Reading Healthwatch has reported that the re-commissioning of the 111 telephone service for the Thames Valley has taken an unexpected turn with the preferred provider, Care UK, withdrawing from the tendering process. The existing provider, South Central NHS Ambulance Foundation Trust, in alliance with primary care providers, is now the reserve bidder will probably be awarded the contract for the service from 1st April 2017.

Brent Patient Voice , a sister organisation, has published a critique of the Sustainability and Transformation Plan of its area, North West London STP area. We might find that some of the criticisms put forward are applicable in our case, for example, excessive optimisim about possible savings and cost reductions, and double counting of savings at the STP and local authority level. However, our situation is very different from that in North West London.

Reading Borough Council has taken the step of publishing the BOB/WeBOB/COBWeB STP five year plan (sustainability and transformation plan). They are seeking public responses to it via a survey found via the same link. A summary will appear here when available.

Simon Stevens, head of NHS England is inviting patients, carers and NHS staff to get involved in a national consultation on the proposed action to cut sales of sugary drinks on NHS premises as part of an effort to improve public health. Please use this link to get started.

The Berkshire West Primary Care Commissioning Committee meets in public at the Oakwood Centre, Woodley, RG5 4JZ on 7th December from 1pm to 4.30pm. To attend register using this link (or by phone 0300 123 6264) by 12 noon on the 6th December. Papers will be available on the South Reading CCG primary care committee page.