The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates about two thirds of all premature deaths are avoidable that is, they could potentially be avoided by public health action (preventable), better health care (amenable) or both and that preventable deaths make up about half of all avoidable deaths. The opportunity is great for Public Health England and the new public health system to contribute to a reduction in the underlying causes and risks of poor health smoking, excess alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and rising levels of obesity.

We will be meeting between 6pm and 7:30pm on Wednesday, 25th September at the University Health Centre, 9, Northcourt Avenue, Reading RG2 7HE. There will be a presentation from the Independent Patient Advocacy Service SEAP, an update from the CCG and the chair, a report on the QIPP (quality, innovation, productivity and prevention) programme for next year, a presentation from Healthwatch on Patient Participation and a discussion on ideas for Patient Engagement across the South Reading area. There will also be elections for Chair, Vice-Chair, Information Officer and Outreach Officer.

We will be meeting between 6pm and 7:30pm on Wednesday, 25th September at the University Health Centre, 9, Northcourt Avenue, Reading RG2 7HE. There will be a presentation from the Independent Patient Advocacy Service SEAP, an update from the CCG and the chair, a report on the QIPP (quality, innovation, productivity and prevention) programme for next year, a presentation from Healthwatch on Patient Participation and a discussion on ideas for Patient Engagement across the South Reading area. There will also be elections for Chair, Vice-Chair, Information Officer and Outreach Officer.

South Reading CCG is supporting Jane Brooks - a PhD student working on Public and Patient Involvement by helping her get responses to her questionnaire for Long Term Condition sufferers and their carers. If you, or the person you care for, suffers from diabetes, stroke, TIA, heart disease or respiratory disease please fill in Jane's questionnaire. Start by clicking here. Please complete the questionnaire by 27th September 2013.

The South Reading NHS CCG summarises changes it is making to services and processes for Children and Young People here . There will be more Heath Visitors, the Family Nurse Partnership working with teenage mums, a single point of entry to CAMHS, expansion of the Talking Therapies programme and other changes. These changes are in response to points made at the Childrens' and Voluntary Youth Services AGM this summer.