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. Kennet and London Street surgeries could be involved. No doubt the proximity to the Royal Berkshire Hospital emergency department will raise the possibility of diverting cases better suited to primary care to the new chambers on Craven Road.

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.

Public Finance magazine has reported that Reading is now one of only six local authorities allowed to go ahead to health and sociall care integration in 2015. Out of fourteen authorities approved to go ahead with their Better Care Fund plans eight have been asked to resubmit.

Macmillan Cancer Support - a source of support for all those afffected by cancer - providing information and advice, funding specialist nurses. With NHS support publishes comprehensive assessments and details for cancer treatment centres.

For those needing treatment for cancer there is now a very informative web site produced by the Macmillan charity and the NHS. There is not only a good deal of information but also a very clear impression of the professionalism and very great expertise that is involved in these forms of treatment.

Macmillan Cancer Support - a source of support for all those afffected by cancer - providing information and advice, funding specialist nurses. With NHS support publishes comprehensive assessments and details for cancer treatment centres.

For those needing treatment for cancer there is now a very informative web site produced by the Macmillan charity and the NHS. There is not only a good deal of information but also a very clear impression of the professionalism and very great expertise that is involved in these forms of treatment.

South Central Ambulance Service Trust is looking for new public governors. Prospective governors are invited to workshops on 8th or 11th September. The AGM of the South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust takes place at the Gateway Conference Centre, Aylesbury, Bucks on 24th September (same day as BHFT!)

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - provider of metnal health services, communiity nursing servces and other community services in Berkshire - holds its AGM on Wednesday, 24th September at 2pm (refreshments from 1.30pm) at Easthampstead Baptist Church, South Hill Road, Bracknell, RG12 7NS. This is a members' meeeting. It is straightforward to join using the online application form. If attending please inform communications officer Jade O'Connor. Read all about it in the latest members newsletter.

A People's March for the NHS is making its way from Jarrow to London following the route of the Jarrow Crusade of 1936. It's last leg on Saturday, 6th of September takes it from Edmonton to Trafalgar Square, arriving around 3:30 pm for a final rally.