to treat a greater proportion of patients out of hospital using new serivces, new technoloigy and new care pathways.

Dr Elizabeth Johnston, retiring chair of the South Reading NHS CCG, has announced a proposed merger of the 4 CCGs in Berkshire West - South Reading, North and West Reading, West Berks, Wokingham. In her report, Dr Johnston says, "Discussions are currently taking place to review feasibility and practicalities of a proposed merger of South Reading CCG with its neighbouring CCGs, namely Wokingham, North & West Reading and Newbury and District.

Pembroke surgery has announced that it will be among the first in the country to offer televideo consultations. Patients who are interested should call at reception and ask for the informative leaflet. The consultations involve the use of the patients computer with video camera ("webcam") and software which is installed at no expense to the patient. The software provides for secure transmission so as to maintain the privacy of the consultation.

Pembroke surgery has announced a long-discussed move to have several smaller practices share facilities in a "chambers" arrangement on Craven Road. The move will take 2-3 years. There are great advantages for patients in having small practices co-located with shared facilities but the one advantage that could be lost is locality. Colocated practices could share specialist nurses and technical infrastructure, and also clinical expertise. Whereas large practices are able to conduct audit reviews and continually assess and maintain standards this is much harder for the small practice.

A poll of patient reaction to their place of care has put Berkshire Healthcare FT well ahead of the national average. The survey asked about patient approval of cleanliness, food and hydration, privacy, dignity and wellbing and also condition appearance and maintenance. Berkshire Healthcare FT was well ahead in each category.